PC-21 vs R22

The PC-21 and the R22 are both Military Training Aircraft, manufactured by Pilatus and Robinson respectively. The PC-21 reaches 685 km/h — 3.6x the R22's 188 km/h. The PC-21 has an operational range of 1,333 km vs 387 km for the R22. The PC-21 operates at altitudes up to 11,580 m compared to 4,267 m for the R22. At 4,250 kg MTOW, the PC-21 is 6.8x the R22's 621 kg. The PC-21 has been produced in 211 units vs 4,600 for the R22. Unit cost is $9M for the PC-21 vs $0.4M for the R22. The R22 first flew 27 years before the PC-21 (1975 vs 2002).

Swiss trainer aircraft, known for deployments in military aviation schools around the world since the early 21st century.
Pilatus PC-21 Training profile drawing
Origin country 🇨🇭 Switzerland
Category Military Training Aircraft
Manufacturer Pilatus
First flight 1 July 2002
Year introduced 2008
Number produced 211 units
Average unit price $9 million

R22

American light, multi-purpose helicopter, widely used for flight training, livestock mustering, and patrol from the late 20th century.
Robinson R22 Training profile drawing
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Training Aircraft
Manufacturer Robinson
First flight 28 August 1975
Year introduced 1979
Number produced 4600 units
Average unit price $0.4 million
Wing area 15.2 m²
Wingspan 9.1 m
Height 3.8 m
Length 11.2 m
Maximum speed 685 km/h
Operational range 1,333 km
Service ceiling 11,580 m
Max. takeoff weight 4,250 kg
Empty weight 2,270 kg
Total thrust 1 x 1,193 kW

R22

Wing area -- m²
Wingspan 7.7 m
Height 2.5 m
Length 8.8 m
Maximum speed 188 km/h
Operational range 387 km
Service ceiling 4,267 m
Max. takeoff weight 621 kg
Empty weight 361 kg
Total thrust 1 x 93 kW

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the PC-21 or R22?
The PC-21 is faster with a maximum speed of 685 km/h compared to the R22's 188 km/h, a difference of 497 km/h.
Which has longer range, the PC-21 or R22?
The PC-21 has a longer range at 1,333 km compared to the R22's 387 km.
Which can fly higher, the PC-21 or R22?
The PC-21 has a higher service ceiling at 11,580 meters (37,992 ft) compared to the R22's 4,267 meters (13,999 ft).
Which is heavier, the PC-21 or R22?
The PC-21 has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 4,250 kg compared to the R22's 621 kg.
Which is larger, the PC-21 or R22?
The PC-21 is longer at 11.2 meters compared to the R22's 8.8 meters.
Which is more expensive, the PC-21 or R22?
The PC-21 is more expensive at approximately $9.0 million per unit compared to the R22 at $0.4 million.
Which entered service first, the PC-21 or R22?
The R22 entered service first in 1979, 29 years before the PC-21 which entered service in 2008.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the PC-21 or R22?
The R22 has been produced in greater numbers with 4,600 units compared to 211 units of the PC-21.