DHC-2 Beaver vs SH-5

The DHC-2 Beaver and the SH-5 are both Military Special Mission Aircraft, manufactured by De Havilland Canada and Harbin respectively. The SH-5 reaches 556 km/h — 2.2x the DHC-2 Beaver's 254 km/h. The DHC-2 Beaver has an operational range of 732 km vs 4,756 km for the SH-5. The SH-5 operates at altitudes up to 10,250 m compared to 5,486 m for the DHC-2 Beaver. The DHC-2 Beaver has been produced in 1,657 units vs 7 for the SH-5. The DHC-2 Beaver first flew 29 years before the SH-5 (1947 vs 1976).

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
Chinese amphibious aircraft, notable for maritime patrol and anti-submarine warfare, used primarily in the late 20th century.
Harbin SH-5 Other profile drawing
Origin country 🇨🇳 China
Category Military Special Mission Aircraft
Manufacturer Harbin
First flight 3 April 1976
Year introduced 1986
Number produced 7 units
Average unit price $-- 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 144.0 m²
Wingspan 36.0 m
Height 9.8 m
Length 38.9 m
Maximum speed 556 km/h
Operational range 4,756 km
Service ceiling 10,250 m
Max. takeoff weight 45,000 kg
Empty weight 26,500 kg
Total thrust 4 x 2,349 kW

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the DHC-2 Beaver or SH-5?
The SH-5 is faster with a maximum speed of 556 km/h compared to the DHC-2 Beaver's 254 km/h, a difference of 302 km/h.
Which has longer range, the DHC-2 Beaver or SH-5?
The SH-5 has a longer range at 4,756 km compared to the DHC-2 Beaver's 732 km.
Which can fly higher, the DHC-2 Beaver or SH-5?
The SH-5 has a higher service ceiling at 10,250 meters (33,628 ft) compared to the DHC-2 Beaver's 5,486 meters (17,998 ft).
Which is heavier, the DHC-2 Beaver or SH-5?
The SH-5 has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 45,000 kg compared to the DHC-2 Beaver's 0 kg.
Which is larger, the DHC-2 Beaver or SH-5?
The SH-5 is longer at 38.9 meters compared to the DHC-2 Beaver's 9.2 meters.
Which entered service first, the DHC-2 Beaver or SH-5?
The DHC-2 Beaver entered service first in 1948, 38 years before the SH-5 which entered service in 1986.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the DHC-2 Beaver or SH-5?
The DHC-2 Beaver has been produced in greater numbers with 1,657 units compared to 7 units of the SH-5.