Antonov AN-2 vs De Havilland DHC-2 Beaver

The Antonov An-2 and DHC-2 Beaver are classic radial STOL utility haulers — the An-2 a huge single-radial biplane, the Beaver a rugged radial/turbine monoplane bush legend.

Live Market Snapshot

Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · re-checked on a rolling daily cycle

Antonov AN-2
For sale now
4
Model years available
1972–1991
De Havilland DHC-2 Beaver
For sale now
25
Median asking
$695,000
Range
$340,000–$1,225,000
Model years available
1951–1967

Live data from AeroGurus, aggregated daily across the used-aircraft market. Figures are current asking prices, not appraisals — confirm with a pre-buy inspection.

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model Antonov AN-2 De Havilland DHC-2 BEAVER
Antonov AN-2
View 3 listings →
Median $1,252,380
De Havilland DHC-2 Beaver
View 2 listings →
Median $695,000
Price Range $219,521 – $2,285,238 $340,000 – $1,225,000
Category Single Engine Piston Single Engine Piston
Model Specifications
Seats 12 6
Horsepower 1,000 HP 450 HP
Cruise Speed 110 kts (204 km/h) 110 kts (204 km/h)
Range 450 nm (833 km) 455 nm (843 km)
Service Ceiling 14,000 ft (4,267 m) 18,000 ft (5,486 m)
Useful Load 3,500 lbs (1,588 kg) 2,100 lbs (953 kg)
Fuel Burn 55.0 GPH (208 L/h) 25.0 GPH (95 L/h)
Engines 1 x Piston 1 x Piston

Which Should You Buy: Antonov AN-2 or De Havilland DHC-2 Beaver?

Bottom line: Choose the Beaver for Western support, float pedigree and resale; choose the An-2 for enormous load/cabin at low acquisition cost (radial-parts + registration feasibility are the key factors). Beaver = support/float/resale; An-2 = capacity/value.

Pick the AN-2 if…

  • Budget matters — from $219,521 vs $340,000, you save ~$120,479.
  • More seats — 12 vs 6.
  • More inventory — 3 listings vs 2.

Pick the DHC-2 Beaver if…

  • Longer range — 455 nm vs 450 nm.

Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better, Antonov AN-2 or De Havilland DHC-2 BEAVER?
It depends on your mission and budget. The AN-2 cruises at 110 kts with 450 nm range. The DHC-2 BEAVER cruises at 110 kts with 455 nm range. Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Antonov AN-2: from $114,349. De Havilland DHC-2 BEAVER: from $650,000. Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Antonov AN-2 and De Havilland DHC-2 Beaver?
AN-2 engine: Shvetsov Ash-62 (1000 hp). Seats: 12 vs 6. Cruise: 110 vs 110 kts. Range: 450 vs 455 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
Variable cost includes fuel, reserves and overhaul accruals. Annual fixed costs (hangar, insurance, annual inspection) add to the total.
Which has more seats and useful load?
AN-2: 12 seats / 3,500 lb useful load. DHC-2 Beaver: 6 seats / 2,100 lb useful load. Useful load = max gross weight minus empty weight; it determines how much fuel plus payload you can carry.
How does maintenance compare — TBO and overhaul cost?
Reaching the time-between-overhaul (TBO) triggers a mandatory engine/airframe rebuild that affects resale value.
Disclaimer: All prices and cost estimates are from third-party sources for informational purposes only. Always obtain professional appraisal and inspection before purchase.
Prices re-checked on a rolling cycle — most within a few days · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data