Il-38 May vs PA-32 Cherokee Six

The Il-38 May and the PA-32 Cherokee Six are both Military Special Mission Aircraft, manufactured by Ilyushin and Piper respectively. The Il-38 May reaches 650 km/h — 2.9x the PA-32 Cherokee Six's 228 km/h. The Il-38 May has an operational range of 7,500 km vs 1,361 km for the PA-32 Cherokee Six. The Il-38 May operates at altitudes up to 11,000 m compared to 4,359 m for the PA-32 Cherokee Six. At 66,000 kg MTOW, the Il-38 May is 68:1 the PA-32 Cherokee Six's 975 kg. The Il-38 May has been produced in 58 units vs 7,842 for the PA-32 Cherokee Six. The PA-32 Cherokee Six first flew 1 years before the Il-38 May (1960 vs 1961).

Soviet maritime patrol aircraft, deployed during the Cold War, primarily used for anti-submarine and maritime surveillance operations.
Ilyushin Il-38 May Other profile drawing
Origin country 🇨🇳 Ex-USSR
Category Military Special Mission Aircraft
Manufacturer Ilyushin
First flight 27 September 1961
Year introduced 1967
Number produced 58 units
Average unit price $-- million
American light, single-engined aircraft, dominant during the late 20th century, widely used for personal, commercial air taxi services.
Piper PA-32 Cherokee Six Other profile drawing
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Special Mission Aircraft
Manufacturer Piper
First flight 14 January 1960
Year introduced 1965
Number produced 7842 units
Average unit price $-- million
Wing area 140.0 m²
Wingspan 37.4 m
Height 10.2 m
Length 40.1 m
Maximum speed 650 km/h
Operational range 7,500 km
Service ceiling 11,000 m
Max. takeoff weight 66,000 kg
Empty weight 34,630 kg
Total thrust 4 x 3,126 kW
Wing area 15.0 m²
Wingspan 9.0 m
Height 2.2 m
Length 7.1 m
Maximum speed 228 km/h
Operational range 1,361 km
Service ceiling 4,359 m
Max. takeoff weight 975 kg
Empty weight 545 kg
Total thrust 1 x 112 kW

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the Il-38 May or PA-32 Cherokee Six?
The Il-38 May is faster with a maximum speed of 650 km/h compared to the PA-32 Cherokee Six's 228 km/h, a difference of 422 km/h.
Which has longer range, the Il-38 May or PA-32 Cherokee Six?
The Il-38 May has a longer range at 7,500 km compared to the PA-32 Cherokee Six's 1,361 km.
Which can fly higher, the Il-38 May or PA-32 Cherokee Six?
The Il-38 May has a higher service ceiling at 11,000 meters (36,089 ft) compared to the PA-32 Cherokee Six's 4,359 meters (14,301 ft).
Which is heavier, the Il-38 May or PA-32 Cherokee Six?
The Il-38 May has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 66,000 kg compared to the PA-32 Cherokee Six's 975 kg.
Which is larger, the Il-38 May or PA-32 Cherokee Six?
The Il-38 May is longer at 40.1 meters compared to the PA-32 Cherokee Six's 7.1 meters.
Which entered service first, the Il-38 May or PA-32 Cherokee Six?
The PA-32 Cherokee Six entered service first in 1965, 2 years before the Il-38 May which entered service in 1967.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the Il-38 May or PA-32 Cherokee Six?
The PA-32 Cherokee Six has been produced in greater numbers with 7,842 units compared to 58 units of the Il-38 May.