PA-32 Cherokee Six vs SH-5

The PA-32 Cherokee Six and the SH-5 are both Military Special Mission Aircraft, manufactured by Piper and Harbin respectively. The SH-5 reaches 556 km/h — 2.4x the PA-32 Cherokee Six's 228 km/h. The PA-32 Cherokee Six has an operational range of 1,361 km vs 4,756 km for the SH-5. The SH-5 operates at altitudes up to 10,250 m compared to 4,359 m for the PA-32 Cherokee Six. At 45,000 kg MTOW, the SH-5 is 46:1 the PA-32 Cherokee Six's 975 kg. The PA-32 Cherokee Six has been produced in 7,842 units vs 7 for the SH-5. The PA-32 Cherokee Six first flew 16 years before the SH-5 (1960 vs 1976).

American light, single-engined aircraft, dominant during the late 20th century, widely used for personal, commercial air taxi services.
Piper PA-32 Cherokee Six Other profile drawing
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Special Mission Aircraft
Manufacturer Piper
First flight 14 January 1960
Year introduced 1965
Number produced 7842 units
Average unit price $-- million
Chinese amphibious aircraft, notable for maritime patrol and anti-submarine warfare, used primarily in the late 20th century.
Harbin SH-5 Other profile drawing
Origin country 🇨🇳 China
Category Military Special Mission Aircraft
Manufacturer Harbin
First flight 3 April 1976
Year introduced 1986
Number produced 7 units
Average unit price $-- million
Wing area 15.0 m²
Wingspan 9.0 m
Height 2.2 m
Length 7.1 m
Maximum speed 228 km/h
Operational range 1,361 km
Service ceiling 4,359 m
Max. takeoff weight 975 kg
Empty weight 545 kg
Total thrust 1 x 112 kW
Wing area 144.0 m²
Wingspan 36.0 m
Height 9.8 m
Length 38.9 m
Maximum speed 556 km/h
Operational range 4,756 km
Service ceiling 10,250 m
Max. takeoff weight 45,000 kg
Empty weight 26,500 kg
Total thrust 4 x 2,349 kW

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the PA-32 Cherokee Six or SH-5?
The SH-5 is faster with a maximum speed of 556 km/h compared to the PA-32 Cherokee Six's 228 km/h, a difference of 328 km/h.
Which has longer range, the PA-32 Cherokee Six or SH-5?
The SH-5 has a longer range at 4,756 km compared to the PA-32 Cherokee Six's 1,361 km.
Which can fly higher, the PA-32 Cherokee Six or SH-5?
The SH-5 has a higher service ceiling at 10,250 meters (33,628 ft) compared to the PA-32 Cherokee Six's 4,359 meters (14,301 ft).
Which is heavier, the PA-32 Cherokee Six or SH-5?
The SH-5 has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 45,000 kg compared to the PA-32 Cherokee Six's 975 kg.
Which is larger, the PA-32 Cherokee Six or SH-5?
The SH-5 is longer at 38.9 meters compared to the PA-32 Cherokee Six's 7.1 meters.
Which entered service first, the PA-32 Cherokee Six or SH-5?
The PA-32 Cherokee Six entered service first in 1965, 21 years before the SH-5 which entered service in 1986.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the PA-32 Cherokee Six or SH-5?
The PA-32 Cherokee Six has been produced in greater numbers with 7,842 units compared to 7 units of the SH-5.