Duke B60 vs PA-31 Navajo Chieftain
The Duke B60 leads, topping 5 of 7 compared metrics.
Cross-shopping the Beechcraft / Textron Aviation Duke B60 (introduced 1974) against the Piper Aircraft PA-31 Navajo Chieftain (introduced 1973) is a common decision, and the two sit closer on paper than the badges suggest. Both are piston twins, which makes them natural cross-shopping rivals. The clearest separation between them is cabin capacity, where the PA-31 Navajo Chieftain carries more passengers. The spec-by-spec breakdown below is followed by a mission-fit read and a buyer's recommendation.
6 more specs per aircraft — ceiling, climb, cabin, dimensions and more — are free with an account.
Duke B60 vs PA-31 Navajo Chieftain: the key differences
- The Duke B60 delivers 7% more range (Duke B60: 1,080 nm; PA-31 Navajo Chieftain: 1,011 nm).
- The Duke B60 delivers 14% more cruise speed (Duke B60: 220 kt; PA-31 Navajo Chieftain: 193 kt).
- The PA-31 Navajo Chieftain delivers 67% more passenger capacity (Duke B60: 6 seats; PA-31 Navajo Chieftain: 10 seats).
- The Duke B60 is the newer design (introduced 1974 versus 1973 for the PA-31 Navajo Chieftain), a gap of 1 years that usually shows up in avionics, cabin systems and fuel burn.
- The PA-31 Navajo Chieftain is the larger aircraft by maximum takeoff weight (7,000 lbs versus 6,775 lbs), which typically buys more cabin and payload at the cost of higher trip economics.
Which mission suits which aircraft
Both aircraft are built for regional and short-to-medium legs, so outright range rarely separates them — the call leans on cabin (the PA-31 Navajo Chieftain seats more), trip economics and what is actually available on the market. Match the airframe to how you fly most weeks, not to the headline range figure.
Which should you choose?
Choose the Duke B60 when nonstop range is the deciding factor, and the PA-31 Navajo Chieftain when cabin capacity and payload matter more; the Duke B60 holds the cruise-speed edge. The right answer ultimately depends on acquisition cost, maintenance-program status, and what is actually available on the market — talk to our acquisition advisory team to pressure-test the choice against your missions and budget.
More comparisons
Duke B60 vs PA-31 Navajo Chieftain: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the Duke B60 or the PA-31 Navajo Chieftain?
The Duke B60 has the longer published range — 1,080 nm versus 1,011 nm for the PA-31 Navajo Chieftain.
Does the Duke B60 or PA-31 Navajo Chieftain seat more passengers?
The PA-31 Navajo Chieftain carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 10 seats, compared with 6 on the Duke B60.
Which is faster, the Duke B60 or the PA-31 Navajo Chieftain?
The Duke B60 cruises faster, at 220 kt versus 193 kt for the PA-31 Navajo Chieftain.
Which is newer, the Duke B60 or the PA-31 Navajo Chieftain?
The Duke B60 is the newer design, introduced in 1974 versus 1973 for the PA-31 Navajo Chieftain.
Is the Duke B60 or the PA-31 Navajo Chieftain the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the PA-31 Navajo Chieftain is the larger aircraft — 7,000 lbs versus 6,775 lbs for the Duke B60.
Should I buy the Duke B60 or the PA-31 Navajo Chieftain?
Choose the Duke B60 when nonstop range is the deciding factor, and the PA-31 Navajo Chieftain when cabin capacity and payload matter more; the Duke B60 holds the cruise-speed edge. The right answer ultimately depends on acquisition cost, maintenance-program status, and what is actually available on the market — talk to our acquisition advisory team to pressure-test the choice against your missions and budget.
Still weighing up the Duke B60 vs PA-31 Navajo Chieftain?
Specs only take you so far. Our advisors give an independent recommendation based on your mission, budget and how you actually fly — and represent your side through to purchase.