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DHC-2 Beaver vs P-3 Orion

De Havilland Canada DHC-2 Beaver military special mission aircraft side profile drawing
🇨🇦 DHC-2 Beaver
Lockheed P-3 Orion military special mission aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 P-3 Orion
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Specifications
DHC-2 Beaver P-3 Orion
Origin country 🇨🇦 Canada 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Special Mission Aircraft Military Special Mission Aircraft
Manufacturer De Havilland Canada Lockheed
First flight 16 August 1947 19 August 1958
Year introduced 1948 1962
Number produced 1657 units 757 units
Average unit price $400K $36 million
Wing area 23.0 m² 121.0 m²
Wingspan 15.0 m 30.4 m
Height 2.7 m 11.8 m
Length 9.2 m 35.6 m
Maximum speed 254 km/h 750 km/h
Operational range 732 km 2,491 km
Service ceiling 5,486 m 8,626 m
Max. takeoff weight -- kg 64,410 kg
Empty weight 1,361 kg 35,017 kg
Total thrust 1 x 336 kW 4 x 858 kW
Performance Radar Chart

Overview

The DHC-2 Beaver and the P-3 Orion are both Military Special Mission Aircraft, manufactured by De Havilland Canada and Lockheed respectively.

The P-3 Orion reaches 750 km/h — 3.0x the DHC-2 Beaver's 254 km/h. The DHC-2 Beaver has an operational range of 732 km vs 2,491 km for the P-3 Orion. The P-3 Orion operates at altitudes up to 8,626 m compared to 5,486 m for the DHC-2 Beaver.

The DHC-2 Beaver has been produced in 1,657 units vs 757 for the P-3 Orion. Unit cost is $0.4M for the DHC-2 Beaver vs $36M for the P-3 Orion. The DHC-2 Beaver first flew 11 years before the P-3 Orion (1947 vs 1958).

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the DHC-2 Beaver or P-3 Orion?
The P-3 Orion is faster with a maximum speed of 750 km/h compared to the DHC-2 Beaver's 254 km/h, a difference of 496 km/h.
Which has longer range, the DHC-2 Beaver or P-3 Orion?
The P-3 Orion has a longer range at 2,491 km compared to the DHC-2 Beaver's 732 km.
Which can fly higher, the DHC-2 Beaver or P-3 Orion?
The P-3 Orion has a higher service ceiling at 8,626 meters (28,300 ft) compared to the DHC-2 Beaver's 5,486 meters (17,998 ft).
Which is heavier, the DHC-2 Beaver or P-3 Orion?
The P-3 Orion has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 64,410 kg compared to the DHC-2 Beaver's 0 kg.
Which is larger, the DHC-2 Beaver or P-3 Orion?
The P-3 Orion is longer at 35.6 meters compared to the DHC-2 Beaver's 9.2 meters.
Which is more expensive, the DHC-2 Beaver or P-3 Orion?
The P-3 Orion is more expensive at approximately $36 million per unit compared to the DHC-2 Beaver at $0.4 million.
Which entered service first, the DHC-2 Beaver or P-3 Orion?
The DHC-2 Beaver entered service first in 1948, 14 years before the P-3 Orion which entered service in 1962.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the DHC-2 Beaver or P-3 Orion?
The DHC-2 Beaver has been produced in greater numbers with 1,657 units compared to 757 units of the P-3 Orion.