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DHC-3 Otter vs L-39 Albatros

De Havilland Canada DHC-3 Otter military training aircraft side profile drawing
🇨🇦 DHC-3 Otter
Aero L-39 Albatros military training aircraft side profile drawing
🇨🇿 L-39 Albatros
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Specifications
DHC-3 Otter L-39 Albatros
Origin country 🇨🇦 Canada 🇨🇿 Czechia
Category Military Training Aircraft Military Training Aircraft
Manufacturer De Havilland Canada Aero
First flight 12 December 1951 4 November 1968
Year introduced 1953 1972
Number produced 466 units 2900 units
Average unit price $600K $1 million
Wing area 35.0 m² 18.8 m²
Wingspan 18.0 m 9.5 m
Height 3.8 m 4.8 m
Length 12.8 m 12.1 m
Maximum speed 257 km/h 750 km/h
Operational range 1,540 km 1,100 km
Service ceiling 5,730 m 11,500 m
Max. takeoff weight 3,629 kg 4,700 kg
Empty weight 2,010 kg 3,459 kg
Total thrust 1 x 447 kW 1 x 1,720 kgf
Performance Radar Chart

Overview

The DHC-3 Otter and the L-39 Albatros are both Military Training Aircraft, manufactured by De Havilland Canada and Aero respectively.

The L-39 Albatros reaches 750 km/h — 2.9x the DHC-3 Otter's 257 km/h. The DHC-3 Otter has an operational range of 1,540 km vs 1,100 km for the L-39 Albatros. The L-39 Albatros operates at altitudes up to 11,500 m compared to 5,730 m for the DHC-3 Otter.

The DHC-3 Otter has been produced in 466 units vs 2,900 for the L-39 Albatros. Unit cost is $0.6M for the DHC-3 Otter vs $1M for the L-39 Albatros. The DHC-3 Otter first flew 17 years before the L-39 Albatros (1951 vs 1968).

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the DHC-3 Otter or L-39 Albatros?
The L-39 Albatros is faster with a maximum speed of 750 km/h compared to the DHC-3 Otter's 257 km/h, a difference of 493 km/h.
Which has longer range, the DHC-3 Otter or L-39 Albatros?
The DHC-3 Otter has a longer range at 1,540 km compared to the L-39 Albatros's 1,100 km.
Which can fly higher, the DHC-3 Otter or L-39 Albatros?
The L-39 Albatros has a higher service ceiling at 11,500 meters (37,729 ft) compared to the DHC-3 Otter's 5,730 meters (18,799 ft).
Which is heavier, the DHC-3 Otter or L-39 Albatros?
The L-39 Albatros has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 4,700 kg compared to the DHC-3 Otter's 3,629 kg.
Which is larger, the DHC-3 Otter or L-39 Albatros?
The DHC-3 Otter is longer at 12.8 meters compared to the L-39 Albatros's 12.1 meters.
Which is more expensive, the DHC-3 Otter or L-39 Albatros?
The L-39 Albatros is more expensive at approximately $1.0 million per unit compared to the DHC-3 Otter at $0.6 million.
Which entered service first, the DHC-3 Otter or L-39 Albatros?
The DHC-3 Otter entered service first in 1953, 19 years before the L-39 Albatros which entered service in 1972.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the DHC-3 Otter or L-39 Albatros?
The L-39 Albatros has been produced in greater numbers with 2,900 units compared to 466 units of the DHC-3 Otter.