Mitsubishi MU-2B vs Piper Cheyenne

The MU-2 and Piper Cheyenne are cabin-class twin turboprops of similar era.

Live Market Snapshot

Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily

Mitsubishi MU-2B
For sale now
10
Model years available
1972–1981
Piper Cheyenne
For sale now
27
Median asking
$995,000
Range
$496,200–$1,505,955
Model years available
1978–1987

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

Safety Record

Absolute counts scale with fleet size — the most-produced types log more events without being less safe. Compare the % fatal.

NTSB (1982–now)Mitsubishi MU-2BPiper Cheyenne
All events108—
Serious5—
Fatal50—
Fatalities138—
% Fatal46%—
View full Mitsubishi MU-2B NTSB record →View full Piper Cheyenne NTSB record →

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model Mitsubishi MU-2B Piper Cheyenne
Median $449,000
 Piper Cheyenne
View 25 listings →
Median $995,000
Price Range $346,300 – $880,000 $496,200 – $1,505,955
Category — Multi Engine Turboprop
Model Specifications
Seats 7 8
Horsepower 715 HP 620 HP
Cruise Speed 295 kts (546 km/h) 240 kts (444 km/h)
Range 1,100 nm (2,037 km) 1,400 nm (2,593 km)
Service Ceiling 28,000 ft (8,534 m) 31,000 ft (9,449 m)
Max Gross Weight — 9,050 lbs (4,105 kg)
Useful Load 3,000 lbs (1,361 kg) 2,900 lbs (1,315 kg)
Fuel Capacity — 365.0 gal (1382 L)
Fuel Burn 80.0 GPH (303 L/h) 55.0 GPH (208 L/h)
TBO — 3,500 hrs
Overhaul Cost — $300,000
Annual Fixed — $100,000
Hourly Variable — $650
Engines 2 x Turboprop 2 x Turboprop

Cost of Ownership

Estimate

Mitsubishi MU-2B

Fuel$440/hr

Piper Cheyenne

Fuel$302/hr
Variable$650/hr
Annual Fixed$100,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $230,000/yr

Which Should You Buy: Mitsubishi MU-2B or Piper Cheyenne?

Bottom line: Choose the MU-2 for higher speed and value (with SFAR-108 training); choose the Cheyenne for conventional handling and Piper support. MU-2 = speed/value; Cheyenne = conventional/support.

Pick the MU-2B if…

  • Budget matters — from $346,300 vs $496,200, you save ~$149,900.
  • Faster cruise — 295 kts vs 240 kts.

Pick the Cheyenne if…

  • More seats — 8 vs 7.
  • Longer range — 1400 nm vs 1100 nm.
  • Newer design — production from 1974 vs 1963.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better, Mitsubishi MU-2B or Piper Cheyenne?
It depends on your mission and budget. The MU-2B cruises at 295 kts with 1,100 nm range. The Cheyenne cruises at 240 kts with 1,400 nm range. Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Piper Cheyenne: from $999,000. Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Mitsubishi MU-2B and Piper Cheyenne?
Seats: 7 vs 8. Cruise: 295 vs 240 kts. Range: 1100 vs 1400 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
Cheyenne: about $650/hr variable cost. 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?
MU-2B: 7 seats / 3,000 lb useful load. Cheyenne: 8 seats / 2,900 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?
Cheyenne: 3,500-hour TBO, overhaul ~$300,000. 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