SR-20 vs U-2 Dragon Lady
The SR-20 and the U-2 Dragon Lady are both Military Special Mission Aircraft, manufactured by Cirrus and Lockheed respectively. The U-2 Dragon Lady reaches 805 km/h — 2.8x the SR-20's 287 km/h. The SR-20 has an operational range of 1,450 km vs 11,280 km for the U-2 Dragon Lady. The U-2 Dragon Lady operates at altitudes up to 21,336 m compared to 5,334 m for the SR-20. At 18,144 kg MTOW, the U-2 Dragon Lady is 13:1 the SR-20's 1,383 kg. The SR-20 has been produced in 1,459 units vs 104 for the U-2 Dragon Lady. Unit cost is $0.63M for the SR-20 vs $50M for the U-2 Dragon Lady. The U-2 Dragon Lady first flew 40 years before the SR-20 (1955 vs 1995).
| American civil utility aircraft, renowned from the late 20th century, extensively deployed in private aviation and flight training. | |
|
|
| Origin country | 🇺🇸 United States |
| Category | Military Special Mission Aircraft |
| Manufacturer | Cirrus |
| First flight | 21 March 1995 |
| Year introduced | 1999 |
| Number produced | 1459 units |
| Average unit price | $630K |
| American high-altitude reconnaissance aircraft, known for extensive Cold War era operations and various military applications worldwide. | |
|
|
| Origin country | 🇺🇸 United States |
| Category | Military Special Mission Aircraft |
| Manufacturer | Lockheed |
| First flight | 1 August 1955 |
| Year introduced | 1956 |
| Number produced | 104 units |
| Average unit price | $50 million |
| Wing area | 13.5 m² ◉ |
| Wingspan | 11.7 m ◉ |
| Height | 2.5 m ◉ |
| Length | 8.0 m ◉ |
| Maximum speed | 287 km/h ◉ |
| Operational range | 1,450 km ◉ |
| Service ceiling | 5,334 m ◉ |
| Max. takeoff weight | 1,383 kg ◉ |
| Empty weight | 943 kg ◉ |
| Total thrust | 1 x 149 kW ◉ |
| Wing area | 93.0 m² ◉ |
| Wingspan | 31.0 m ◉ |
| Height | 4.9 m ◉ |
| Length | 19.0 m ◉ |
| Maximum speed | 805 km/h ◉ |
| Operational range | 11,280 km ◉ |
| Service ceiling | 21,336 m ◉ |
| Max. takeoff weight | 18,144 kg ◉ |
| Empty weight | 6,486 kg ◉ |
| Total thrust | 1 x 8,618 kgf ◉ |
Performance Radar Chart
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is faster, the SR-20 or U-2 Dragon Lady?
The U-2 Dragon Lady is faster with a maximum speed of 805 km/h compared to the SR-20's 287 km/h, a difference of 518 km/h.
Which has longer range, the SR-20 or U-2 Dragon Lady?
The U-2 Dragon Lady has a longer range at 11,280 km compared to the SR-20's 1,450 km.
Which can fly higher, the SR-20 or U-2 Dragon Lady?
The U-2 Dragon Lady has a higher service ceiling at 21,336 meters (70,000 ft) compared to the SR-20's 5,334 meters (17,500 ft).
Which is heavier, the SR-20 or U-2 Dragon Lady?
The U-2 Dragon Lady has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 18,144 kg compared to the SR-20's 1,383 kg.
Which is larger, the SR-20 or U-2 Dragon Lady?
The U-2 Dragon Lady is longer at 19.0 meters compared to the SR-20's 8.0 meters.
Which is more expensive, the SR-20 or U-2 Dragon Lady?
The U-2 Dragon Lady is more expensive at approximately $50 million per unit compared to the SR-20 at $0.6 million.
Which entered service first, the SR-20 or U-2 Dragon Lady?
The U-2 Dragon Lady entered service first in 1956, 43 years before the SR-20 which entered service in 1999.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the SR-20 or U-2 Dragon Lady?
The SR-20 has been produced in greater numbers with 1,459 units compared to 104 units of the U-2 Dragon Lady.