DHC-2 Beaver vs SR-71 Blackbird

Overview

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 β€” 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 πŸ‡¨πŸ‡¦ 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 $400K
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 πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ 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 mΒ² β—‰
Wingspan 15.0 m β—‰
Height 2.7 m β—‰
Length 9.2 m β—‰
Maximum speed 254 km/h β—‰
Operational range 732 km β—‰
Service ceiling 5,486 m β—‰
Max. takeoff weight -- kg
Empty weight 1,361 kg β—‰
Total thrust 1 x 336 kW β—‰
Wing area 167.0 mΒ² β—‰
Wingspan 17.0 m β—‰
Height 5.7 m β—‰
Length 32.8 m β—‰
Maximum speed 3541 km/h β—‰
Operational range 5,230 km β—‰
Service ceiling 25,908 m β—‰
Max. takeoff weight 78,018 kg
Empty weight 30,617 kg β—‰
Total thrust 2 x 5,670 kgf β—‰

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.