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L-159 ALCA vs Pilatus PC-21

L-159 ALCA vs Pilatus PC-21 at a glance — top speed 936 vs 685 km/h, range 1,570 vs 1,333 km, max takeoff weight 8,000 vs 4,250 kg, built 72 vs 211 units.

Aero L-159 ALCA military training aircraft side profile drawing
🇨🇿 L-159 ALCA
Pilatus PC-21 military training aircraft side profile drawing
🇨🇭 Pilatus PC-21
Specifications
L-159 ALCA Pilatus PC-21
Origin country 🇨🇿 Czechia 🇨🇭 Switzerland
Category Military Training Aircraft Military Training Aircraft
Manufacturer Aero Pilatus
First flight 2 August 1997 1 July 2002
Year introduced 2000 2008
Number produced 72 units 211 units
Average unit price $9 million $9 million
Wing area 18.8 m² 15.2 m²
Wingspan 9.5 m 9.1 m
Height 4.9 m 3.8 m
Length 12.7 m 11.2 m
Maximum speed 936 km/h 685 km/h
Operational range 1,570 km 1,333 km
Service ceiling 13,200 m 11,580 m
Max. takeoff weight 8,000 kg 4,250 kg
Empty weight 4,350 kg 2,270 kg
Total thrust 1 x 2,871 kgf 1 x 1,193 kW
Performance Radar Chart
Change comparison vs
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the L-159 ALCA or Pilatus PC-21?
The L-159 ALCA is faster with a maximum speed of 936 km/h compared to the Pilatus PC-21's 685 km/h, a difference of 251 km/h.
Which has longer range, the L-159 ALCA or Pilatus PC-21?
The L-159 ALCA has a longer range at 1,570 km compared to the Pilatus PC-21's 1,333 km.
Which can fly higher, the L-159 ALCA or Pilatus PC-21?
The L-159 ALCA has a higher service ceiling at 13,200 meters (43,307 ft) compared to the Pilatus PC-21's 11,580 meters (37,992 ft).
Which is heavier, the L-159 ALCA or Pilatus PC-21?
The L-159 ALCA has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 8,000 kg compared to the Pilatus PC-21's 4,250 kg.
Which is larger, the L-159 ALCA or Pilatus PC-21?
The L-159 ALCA is longer at 12.7 meters compared to the Pilatus PC-21's 11.2 meters.
Which is more expensive, the L-159 ALCA or Pilatus PC-21?
Both the L-159 ALCA and Pilatus PC-21 cost approximately $9.0 million per unit.
Which entered service first, the L-159 ALCA or Pilatus PC-21?
The L-159 ALCA entered service first in 2000, 8 years before the Pilatus PC-21 which entered service in 2008.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the L-159 ALCA or Pilatus PC-21?
The Pilatus PC-21 has been produced in greater numbers with 211 units compared to 72 units of the L-159 ALCA.