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M-346 Master vs Pilatus PC-21

Aermacchi M-346 Master military training aircraft side profile drawing
🇮🇹 M-346 Master
Pilatus PC-21 military training aircraft side profile drawing
🇨🇭 Pilatus PC-21
Change comparison vs
Specifications
M-346 Master Pilatus PC-21
Origin country 🇮🇹 Italy 🇨🇭 Switzerland
Category Military Training Aircraft Military Training Aircraft
Manufacturer Aermacchi Pilatus
First flight 15 July 2004 1 July 2002
Year introduced 2015 2008
Number produced 92 units 211 units
Average unit price $40 million $9 million
Wing area 23.5 m² 15.2 m²
Wingspan 9.7 m 9.1 m
Height 4.8 m 3.8 m
Length 11.5 m 11.2 m
Maximum speed 1092 km/h 685 km/h
Operational range 1,925 km 1,333 km
Service ceiling 13,716 m 11,580 m
Max. takeoff weight 9,500 kg 4,250 kg
Empty weight 4,610 kg 2,270 kg
Total thrust 2 x 1,418 kgf 1 x 1,193 kW
Performance Radar Chart

Overview

The M-346 Master and the Pilatus PC-21 are both Military Training Aircraft, manufactured by Aermacchi and Pilatus respectively.

Top speed is 1,092 km/h for the M-346 Master vs 685 km/h for the Pilatus PC-21. The M-346 Master has an operational range of 1,925 km vs 1,333 km for the Pilatus PC-21. The M-346 Master operates at altitudes up to 13,716 m compared to 11,580 m for the Pilatus PC-21. At 9,500 kg MTOW, the M-346 Master is 2.2x the Pilatus PC-21's 4,250 kg.

The M-346 Master has been produced in 92 units vs 211 for the Pilatus PC-21. Unit cost is $40M for the M-346 Master vs $9M for the Pilatus PC-21. The Pilatus PC-21 first flew 2 years before the M-346 Master (2002 vs 2004).

Related Comparisons
M-346 Master vs T-50 Golden Eagle Pilatus PC-21 vs T-6 Texan II M-346 Master vs Pipistrel Virus SW80 M-346 Master vs T-6 Texan II M-346 Master vs DA42 Twin Star M-346 Master vs Gulfstream G550

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the M-346 Master or Pilatus PC-21?
The M-346 Master is faster with a maximum speed of 1,092 km/h compared to the Pilatus PC-21's 685 km/h, a difference of 407 km/h.
Which has longer range, the M-346 Master or Pilatus PC-21?
The M-346 Master has a longer range at 1,925 km compared to the Pilatus PC-21's 1,333 km.
Which can fly higher, the M-346 Master or Pilatus PC-21?
The M-346 Master has a higher service ceiling at 13,716 meters (45,000 ft) compared to the Pilatus PC-21's 11,580 meters (37,992 ft).
Which is heavier, the M-346 Master or Pilatus PC-21?
The M-346 Master has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 9,500 kg compared to the Pilatus PC-21's 4,250 kg.
Which is larger, the M-346 Master or Pilatus PC-21?
The M-346 Master is longer at 11.5 meters compared to the Pilatus PC-21's 11.2 meters.
Which is more expensive, the M-346 Master or Pilatus PC-21?
The M-346 Master is more expensive at approximately $40 million per unit compared to the Pilatus PC-21 at $9.0 million.
Which entered service first, the M-346 Master or Pilatus PC-21?
The Pilatus PC-21 entered service first in 2008, 7 years before the M-346 Master which entered service in 2015.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the M-346 Master or Pilatus PC-21?
The Pilatus PC-21 has been produced in greater numbers with 211 units compared to 92 units of the M-346 Master.