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DHC-8 Dash 8 vs L-159 ALCA

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
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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

Overview

The DHC-8 Dash 8 and the L-159 ALCA are both Military Training Aircraft, manufactured by De Havilland Canada and Aero respectively.

The L-159 ALCA reaches 936 km/h — 2.1:1 the DHC-8 Dash 8's 451 km/h. The DHC-8 Dash 8 has an operational range of 1,600 km vs 1,570 km for the L-159 ALCA. The L-159 ALCA operates at altitudes up to 13,200 m compared to 9,144 m for the DHC-8 Dash 8.

The DHC-8 Dash 8 has been produced in 1,258 units vs 72 for the L-159 ALCA. Unit cost is $27M for the DHC-8 Dash 8 vs $9M for the L-159 ALCA. The DHC-8 Dash 8 first flew 14 years before the L-159 ALCA (1983 vs 1997).

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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.