GlobalMilitary.net Open-source military intelligence Updated daily
Head-to-head

PA-31 Navajo vs Tu-144 Charger

Piper PA-31 Navajo military transport aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 PA-31 Navajo
Tupolev Tu-144 Charger military transport aircraft side profile drawing
🇷🇺 Tu-144 Charger
Change comparison vs
Specifications
PA-31 Navajo Tu-144 Charger
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇷🇺 Ex-USSR
Category Military Transport Aircraft Military Transport Aircraft
Manufacturer Piper Tupolev
First flight 30 September 1964 31 December 1968
Year introduced 1967 1975
Number produced 3942 units 16 units
Average unit price -- --
Wing area 21.0 m² 506.4 m²
Wingspan 12.4 m 28.8 m
Height 4.0 m 12.6 m
Length 9.9 m 65.7 m
Maximum speed 420 km/h 2500 km/h
Operational range 1,875 km 6,500 km
Service ceiling 8,016 m 20,000 m
Max. takeoff weight 2,948 kg 207,000 kg
Empty weight 1,783 kg 99,200 kg
Total thrust 2 x 231 kW 4 x 240 kN
Performance Radar Chart

Overview

The PA-31 Navajo and the Tu-144 Charger are both Military Transport Aircraft, manufactured by Piper and Tupolev respectively.

The Tu-144 Charger reaches 2,500 km/h — 6.0:1 the PA-31 Navajo's 420 km/h. The PA-31 Navajo has an operational range of 1,875 km vs 6,500 km for the Tu-144 Charger. The Tu-144 Charger operates at altitudes up to 20,000 m compared to 8,016 m for the PA-31 Navajo. At 207,000 kg MTOW, the Tu-144 Charger is 70:1 the PA-31 Navajo's 2,948 kg.

The PA-31 Navajo has been produced in 3,942 units vs 16 for the Tu-144 Charger. The PA-31 Navajo first flew 4 years before the Tu-144 Charger (1964 vs 1968).

Related Comparisons
PA-31 Navajo vs An-2 Colt PA-31 Navajo vs Boeing 737 PA-31 Navajo vs 210 Centurion PA-31 Navajo vs PA-34 Seneca PA-31 Navajo vs 208 Caravan PA-31 Navajo vs Commander 500

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the PA-31 Navajo or Tu-144 Charger?
The Tu-144 Charger is faster with a maximum speed of 2,500 km/h compared to the PA-31 Navajo's 420 km/h, a difference of 2,080 km/h.
Which has longer range, the PA-31 Navajo or Tu-144 Charger?
The Tu-144 Charger has a longer range at 6,500 km compared to the PA-31 Navajo's 1,875 km.
Which can fly higher, the PA-31 Navajo or Tu-144 Charger?
The Tu-144 Charger has a higher service ceiling at 20,000 meters (65,616 ft) compared to the PA-31 Navajo's 8,016 meters (26,299 ft).
Which is heavier, the PA-31 Navajo or Tu-144 Charger?
The Tu-144 Charger has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 207,000 kg compared to the PA-31 Navajo's 2,948 kg.
Which is larger, the PA-31 Navajo or Tu-144 Charger?
The Tu-144 Charger is longer at 65.7 meters compared to the PA-31 Navajo's 9.9 meters.
Which entered service first, the PA-31 Navajo or Tu-144 Charger?
The PA-31 Navajo entered service first in 1967, 8 years before the Tu-144 Charger which entered service in 1975.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the PA-31 Navajo or Tu-144 Charger?
The PA-31 Navajo has been produced in greater numbers with 3,942 units compared to 16 units of the Tu-144 Charger.