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Pilatus PC-21 vs Pipistrel Virus SW80

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Specifications
Pilatus PC-21 Pipistrel Virus SW80
Origin country 🇨🇭 Switzerland 🇸🇮 Slovenia
Category Military Training Aircraft Military Training Aircraft
Manufacturer Pilatus Pipistrel
First flight 1 July 2002 10 August 1999
Year introduced 2008 2000
Number produced 211 units 1000 units
Average unit price $9 million --
Wing area 15.2 m² 9.5 m²
Wingspan 9.1 m 10.7 m
Height 3.8 m 1.9 m
Length 11.2 m 6.5 m
Maximum speed 685 km/h 283 km/h
Operational range 1,333 km 1,450 km
Service ceiling 11,580 m 6,800 m
Max. takeoff weight 4,250 kg 600 kg
Empty weight 2,270 kg 289 kg
Total thrust 1 x 1,193 kW 1 x 60 kW
Performance Radar Chart

Overview

The Pilatus PC-21 and the Pipistrel Virus SW80 are both Military Training Aircraft, manufactured by Pilatus and Pipistrel respectively.

The Pilatus PC-21 reaches 685 km/h — 2.4x the Pipistrel Virus SW80's 283 km/h. The Pilatus PC-21 has an operational range of 1,333 km vs 1,450 km for the Pipistrel Virus SW80. The Pilatus PC-21 operates at altitudes up to 11,580 m compared to 6,800 m for the Pipistrel Virus SW80. At 4,250 kg MTOW, the Pilatus PC-21 is 7.1x the Pipistrel Virus SW80's 600 kg.

The Pilatus PC-21 has been produced in 211 units vs 1,000 for the Pipistrel Virus SW80. The Pipistrel Virus SW80 first flew 3 years before the Pilatus PC-21 (1999 vs 2002).

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the Pilatus PC-21 or Pipistrel Virus SW80?
The Pilatus PC-21 is faster with a maximum speed of 685 km/h compared to the Pipistrel Virus SW80's 283 km/h, a difference of 402 km/h.
Which has longer range, the Pilatus PC-21 or Pipistrel Virus SW80?
The Pipistrel Virus SW80 has a longer range at 1,450 km compared to the Pilatus PC-21's 1,333 km.
Which can fly higher, the Pilatus PC-21 or Pipistrel Virus SW80?
The Pilatus PC-21 has a higher service ceiling at 11,580 meters (37,992 ft) compared to the Pipistrel Virus SW80's 6,800 meters (22,309 ft).
Which is heavier, the Pilatus PC-21 or Pipistrel Virus SW80?
The Pilatus PC-21 has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 4,250 kg compared to the Pipistrel Virus SW80's 600 kg.
Which is larger, the Pilatus PC-21 or Pipistrel Virus SW80?
The Pilatus PC-21 is longer at 11.2 meters compared to the Pipistrel Virus SW80's 6.5 meters.
Which entered service first, the Pilatus PC-21 or Pipistrel Virus SW80?
The Pipistrel Virus SW80 entered service first in 2000, 8 years before the Pilatus PC-21 which entered service in 2008.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the Pilatus PC-21 or Pipistrel Virus SW80?
The Pipistrel Virus SW80 has been produced in greater numbers with 1,000 units compared to 211 units of the Pilatus PC-21.