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AH-1W Super Cobra vs MD-500

AH-1W Super Cobra vs MD-500 at a glance — top speed 350 vs 282 km/h, range 587 vs 430 km, max takeoff weight 6,690 vs 1,361 kg, built 222 vs 4,700 units.

Bell AH-1W Super Cobra military helicopters side profile drawing
🇺🇸 AH-1W Super Cobra
Hughes MD-500 military helicopters side profile drawing
🇺🇸 MD-500
Specifications
AH-1W Super Cobra MD-500
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Helicopters Military Helicopters
Manufacturer Bell Hughes
First flight -- 28 January 1982
Year introduced 1986 1967
Number produced 222 units 4700 units
Average unit price -- $4 million
Wing area 140.7 m² -- m²
Wingspan 13.9 m 8.3 m
Height 4.2 m 2.6 m
Length 17.7 m 9.4 m
Maximum speed 350 km/h 282 km/h
Operational range 587 km 430 km
Service ceiling 3,700 m 4,877 m
Max. takeoff weight 6,690 kg 1,361 kg
Empty weight 4,627 kg 672 kg
Total thrust 2 x 1,260 kW 1 x 313 kW
Performance Radar Chart
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the AH-1W Super Cobra or MD-500?
The AH-1W Super Cobra is faster with a maximum speed of 350 km/h compared to the MD-500's 282 km/h, a difference of 68 km/h.
Which has longer range, the AH-1W Super Cobra or MD-500?
The AH-1W Super Cobra has a longer range at 587 km compared to the MD-500's 430 km.
Which can fly higher, the AH-1W Super Cobra or MD-500?
The MD-500 has a higher service ceiling at 4,877 meters (16,000 ft) compared to the AH-1W Super Cobra's 3,700 meters (12,139 ft).
Which is heavier, the AH-1W Super Cobra or MD-500?
The AH-1W Super Cobra has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 6,690 kg compared to the MD-500's 1,361 kg.
Which is larger, the AH-1W Super Cobra or MD-500?
The AH-1W Super Cobra is longer at 17.7 meters compared to the MD-500's 9.4 meters.
Which entered service first, the AH-1W Super Cobra or MD-500?
The MD-500 entered service first in 1967, 19 years before the AH-1W Super Cobra which entered service in 1986.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the AH-1W Super Cobra or MD-500?
The MD-500 has been produced in greater numbers with 4,700 units compared to 222 units of the AH-1W Super Cobra.