L-39 Albatros vs SF-260

The L-39 Albatros and the SF-260 are both Military Training Aircraft, manufactured by Aero and SIAI-Marchetti respectively. The L-39 Albatros reaches 750 km/h — 2.3x the SF-260's 333 km/h. The L-39 Albatros has an operational range of 1,100 km vs 1,650 km for the SF-260. The L-39 Albatros operates at altitudes up to 11,500 m compared to 4,500 m for the SF-260. At 4,700 kg MTOW, the L-39 Albatros is 3.6x the SF-260's 1,300 kg. The L-39 Albatros has been produced in 2,900 units vs 900 for the SF-260. Unit cost is $1M for the L-39 Albatros vs $1.33M for the SF-260. The SF-260 first flew 4 years before the L-39 Albatros (1964 vs 1968).

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
Italian light military trainer, globally utilized since the 1960s, renowned for its aerobatic capabilities and air force service.
SIAI-Marchetti SF-260 Training profile drawing
Origin country 🇮🇹 Italy
Category Military Training Aircraft
Manufacturer SIAI-Marchetti
First flight 15 July 1964
Year introduced 1966
Number produced 900 units
Average unit price $1.3 million
Wing area 18.8 m²
Wingspan 9.5 m
Height 4.8 m
Length 12.1 m
Maximum speed 750 km/h
Operational range 1,100 km
Service ceiling 11,500 m
Max. takeoff weight 4,700 kg
Empty weight 3,459 kg
Total thrust 1 x 1,720 kgf
Wing area 10.1 m²
Wingspan 8.4 m
Height 2.4 m
Length 7.1 m
Maximum speed 333 km/h
Operational range 1,650 km
Service ceiling 4,500 m
Max. takeoff weight 1,300 kg
Empty weight 770 kg
Total thrust 1 x 194 kW

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the L-39 Albatros or SF-260?
The L-39 Albatros is faster with a maximum speed of 750 km/h compared to the SF-260's 333 km/h, a difference of 417 km/h.
Which has longer range, the L-39 Albatros or SF-260?
The SF-260 has a longer range at 1,650 km compared to the L-39 Albatros's 1,100 km.
Which can fly higher, the L-39 Albatros or SF-260?
The L-39 Albatros has a higher service ceiling at 11,500 meters (37,729 ft) compared to the SF-260's 4,500 meters (14,763 ft).
Which is heavier, the L-39 Albatros or SF-260?
The L-39 Albatros has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 4,700 kg compared to the SF-260's 1,300 kg.
Which is larger, the L-39 Albatros or SF-260?
The L-39 Albatros is longer at 12.1 meters compared to the SF-260's 7.1 meters.
Which is more expensive, the L-39 Albatros or SF-260?
The SF-260 is more expensive at approximately $1.3 million per unit compared to the L-39 Albatros at $1.0 million.
Which entered service first, the L-39 Albatros or SF-260?
The SF-260 entered service first in 1966, 6 years before the L-39 Albatros which entered service in 1972.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the L-39 Albatros or SF-260?
The L-39 Albatros has been produced in greater numbers with 2,900 units compared to 900 units of the SF-260.