DHC-2 Beaver vs EC-130 Commando Solo

The DHC-2 Beaver and the EC-130 Commando Solo are both Military Special Mission Aircraft, manufactured by De Havilland Canada and Lockheed Martin respectively. The EC-130 Commando Solo reaches 671 km/h — 2.6x the DHC-2 Beaver's 254 km/h. The DHC-2 Beaver has an operational range of 732 km vs 4,300 km for the EC-130 Commando Solo. The EC-130 Commando Solo operates at altitudes up to 8,534 m compared to 5,486 m for the DHC-2 Beaver. The DHC-2 Beaver has been produced in 1,657 units vs 14 for the EC-130 Commando Solo. Unit cost is $0.4M for the DHC-2 Beaver vs $150M for the EC-130 Commando Solo. The DHC-2 Beaver first flew 10 years before the EC-130 Commando Solo (1947 vs 1957).

Canadian utility aircraft, renowned for bush flying since the mid-20th century, widely deployed for civilian and military operations.
De Havilland Canada DHC-2 Beaver Other profile drawing
Origin country 🇨🇦 Canada
Category Military Special Mission Aircraft
Manufacturer De Havilland Canada
First flight 16 August 1947
Year introduced 1948
Number produced 1657 units
Average unit price $0.4 million
American electronic operations aircraft, deployed extensively during conflicts from Vietnam to recent operations in the Middle East.
Lockheed Martin EC-130 Commando Solo Other profile drawing
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Special Mission Aircraft
Manufacturer Lockheed Martin
First flight 1 January 1957
Year introduced 1975
Number produced 14 units
Average unit price $150 million
Wing area 23.0 m²
Wingspan 15.0 m
Height 2.7 m
Length 9.2 m
Maximum speed 254 km/h
Operational range 732 km
Service ceiling 5,486 m
Max. takeoff weight -- kg
Empty weight 1,361 kg
Total thrust 1 x 336 kW
Wing area 162.0 m²
Wingspan 40.3 m
Height 11.8 m
Length 29.7 m
Maximum speed 671 km/h
Operational range 4,300 km
Service ceiling 8,534 m
Max. takeoff weight 74,389 kg
Empty weight 34,274 kg
Total thrust 4 x 4,474 kW

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the DHC-2 Beaver or EC-130 Commando Solo?
The EC-130 Commando Solo is faster with a maximum speed of 671 km/h compared to the DHC-2 Beaver's 254 km/h, a difference of 417 km/h.
Which has longer range, the DHC-2 Beaver or EC-130 Commando Solo?
The EC-130 Commando Solo has a longer range at 4,300 km compared to the DHC-2 Beaver's 732 km.
Which can fly higher, the DHC-2 Beaver or EC-130 Commando Solo?
The EC-130 Commando Solo has a higher service ceiling at 8,534 meters (27,998 ft) compared to the DHC-2 Beaver's 5,486 meters (17,998 ft).
Which is heavier, the DHC-2 Beaver or EC-130 Commando Solo?
The EC-130 Commando Solo has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 74,389 kg compared to the DHC-2 Beaver's 0 kg.
Which is larger, the DHC-2 Beaver or EC-130 Commando Solo?
The EC-130 Commando Solo is longer at 29.7 meters compared to the DHC-2 Beaver's 9.2 meters.
Which is more expensive, the DHC-2 Beaver or EC-130 Commando Solo?
The EC-130 Commando Solo is more expensive at approximately $150 million per unit compared to the DHC-2 Beaver at $0.4 million.
Which entered service first, the DHC-2 Beaver or EC-130 Commando Solo?
The DHC-2 Beaver entered service first in 1948, 27 years before the EC-130 Commando Solo which entered service in 1975.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the DHC-2 Beaver or EC-130 Commando Solo?
The DHC-2 Beaver has been produced in greater numbers with 1,657 units compared to 14 units of the EC-130 Commando Solo.