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DHC-8 Dash 8 vs Enstrom 480

De Havilland Canada DHC-8 Dash 8 military training aircraft side profile drawing
🇨🇦 DHC-8 Dash 8
Enstrom 480 military training aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 Enstrom 480
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Specifications
DHC-8 Dash 8 Enstrom 480
Origin country 🇨🇦 Canada 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Training Aircraft Military Training Aircraft
Manufacturer De Havilland Canada Enstrom
First flight 20 June 1983 7 October 1989
Year introduced 1984 1993
Number produced 1258 units 142 units
Average unit price $27 million $1.3 million
Wing area 54.4 m² -- m²
Wingspan 26.0 m 9.8 m
Height 7.5 m 3.0 m
Length 22.0 m 8.9 m
Maximum speed 451 km/h 211 km/h
Operational range 1,600 km 700 km
Service ceiling 9,144 m 3,962 m
Max. takeoff weight 15,649 kg 1,293 kg
Empty weight 14,787 kg 760 kg
Total thrust 2 x 671 kW 1 x 213 kW
Performance Radar Chart

Overview

The DHC-8 Dash 8 and the Enstrom 480 are both Military Training Aircraft, manufactured by De Havilland Canada and Enstrom respectively.

The DHC-8 Dash 8 reaches 451 km/h — 2.1x the Enstrom 480's 211 km/h. The DHC-8 Dash 8 has an operational range of 1,600 km vs 700 km for the Enstrom 480. The DHC-8 Dash 8 operates at altitudes up to 9,144 m compared to 3,962 m for the Enstrom 480. At 15,649 kg MTOW, the DHC-8 Dash 8 is 12:1 the Enstrom 480's 1,293 kg.

The DHC-8 Dash 8 has been produced in 1,258 units vs 142 for the Enstrom 480. Unit cost is $27M for the DHC-8 Dash 8 vs $1.3M for the Enstrom 480. The DHC-8 Dash 8 first flew 6 years before the Enstrom 480 (1983 vs 1989).

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the DHC-8 Dash 8 or Enstrom 480?
The DHC-8 Dash 8 is faster with a maximum speed of 451 km/h compared to the Enstrom 480's 211 km/h, a difference of 240 km/h.
Which has longer range, the DHC-8 Dash 8 or Enstrom 480?
The DHC-8 Dash 8 has a longer range at 1,600 km compared to the Enstrom 480's 700 km.
Which can fly higher, the DHC-8 Dash 8 or Enstrom 480?
The DHC-8 Dash 8 has a higher service ceiling at 9,144 meters (30,000 ft) compared to the Enstrom 480's 3,962 meters (12,998 ft).
Which is heavier, the DHC-8 Dash 8 or Enstrom 480?
The DHC-8 Dash 8 has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 15,649 kg compared to the Enstrom 480's 1,293 kg.
Which is larger, the DHC-8 Dash 8 or Enstrom 480?
The DHC-8 Dash 8 is longer at 22.0 meters compared to the Enstrom 480's 8.9 meters.
Which is more expensive, the DHC-8 Dash 8 or Enstrom 480?
The DHC-8 Dash 8 is more expensive at approximately $27 million per unit compared to the Enstrom 480 at $1.3 million.
Which entered service first, the DHC-8 Dash 8 or Enstrom 480?
The DHC-8 Dash 8 entered service first in 1984, 9 years before the Enstrom 480 which entered service in 1993.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the DHC-8 Dash 8 or Enstrom 480?
The DHC-8 Dash 8 has been produced in greater numbers with 1,258 units compared to 142 units of the Enstrom 480.