PC-21 vs R44 Raven

The PC-21 and the R44 Raven are both Military Training Aircraft, manufactured by Pilatus and Robinson respectively. The PC-21 reaches 685 km/h — 2.9x the R44 Raven's 240 km/h. The PC-21 has an operational range of 1,333 km vs 560 km for the R44 Raven. The PC-21 operates at altitudes up to 11,580 m compared to 4,300 m for the R44 Raven. At 4,250 kg MTOW, the PC-21 is 3.7x the R44 Raven's 1,134 kg. The PC-21 has been produced in 211 units vs 6,331 for the R44 Raven. Unit cost is $9M for the PC-21 vs $0.6M for the R44 Raven. The R44 Raven first flew 12 years before the PC-21 (1990 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
American light, four-seat helicopter, extensively used worldwide for civilian operations, military training, and police usage since the 1990s.
Robinson R44 Raven Training profile drawing
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Training Aircraft
Manufacturer Robinson
First flight 31 March 1990
Year introduced 1993
Number produced 6331 units
Average unit price $0.6 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
Wing area -- m²
Wingspan 10.0 m
Height 3.3 m
Length 11.7 m
Maximum speed 240 km/h
Operational range 560 km
Service ceiling 4,300 m
Max. takeoff weight 1,134 kg
Empty weight 683 kg
Total thrust 1 x 183 kW

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the PC-21 or R44 Raven?
The PC-21 is faster with a maximum speed of 685 km/h compared to the R44 Raven's 240 km/h, a difference of 445 km/h.
Which has longer range, the PC-21 or R44 Raven?
The PC-21 has a longer range at 1,333 km compared to the R44 Raven's 560 km.
Which can fly higher, the PC-21 or R44 Raven?
The PC-21 has a higher service ceiling at 11,580 meters (37,992 ft) compared to the R44 Raven's 4,300 meters (14,107 ft).
Which is heavier, the PC-21 or R44 Raven?
The PC-21 has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 4,250 kg compared to the R44 Raven's 1,134 kg.
Which is larger, the PC-21 or R44 Raven?
The R44 Raven is longer at 11.7 meters compared to the PC-21's 11.2 meters.
Which is more expensive, the PC-21 or R44 Raven?
The PC-21 is more expensive at approximately $9.0 million per unit compared to the R44 Raven at $0.6 million.
Which entered service first, the PC-21 or R44 Raven?
The R44 Raven entered service first in 1993, 15 years before the PC-21 which entered service in 2008.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the PC-21 or R44 Raven?
The R44 Raven has been produced in greater numbers with 6,331 units compared to 211 units of the PC-21.