Douglas AD-4 Skyraider vs Beechcraft T-34 Mentor

Full Specs Comparison

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Spec / Model Douglas AD-4 Skyraider Beechcraft T-34 Mentor
Douglas AD-4 Skyraider
View 2 listings →
Median $819,514
Beechcraft T-34 Mentor
View 10 listings →
Median $597,500
Price Range $819,514 $295,000 – $1,500,000
Category Warbirds Warbirds
Model Specifications
Seats 1 2
Horsepower 225 HP
Cruise Speed 150 kts (278 km/h)
Range 770 nm (1,426 km)
Useful Load 800 lbs (363 kg)
TBO 1,700 hrs
Engines 1 x Piston 1 x Piston

Which Should You Buy: Douglas AD-4 Skyraider or Beechcraft T-34 Mentor?

Pick the AD-4 Skyraider if…

Pick the T-34 Mentor if…

  • Budget matters — from $295,000 vs $819,514, you save ~$524,514.
  • More seats — 2 vs 1.
  • Newer design — production from 1953 vs 1951.
  • More inventory — 10 listings vs 2.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better, Douglas AD-4 Skyraider or Beechcraft T-34 Mentor?
It depends on your mission and budget. The T-34 Mentor cruises at 150 kts with 770 nm range. Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Douglas AD-4 Skyraider: from $819,514. Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Douglas AD-4 Skyraider and Beechcraft T-34 Mentor?
AD-4 Skyraider engine: Wright R-3350-26W. T-34 Mentor engine: Pratt & Whitney Canada J33-A-35 (225 hp). Seats: 1 vs 2.
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?
AD-4 Skyraider: 1 seats. T-34 Mentor: 2 seats / 800 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?
T-34 Mentor: 1,700-hour TBO. 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 updated daily · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data