DHC-2 Beaver vs U-2 Dragon Lady
Overview
The DHC-2 Beaver and the U-2 Dragon Lady are both Military Special Mission Aircraft, manufactured by De Havilland Canada and Lockheed respectively.
The U-2 Dragon Lady reaches 805 km/h — 3.2x the DHC-2 Beaver's 254 km/h. The DHC-2 Beaver has an operational range of 732 km vs 11,280 km for the U-2 Dragon Lady. The U-2 Dragon Lady operates at altitudes up to 21,336 m compared to 5,486 m for the DHC-2 Beaver.
The DHC-2 Beaver has been produced in 1,657 units vs 104 for the U-2 Dragon Lady. Unit cost is $0.4M for the DHC-2 Beaver vs $50M for the U-2 Dragon Lady. The DHC-2 Beaver first flew 8 years before the U-2 Dragon Lady (1947 vs 1955).
| Canadian utility aircraft, renowned for bush flying since the mid-20th century, widely deployed for civilian and military operations. | |
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| 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 | $400K |
| American high-altitude reconnaissance aircraft, known for extensive Cold War era operations and various military applications worldwide. | |
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| Origin country | 🇺🇸 United States |
| Category | Military Special Mission Aircraft |
| Manufacturer | Lockheed |
| First flight | 1 August 1955 |
| Year introduced | 1956 |
| Number produced | 104 units |
| Average unit price | $50 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 | 93.0 m² ◉ |
| Wingspan | 31.0 m ◉ |
| Height | 4.9 m ◉ |
| Length | 19.0 m ◉ |
| Maximum speed | 805 km/h ◉ |
| Operational range | 11,280 km ◉ |
| Service ceiling | 21,336 m ◉ |
| Max. takeoff weight | 18,144 kg |
| Empty weight | 6,486 kg ◉ |
| Total thrust | 1 x 8,618 kgf ◉ |
Performance Radar Chart
Detailed Comparison
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which is faster, the DHC-2 Beaver or U-2 Dragon Lady?
The U-2 Dragon Lady is faster with a maximum speed of 805 km/h compared to the DHC-2 Beaver's 254 km/h, a difference of 551 km/h.
Which has longer range, the DHC-2 Beaver or U-2 Dragon Lady?
The U-2 Dragon Lady has a longer range at 11,280 km compared to the DHC-2 Beaver's 732 km.
Which can fly higher, the DHC-2 Beaver or U-2 Dragon Lady?
The U-2 Dragon Lady has a higher service ceiling at 21,336 meters (70,000 ft) compared to the DHC-2 Beaver's 5,486 meters (17,998 ft).
Which is heavier, the DHC-2 Beaver or U-2 Dragon Lady?
The U-2 Dragon Lady has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 18,144 kg compared to the DHC-2 Beaver's 0 kg.
Which is larger, the DHC-2 Beaver or U-2 Dragon Lady?
The U-2 Dragon Lady is longer at 19.0 meters compared to the DHC-2 Beaver's 9.2 meters.
Which is more expensive, the DHC-2 Beaver or U-2 Dragon Lady?
The U-2 Dragon Lady is more expensive at approximately $50 million per unit compared to the DHC-2 Beaver at $0.4 million.
Which entered service first, the DHC-2 Beaver or U-2 Dragon Lady?
The DHC-2 Beaver entered service first in 1948, 8 years before the U-2 Dragon Lady which entered service in 1956.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the DHC-2 Beaver or U-2 Dragon Lady?
The DHC-2 Beaver has been produced in greater numbers with 1,657 units compared to 104 units of the U-2 Dragon Lady.