PA-32 Cherokee Six vs U-2 Dragon Lady
Overview
The PA-32 Cherokee Six and the U-2 Dragon Lady are both Military Special Mission Aircraft, manufactured by Piper and Lockheed respectively.
The U-2 Dragon Lady reaches 805 km/h — 3.5x the PA-32 Cherokee Six's 228 km/h. The PA-32 Cherokee Six has an operational range of 1,361 km vs 11,280 km for the U-2 Dragon Lady. The U-2 Dragon Lady operates at altitudes up to 21,336 m compared to 4,359 m for the PA-32 Cherokee Six. At 18,144 kg MTOW, the U-2 Dragon Lady is 19:1 the PA-32 Cherokee Six's 975 kg.
The PA-32 Cherokee Six has been produced in 7,842 units vs 104 for the U-2 Dragon Lady. The U-2 Dragon Lady first flew 5 years before the PA-32 Cherokee Six (1955 vs 1960).
| American light, single-engined aircraft, dominant during the late 20th century, widely used for personal, commercial air taxi services. | |
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| 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 | -- |
| American high-altitude reconnaissance aircraft, known for extensive Cold War era operations and various military applications worldwide. | |
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| Origin country | 🇺🇸 United States |
| Category | Military Special Mission Aircraft |
| Manufacturer | Lockheed |
| First flight | 1 August 1955 |
| Year introduced | 1956 |
| Number produced | 104 units |
| Average unit price | $50 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 | 93.0 m² ◉ |
| Wingspan | 31.0 m ◉ |
| Height | 4.9 m ◉ |
| Length | 19.0 m ◉ |
| Maximum speed | 805 km/h ◉ |
| Operational range | 11,280 km ◉ |
| Service ceiling | 21,336 m ◉ |
| Max. takeoff weight | 18,144 kg ◉ |
| Empty weight | 6,486 kg ◉ |
| Total thrust | 1 x 8,618 kgf ◉ |
Performance Radar Chart
Detailed Comparison
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which is faster, the PA-32 Cherokee Six or U-2 Dragon Lady?
The U-2 Dragon Lady is faster with a maximum speed of 805 km/h compared to the PA-32 Cherokee Six's 228 km/h, a difference of 577 km/h.
Which has longer range, the PA-32 Cherokee Six or U-2 Dragon Lady?
The U-2 Dragon Lady has a longer range at 11,280 km compared to the PA-32 Cherokee Six's 1,361 km.
Which can fly higher, the PA-32 Cherokee Six or U-2 Dragon Lady?
The U-2 Dragon Lady has a higher service ceiling at 21,336 meters (70,000 ft) compared to the PA-32 Cherokee Six's 4,359 meters (14,301 ft).
Which is heavier, the PA-32 Cherokee Six or U-2 Dragon Lady?
The U-2 Dragon Lady has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 18,144 kg compared to the PA-32 Cherokee Six's 975 kg.
Which is larger, the PA-32 Cherokee Six or U-2 Dragon Lady?
The U-2 Dragon Lady is longer at 19.0 meters compared to the PA-32 Cherokee Six's 7.1 meters.
Which entered service first, the PA-32 Cherokee Six or U-2 Dragon Lady?
The U-2 Dragon Lady entered service first in 1956, 9 years before the PA-32 Cherokee Six which entered service in 1965.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the PA-32 Cherokee Six or U-2 Dragon Lady?
The PA-32 Cherokee Six has been produced in greater numbers with 7,842 units compared to 104 units of the U-2 Dragon Lady.