GlobalMilitary.net Open-source military intelligence Updated daily
Head-to-head

Pilatus PC-21 vs T-39 Sabreliner

Pilatus PC-21 vs T-39 Sabreliner at a glance — top speed 685 vs 885 km/h, range 1,333 vs 4,020 km, max takeoff weight 4,250 vs 8,056 kg, built 211 vs 200 units.

Pilatus PC-21 military training aircraft side profile drawing
🇨🇭 Pilatus PC-21
North American T-39 Sabreliner military training aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 T-39 Sabreliner
Specifications
Pilatus PC-21 T-39 Sabreliner
Origin country 🇨🇭 Switzerland 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Training Aircraft Military Training Aircraft
Manufacturer Pilatus North American
First flight 1 July 2002 16 September 1958
Year introduced 2008 1962
Number produced 211 units 200 units
Average unit price $9 million --
Wing area 15.2 m² 31.8 m²
Wingspan 9.1 m 13.6 m
Height 3.8 m 4.9 m
Length 11.2 m 13.4 m
Maximum speed 685 km/h 885 km/h
Operational range 1,333 km 4,020 km
Service ceiling 11,580 m 12,192 m
Max. takeoff weight 4,250 kg 8,056 kg
Empty weight 2,270 kg 4,199 kg
Total thrust 1 x 1,193 kW 2 x 1,361 kgf
Performance Radar Chart
Change comparison vs
Related Comparisons
Pilatus PC-21 vs T-6 Texan II Pilatus PC-21 vs Robinson R44 Raven Pilatus PC-21 vs Pipistrel Virus SW80 Pilatus PC-21 vs DA42 Twin Star Pilatus PC-21 vs P180 Avanti Pilatus PC-21 vs T-45 Goshawk

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the Pilatus PC-21 or T-39 Sabreliner?
The T-39 Sabreliner is faster with a maximum speed of 885 km/h compared to the Pilatus PC-21's 685 km/h, a difference of 200 km/h.
Which has longer range, the Pilatus PC-21 or T-39 Sabreliner?
The T-39 Sabreliner has a longer range at 4,020 km compared to the Pilatus PC-21's 1,333 km.
Which can fly higher, the Pilatus PC-21 or T-39 Sabreliner?
The T-39 Sabreliner has a higher service ceiling at 12,192 meters (40,000 ft) compared to the Pilatus PC-21's 11,580 meters (37,992 ft).
Which is heavier, the Pilatus PC-21 or T-39 Sabreliner?
The T-39 Sabreliner has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 8,056 kg compared to the Pilatus PC-21's 4,250 kg.
Which is larger, the Pilatus PC-21 or T-39 Sabreliner?
The T-39 Sabreliner is longer at 13.4 meters compared to the Pilatus PC-21's 11.2 meters.
Which entered service first, the Pilatus PC-21 or T-39 Sabreliner?
The T-39 Sabreliner entered service first in 1962, 46 years before the Pilatus PC-21 which entered service in 2008.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the Pilatus PC-21 or T-39 Sabreliner?
The Pilatus PC-21 has been produced in greater numbers with 211 units compared to 200 units of the T-39 Sabreliner.