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L-39 Albatros vs Pilatus PC-21

L-39 Albatros vs Pilatus PC-21 at a glance — top speed 750 vs 685 km/h, range 1,100 vs 1,333 km, max takeoff weight 4,700 vs 4,250 kg, built 2,900 vs 211 units.

Aero L-39 Albatros military training aircraft side profile drawing
🇨🇿 L-39 Albatros
Pilatus PC-21 military training aircraft side profile drawing
🇨🇭 Pilatus PC-21
Specifications
L-39 Albatros Pilatus PC-21
Origin country 🇨🇿 Czechia 🇨🇭 Switzerland
Category Military Training Aircraft Military Training Aircraft
Manufacturer Aero Pilatus
First flight 4 November 1968 1 July 2002
Year introduced 1972 2008
Number produced 2900 units 211 units
Average unit price $1 million $9 million
Wing area 18.8 m² 15.2 m²
Wingspan 9.5 m 9.1 m
Height 4.8 m 3.8 m
Length 12.1 m 11.2 m
Maximum speed 750 km/h 685 km/h
Operational range 1,100 km 1,333 km
Service ceiling 11,500 m 11,580 m
Max. takeoff weight 4,700 kg 4,250 kg
Empty weight 3,459 kg 2,270 kg
Total thrust 1 x 1,720 kgf 1 x 1,193 kW
Performance Radar Chart
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the L-39 Albatros or Pilatus PC-21?
The L-39 Albatros is faster with a maximum speed of 750 km/h compared to the Pilatus PC-21's 685 km/h, a difference of 65 km/h.
Which has longer range, the L-39 Albatros or Pilatus PC-21?
The Pilatus 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 Pilatus PC-21?
The Pilatus 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 Pilatus PC-21?
The L-39 Albatros has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 4,700 kg compared to the Pilatus PC-21's 4,250 kg.
Which is larger, the L-39 Albatros or Pilatus PC-21?
The L-39 Albatros is longer at 12.1 meters compared to the Pilatus PC-21's 11.2 meters.
Which is more expensive, the L-39 Albatros or Pilatus PC-21?
The Pilatus 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 Pilatus PC-21?
The L-39 Albatros entered service first in 1972, 36 years before the Pilatus PC-21 which entered service in 2008.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the L-39 Albatros or Pilatus PC-21?
The L-39 Albatros has been produced in greater numbers with 2,900 units compared to 211 units of the Pilatus PC-21.