DHC-3 Otter vs Gulfstream G550

Overview

The DHC-3 Otter and the Gulfstream G550 are both Military Training Aircraft, manufactured by De Havilland Canada and Gulfstream respectively.

The Gulfstream G550 reaches 941 km/h — 3.7x the DHC-3 Otter's 257 km/h. The DHC-3 Otter has an operational range of 1,540 km vs 12,500 km for the Gulfstream G550. The Gulfstream G550 operates at altitudes up to 15,545 m compared to 5,730 m for the DHC-3 Otter. At 41,050 kg MTOW, the Gulfstream G550 is 11:1 the DHC-3 Otter's 3,629 kg.

The DHC-3 Otter has been produced in 466 units vs 600 for the Gulfstream G550. Unit cost is $0.6M for the DHC-3 Otter vs $62M for the Gulfstream G550. The DHC-3 Otter first flew 52 years before the Gulfstream G550 (1951 vs 2003).

DHC-3 Otter

Canadian utility aircraft, noted for its use in bush flying and rugged environments during the mid-20th century.
De Havilland Canada DHC-3 Otter Training profile drawing
Origin country 🇨🇦 Canada
Category Military Training Aircraft
Manufacturer De Havilland Canada
First flight 12 December 1951
Year introduced 1953
Number produced 466 units
Average unit price $600K
→ View full DHC-3 Otter details

Gulfstream G550

American business jet, in service since the early 21st century, renowned for long-range capabilities and high-speed performance.
Gulfstream Gulfstream G550 Training profile drawing
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Training Aircraft
Manufacturer Gulfstream
First flight 1 January 2003
Year introduced 2004
Number produced 600 units
Average unit price $62 million
→ View full Gulfstream G550 details

DHC-3 Otter

Wing area 35.0 m² ◉
Wingspan 18.0 m ◉
Height 3.8 m ◉
Length 12.8 m ◉
Maximum speed 257 km/h ◉
Operational range 1,540 km ◉
Service ceiling 5,730 m ◉
Max. takeoff weight 3,629 kg ◉
Empty weight 2,010 kg ◉
Total thrust 1 x 447 kW ◉

Gulfstream G550

Wing area 106.0 m² ◉
Wingspan 28.5 m ◉
Height 7.7 m ◉
Length 29.4 m ◉
Maximum speed 941 km/h ◉
Operational range 12,500 km ◉
Service ceiling 15,545 m ◉
Max. takeoff weight 41,050 kg ◉
Empty weight 20,956 kg ◉
Total thrust 2 x 3,345 kgf ◉

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the DHC-3 Otter or Gulfstream G550?
The Gulfstream G550 is faster with a maximum speed of 941 km/h compared to the DHC-3 Otter's 257 km/h, a difference of 684 km/h.
Which has longer range, the DHC-3 Otter or Gulfstream G550?
The Gulfstream G550 has a longer range at 12,500 km compared to the DHC-3 Otter's 1,540 km.
Which can fly higher, the DHC-3 Otter or Gulfstream G550?
The Gulfstream G550 has a higher service ceiling at 15,545 meters (51,000 ft) compared to the DHC-3 Otter's 5,730 meters (18,799 ft).
Which is heavier, the DHC-3 Otter or Gulfstream G550?
The Gulfstream G550 has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 41,050 kg compared to the DHC-3 Otter's 3,629 kg.
Which is larger, the DHC-3 Otter or Gulfstream G550?
The Gulfstream G550 is longer at 29.4 meters compared to the DHC-3 Otter's 12.8 meters.
Which is more expensive, the DHC-3 Otter or Gulfstream G550?
The Gulfstream G550 is more expensive at approximately $62 million per unit compared to the DHC-3 Otter at $0.6 million.
Which entered service first, the DHC-3 Otter or Gulfstream G550?
The DHC-3 Otter entered service first in 1953, 51 years before the Gulfstream G550 which entered service in 2004.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the DHC-3 Otter or Gulfstream G550?
The Gulfstream G550 has been produced in greater numbers with 600 units compared to 466 units of the DHC-3 Otter.

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