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Gulfstream G550 vs L-159 ALCA

Gulfstream G550 military training aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 Gulfstream G550
Aero L-159 ALCA military training aircraft side profile drawing
🇨🇿 L-159 ALCA
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Specifications
Gulfstream G550 L-159 ALCA
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇨🇿 Czechia
Category Military Training Aircraft Military Training Aircraft
Manufacturer Gulfstream Aero
First flight 1 January 2003 2 August 1997
Year introduced 2004 2000
Number produced 600 units 72 units
Average unit price $62 million $9 million
Wing area 106.0 m² 18.8 m²
Wingspan 28.5 m 9.5 m
Height 7.7 m 4.9 m
Length 29.4 m 12.7 m
Maximum speed 941 km/h 936 km/h
Operational range 12,500 km 1,570 km
Service ceiling 15,545 m 13,200 m
Max. takeoff weight 41,050 kg 8,000 kg
Empty weight 20,956 kg 4,350 kg
Total thrust 2 x 6,690 kgf 1 x 2,871 kgf
Performance Radar Chart

Overview

The Gulfstream G550 and the L-159 ALCA are both Military Training Aircraft, manufactured by Gulfstream and Aero respectively.

Top speed is 941 km/h for the Gulfstream G550 vs 936 km/h for the L-159 ALCA. The Gulfstream G550 has an operational range of 12,500 km vs 1,570 km for the L-159 ALCA. The Gulfstream G550 operates at altitudes up to 15,545 m compared to 13,200 m for the L-159 ALCA. At 41,050 kg MTOW, the Gulfstream G550 is 5.1:1 the L-159 ALCA's 8,000 kg.

The Gulfstream G550 has been produced in 600 units vs 72 for the L-159 ALCA. Unit cost is $62M for the Gulfstream G550 vs $9M for the L-159 ALCA. The L-159 ALCA first flew 6 years before the Gulfstream G550 (1997 vs 2003).

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the Gulfstream G550 or L-159 ALCA?
The Gulfstream G550 is faster with a maximum speed of 941 km/h compared to the L-159 ALCA's 936 km/h, a difference of 5 km/h.
Which has longer range, the Gulfstream G550 or L-159 ALCA?
The Gulfstream G550 has a longer range at 12,500 km compared to the L-159 ALCA's 1,570 km.
Which can fly higher, the Gulfstream G550 or L-159 ALCA?
The Gulfstream G550 has a higher service ceiling at 15,545 meters (51,000 ft) compared to the L-159 ALCA's 13,200 meters (43,307 ft).
Which is heavier, the Gulfstream G550 or L-159 ALCA?
The Gulfstream G550 has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 41,050 kg compared to the L-159 ALCA's 8,000 kg.
Which is larger, the Gulfstream G550 or L-159 ALCA?
The Gulfstream G550 is longer at 29.4 meters compared to the L-159 ALCA's 12.7 meters.
Which is more expensive, the Gulfstream G550 or L-159 ALCA?
The Gulfstream G550 is more expensive at approximately $62 million per unit compared to the L-159 ALCA at $9.0 million.
Which entered service first, the Gulfstream G550 or L-159 ALCA?
The L-159 ALCA entered service first in 2000, 4 years before the Gulfstream G550 which entered service in 2004.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the Gulfstream G550 or L-159 ALCA?
The Gulfstream G550 has been produced in greater numbers with 600 units compared to 72 units of the L-159 ALCA.