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DHC-2 Beaver vs EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA

De Havilland Canada DHC-2 Beaver military special mission aircraft side profile drawing
🇨🇦 DHC-2 Beaver
Boeing EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA military special mission aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA
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Specifications
DHC-2 Beaver EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA
Origin country 🇨🇦 Canada 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Special Mission Aircraft Military Special Mission Aircraft
Manufacturer De Havilland Canada Boeing
First flight 16 August 1947 1 January 1961
Year introduced 1948 1968
Number produced 1657 units 45 units
Average unit price $400K $150 million
Wing area 23.0 m² 223.0 m²
Wingspan 15.0 m 31.6 m
Height 2.7 m 12.7 m
Length 9.2 m 43.1 m
Maximum speed 254 km/h 927 km/h
Operational range 732 km 8,300 km
Service ceiling 5,486 m 10,058 m
Max. takeoff weight -- kg 136,304 kg
Empty weight 1,361 kg 44,663 kg
Total thrust 1 x 336 kW 4 x 8,165 kgf
Performance Radar Chart

Overview

The DHC-2 Beaver and the EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA are both Military Special Mission Aircraft, manufactured by De Havilland Canada and Boeing respectively.

The EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA reaches 927 km/h — 3.6:1 the DHC-2 Beaver's 254 km/h. The DHC-2 Beaver has an operational range of 732 km vs 8,300 km for the EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA. The EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA operates at altitudes up to 10,058 m compared to 5,486 m for the DHC-2 Beaver.

The DHC-2 Beaver has been produced in 1,657 units vs 45 for the EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA. Unit cost is $0.4M for the DHC-2 Beaver vs $150M for the EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA. The DHC-2 Beaver first flew 14 years before the EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA (1947 vs 1961).

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the DHC-2 Beaver or EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA?
The EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA is faster with a maximum speed of 927 km/h compared to the DHC-2 Beaver's 254 km/h, a difference of 673 km/h.
Which has longer range, the DHC-2 Beaver or EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA?
The EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA has a longer range at 8,300 km compared to the DHC-2 Beaver's 732 km.
Which can fly higher, the DHC-2 Beaver or EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA?
The EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA has a higher service ceiling at 10,058 meters (32,998 ft) compared to the DHC-2 Beaver's 5,486 meters (17,998 ft).
Which is heavier, the DHC-2 Beaver or EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA?
The EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 136,304 kg compared to the DHC-2 Beaver's 0 kg.
Which is larger, the DHC-2 Beaver or EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA?
The EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA is longer at 43.1 meters compared to the DHC-2 Beaver's 9.2 meters.
Which is more expensive, the DHC-2 Beaver or EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA?
The EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA 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-135 / EC-18 ARIA?
The DHC-2 Beaver entered service first in 1948, 20 years before the EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA which entered service in 1968.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the DHC-2 Beaver or EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA?
The DHC-2 Beaver has been produced in greater numbers with 1,657 units compared to 45 units of the EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA.