GlobalMilitary.net Open-source military intelligence Updated daily

DHC-8 Dash 8 vs L-159 ALCA

DHC-8 Dash 8 vs L-159 ALCA at a glance — top speed 451 vs 936 km/h, range 1,600 vs 1,570 km, max takeoff weight 15,649 vs 8,000 kg, built 1,258 vs 72 units.

De Havilland Canada DHC-8 Dash 8 military training aircraft side profile drawing
🇨🇦 DHC-8 Dash 8
Aero L-159 ALCA military training aircraft side profile drawing
🇨🇿 L-159 ALCA
Specifications
DHC-8 Dash 8 L-159 ALCA
Origin country 🇨🇦 Canada 🇨🇿 Czechia
Category Military Training Aircraft Military Training Aircraft
Manufacturer De Havilland Canada Aero
First flight 20 June 1983 2 August 1997
Year introduced 1984 2000
Number produced 1258 units 72 units
Average unit price $27 million $9 million
Wing area 54.4 m² 18.8 m²
Wingspan 26.0 m 9.5 m
Height 7.5 m 4.9 m
Length 22.0 m 12.7 m
Maximum speed 451 km/h 936 km/h
Operational range 1,600 km 1,570 km
Service ceiling 9,144 m 13,200 m
Max. takeoff weight 15,649 kg 8,000 kg
Empty weight 14,787 kg 4,350 kg
Total thrust 2 x 1,342 kW 1 x 2,871 kgf
Performance Radar Chart
Change comparison vs

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the DHC-8 Dash 8 or L-159 ALCA?
The L-159 ALCA is faster with a maximum speed of 936 km/h compared to the DHC-8 Dash 8's 451 km/h, a difference of 485 km/h.
Which has longer range, the DHC-8 Dash 8 or L-159 ALCA?
The DHC-8 Dash 8 has a longer range at 1,600 km compared to the L-159 ALCA's 1,570 km.
Which can fly higher, the DHC-8 Dash 8 or L-159 ALCA?
The L-159 ALCA has a higher service ceiling at 13,200 meters (43,307 ft) compared to the DHC-8 Dash 8's 9,144 meters (30,000 ft).
Which is heavier, the DHC-8 Dash 8 or L-159 ALCA?
The DHC-8 Dash 8 has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 15,649 kg compared to the L-159 ALCA's 8,000 kg.
Which is larger, the DHC-8 Dash 8 or L-159 ALCA?
The DHC-8 Dash 8 is longer at 22.0 meters compared to the L-159 ALCA's 12.7 meters.
Which is more expensive, the DHC-8 Dash 8 or L-159 ALCA?
The DHC-8 Dash 8 is more expensive at approximately $27 million per unit compared to the L-159 ALCA at $9.0 million.
Which entered service first, the DHC-8 Dash 8 or L-159 ALCA?
The DHC-8 Dash 8 entered service first in 1984, 16 years before the L-159 ALCA which entered service in 2000.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the DHC-8 Dash 8 or L-159 ALCA?
The DHC-8 Dash 8 has been produced in greater numbers with 1,258 units compared to 72 units of the L-159 ALCA.