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L-159 ALCA vs M-346 Master

Aero L-159 ALCA military training aircraft side profile drawing
🇨🇿 L-159 ALCA
Aermacchi M-346 Master military training aircraft side profile drawing
🇮🇹 M-346 Master
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Specifications
L-159 ALCA M-346 Master
Origin country 🇨🇿 Czechia 🇮🇹 Italy
Category Military Training Aircraft Military Training Aircraft
Manufacturer Aero Aermacchi
First flight 2 August 1997 15 July 2004
Year introduced 2000 2015
Number produced 72 units 92 units
Average unit price $9 million $40 million
Wing area 18.8 m² 23.5 m²
Wingspan 9.5 m 9.7 m
Height 4.9 m 4.8 m
Length 12.7 m 11.5 m
Maximum speed 936 km/h 1092 km/h
Operational range 1,570 km 1,925 km
Service ceiling 13,200 m 13,716 m
Max. takeoff weight 8,000 kg 9,500 kg
Empty weight 4,350 kg 4,610 kg
Total thrust 1 x 2,871 kgf 2 x 2,835 kgf
Performance Radar Chart

Overview

The L-159 ALCA and the M-346 Master are both Military Training Aircraft, manufactured by Aero and Aermacchi respectively.

Top speed is 936 km/h for the L-159 ALCA vs 1,092 km/h for the M-346 Master. The L-159 ALCA has an operational range of 1,570 km vs 1,925 km for the M-346 Master. The M-346 Master operates at altitudes up to 13,716 m compared to 13,200 m for the L-159 ALCA.

The L-159 ALCA has been produced in 72 units vs 92 for the M-346 Master. Unit cost is $9M for the L-159 ALCA vs $40M for the M-346 Master. The L-159 ALCA first flew 7 years before the M-346 Master (1997 vs 2004).

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the L-159 ALCA or M-346 Master?
The M-346 Master is faster with a maximum speed of 1,092 km/h compared to the L-159 ALCA's 936 km/h, a difference of 156 km/h.
Which has longer range, the L-159 ALCA or M-346 Master?
The M-346 Master has a longer range at 1,925 km compared to the L-159 ALCA's 1,570 km.
Which can fly higher, the L-159 ALCA or M-346 Master?
The M-346 Master has a higher service ceiling at 13,716 meters (45,000 ft) compared to the L-159 ALCA's 13,200 meters (43,307 ft).
Which is heavier, the L-159 ALCA or M-346 Master?
The M-346 Master has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 9,500 kg compared to the L-159 ALCA's 8,000 kg.
Which is larger, the L-159 ALCA or M-346 Master?
The L-159 ALCA is longer at 12.7 meters compared to the M-346 Master's 11.5 meters.
Which is more expensive, the L-159 ALCA or M-346 Master?
The M-346 Master is more expensive at approximately $40 million per unit compared to the L-159 ALCA at $9.0 million.
Which entered service first, the L-159 ALCA or M-346 Master?
The L-159 ALCA entered service first in 2000, 15 years before the M-346 Master which entered service in 2015.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the L-159 ALCA or M-346 Master?
The M-346 Master has been produced in greater numbers with 92 units compared to 72 units of the L-159 ALCA.