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Pilatus PC-21 vs T-38 Talon

Pilatus PC-21 vs T-38 Talon at a glance — top speed 685 vs 1,381 km/h, range 1,333 vs 1,835 km, max takeoff weight 4,250 vs 5,670 kg, built 211 vs 1,189 units.

Pilatus PC-21 military training aircraft side profile drawing
🇨🇭 Pilatus PC-21
Northrop T-38 Talon military training aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 T-38 Talon
Specifications
Pilatus PC-21 T-38 Talon
Origin country 🇨🇭 Switzerland 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Training Aircraft Military Training Aircraft
Manufacturer Pilatus Northrop
First flight 1 July 2002 10 March 1959
Year introduced 2008 1961
Number produced 211 units 1189 units
Average unit price $9 million --
Wing area 15.2 m² 16.0 m²
Wingspan 9.1 m 7.7 m
Height 3.8 m 3.9 m
Length 11.2 m 14.1 m
Maximum speed 685 km/h 1381 km/h
Operational range 1,333 km 1,835 km
Service ceiling 11,580 m 15,240 m
Max. takeoff weight 4,250 kg 5,670 kg
Empty weight 2,270 kg 3,266 kg
Total thrust 1 x 1,193 kW 2 x 1,216 kgf
Performance Radar Chart
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the Pilatus PC-21 or T-38 Talon?
The T-38 Talon is faster with a maximum speed of 1,381 km/h compared to the Pilatus PC-21's 685 km/h, a difference of 696 km/h.
Which has longer range, the Pilatus PC-21 or T-38 Talon?
The T-38 Talon has a longer range at 1,835 km compared to the Pilatus PC-21's 1,333 km.
Which can fly higher, the Pilatus PC-21 or T-38 Talon?
The T-38 Talon has a higher service ceiling at 15,240 meters (50,000 ft) compared to the Pilatus PC-21's 11,580 meters (37,992 ft).
Which is heavier, the Pilatus PC-21 or T-38 Talon?
The T-38 Talon has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 5,670 kg compared to the Pilatus PC-21's 4,250 kg.
Which is larger, the Pilatus PC-21 or T-38 Talon?
The T-38 Talon is longer at 14.1 meters compared to the Pilatus PC-21's 11.2 meters.
Which entered service first, the Pilatus PC-21 or T-38 Talon?
The T-38 Talon entered service first in 1961, 47 years before the Pilatus PC-21 which entered service in 2008.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the Pilatus PC-21 or T-38 Talon?
The T-38 Talon has been produced in greater numbers with 1,189 units compared to 211 units of the Pilatus PC-21.