DHC-2 Beaver vs SR-71 Blackbird

The DHC-2 Beaver and the SR-71 Blackbird are both Military Special Mission Aircraft, manufactured by De Havilland Canada and Lockheed respectively. The SR-71 Blackbird reaches 3,541 km/h — 14:1 the DHC-2 Beaver's 254 km/h. The DHC-2 Beaver has an operational range of 732 km vs 5,230 km for the SR-71 Blackbird. The SR-71 Blackbird operates at altitudes up to 25,908 m compared to 5,486 m for the DHC-2 Beaver. The DHC-2 Beaver has been produced in 1,657 units vs 32 for the SR-71 Blackbird. Unit cost is $0.4M for the DHC-2 Beaver vs $185M for the SR-71 Blackbird. The DHC-2 Beaver first flew 17 years before the SR-71 Blackbird (1947 vs 1964).

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 strategic reconnaissance aircraft, operational from 1966-1998, unmatched speed and altitude records, infamous for Cold War and NASA missions.
Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird Other profile drawing
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Special Mission Aircraft
Manufacturer Lockheed
First flight 22 December 1964
Year introduced 1966
Number produced 32 units
Average unit price $185 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 167.0 m²
Wingspan 17.0 m
Height 5.7 m
Length 32.8 m
Maximum speed 3541 km/h
Operational range 5,230 km
Service ceiling 25,908 m
Max. takeoff weight 78,018 kg
Empty weight 30,617 kg
Total thrust 2 x 11,340 kgf

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the DHC-2 Beaver or SR-71 Blackbird?
The SR-71 Blackbird is faster with a maximum speed of 3,541 km/h compared to the DHC-2 Beaver's 254 km/h, a difference of 3,287 km/h.
Which has longer range, the DHC-2 Beaver or SR-71 Blackbird?
The SR-71 Blackbird has a longer range at 5,230 km compared to the DHC-2 Beaver's 732 km.
Which can fly higher, the DHC-2 Beaver or SR-71 Blackbird?
The SR-71 Blackbird has a higher service ceiling at 25,908 meters (85,000 ft) compared to the DHC-2 Beaver's 5,486 meters (17,998 ft).
Which is heavier, the DHC-2 Beaver or SR-71 Blackbird?
The SR-71 Blackbird has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 78,018 kg compared to the DHC-2 Beaver's 0 kg.
Which is larger, the DHC-2 Beaver or SR-71 Blackbird?
The SR-71 Blackbird is longer at 32.8 meters compared to the DHC-2 Beaver's 9.2 meters.
Which is more expensive, the DHC-2 Beaver or SR-71 Blackbird?
The SR-71 Blackbird is more expensive at approximately $185 million per unit compared to the DHC-2 Beaver at $0.4 million.
Which entered service first, the DHC-2 Beaver or SR-71 Blackbird?
The DHC-2 Beaver entered service first in 1948, 18 years before the SR-71 Blackbird which entered service in 1966.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the DHC-2 Beaver or SR-71 Blackbird?
The DHC-2 Beaver has been produced in greater numbers with 1,657 units compared to 32 units of the SR-71 Blackbird.