L-39 Albatros vs PC-21

The L-39 Albatros and the PC-21 are both Military Training Aircraft, manufactured by Aero and Pilatus respectively. Top speed is 750 km/h for the L-39 Albatros vs 685 km/h for the PC-21. The L-39 Albatros has an operational range of 1,100 km vs 1,333 km for the PC-21. The PC-21 operates at altitudes up to 11,580 m compared to 11,500 m for the L-39 Albatros. The L-39 Albatros has been produced in 2,900 units vs 211 for the PC-21. Unit cost is $1M for the L-39 Albatros vs $9M for the PC-21. The L-39 Albatros first flew 34 years before the PC-21 (1968 vs 2002).

Czech training jet, operational since the Cold War, deployed worldwide for various military aviation roles.
Aero L-39 Albatros Training profile drawing
Origin country 🇨🇿 Czechia
Category Military Training Aircraft
Manufacturer Aero
First flight 4 November 1968
Year introduced 1972
Number produced 2900 units
Average unit price $1 million
Swiss trainer aircraft, known for deployments in military aviation schools around the world since the early 21st century.
Pilatus PC-21 Training profile drawing
Origin country 🇨🇭 Switzerland
Category Military Training Aircraft
Manufacturer Pilatus
First flight 1 July 2002
Year introduced 2008
Number produced 211 units
Average unit price $9 million
Wing area 18.8 m² ◉
Wingspan 9.5 m â—‰
Height 4.8 m â—‰
Length 12.1 m â—‰
Maximum speed 750 km/h â—‰
Operational range 1,100 km â—‰
Service ceiling 11,500 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 4,700 kg â—‰
Empty weight 3,459 kg â—‰
Total thrust 1 x 1,720 kgf â—‰
Wing area 15.2 m² ◉
Wingspan 9.1 m â—‰
Height 3.8 m â—‰
Length 11.2 m â—‰
Maximum speed 685 km/h â—‰
Operational range 1,333 km â—‰
Service ceiling 11,580 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 4,250 kg â—‰
Empty weight 2,270 kg â—‰
Total thrust 1 x 1,193 kW â—‰

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the L-39 Albatros or PC-21?
The L-39 Albatros is faster with a maximum speed of 750 km/h compared to the PC-21's 685 km/h, a difference of 65 km/h.
Which has longer range, the L-39 Albatros or PC-21?
The PC-21 has a longer range at 1,333 km compared to the L-39 Albatros's 1,100 km.
Which can fly higher, the L-39 Albatros or PC-21?
The PC-21 has a higher service ceiling at 11,580 meters (37,992 ft) compared to the L-39 Albatros's 11,500 meters (37,729 ft).
Which is heavier, the L-39 Albatros or PC-21?
The L-39 Albatros has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 4,700 kg compared to the PC-21's 4,250 kg.
Which is larger, the L-39 Albatros or PC-21?
The L-39 Albatros is longer at 12.1 meters compared to the PC-21's 11.2 meters.
Which is more expensive, the L-39 Albatros or PC-21?
The PC-21 is more expensive at approximately $9.0 million per unit compared to the L-39 Albatros at $1.0 million.
Which entered service first, the L-39 Albatros or PC-21?
The L-39 Albatros entered service first in 1972, 36 years before the PC-21 which entered service in 2008.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the L-39 Albatros or PC-21?
The L-39 Albatros has been produced in greater numbers with 2,900 units compared to 211 units of the PC-21.