GlobalMilitary.net Open-source military intelligence Updated daily
Head-to-head

AH-1Z Viper vs NH90 / Caiman

Bell AH-1Z Viper military helicopters side profile drawing
🇺🇸 AH-1Z Viper
NHIndustries NH90 / Caiman military helicopters side profile drawing
🇩🇪🇫🇷🇮🇹🇳🇱 NH90 / Caiman
Change comparison vs
Specifications
AH-1Z Viper NH90 / Caiman
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇩🇪 Germany🇫🇷 France🇮🇹 Italy🇳🇱 Netherlands
Category Military Helicopters Military Helicopters
Manufacturer Bell NHIndustries
First flight 8 December 2000 18 December 1995
Year introduced 2010 2004
Number produced 195 units 471 units
Average unit price -- $42 million
Wing area 168.0 m² -- m²
Wingspan 15.0 m 16.3 m
Height 4.4 m 5.3 m
Length 17.8 m 19.6 m
Maximum speed 411 km/h 300 km/h
Operational range 690 km 880 km
Service ceiling 6,100 m 6,000 m
Max. takeoff weight 8,391 kg 10,600 kg
Empty weight 5,579 kg 6,400 kg
Total thrust 2 x 650 kW 2 x 847 kW
Performance Radar Chart

Overview

The AH-1Z Viper and the NH90 / Caiman are both Military Helicopters, manufactured by Bell and NHIndustries respectively.

Top speed is 411 km/h for the AH-1Z Viper vs 300 km/h for the NH90 / Caiman. The AH-1Z Viper has an operational range of 690 km vs 880 km for the NH90 / Caiman. The AH-1Z Viper operates at altitudes up to 6,100 m compared to 6,000 m for the NH90 / Caiman.

The AH-1Z Viper has been produced in 195 units vs 471 for the NH90 / Caiman. The NH90 / Caiman first flew 5 years before the AH-1Z Viper (1995 vs 2000).

Related Comparisons
NH90 / Caiman vs Mi-8 Hip AH-1Z Viper vs 407 AH-1Z Viper vs H145M / EC645 AH-1Z Viper vs H135M / EC365 AH-1Z Viper vs AW139 AH-1Z Viper vs H120 / EC120 Colibri

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the AH-1Z Viper or NH90 / Caiman?
The AH-1Z Viper is faster with a maximum speed of 411 km/h compared to the NH90 / Caiman's 300 km/h, a difference of 111 km/h.
Which has longer range, the AH-1Z Viper or NH90 / Caiman?
The NH90 / Caiman has a longer range at 880 km compared to the AH-1Z Viper's 690 km.
Which can fly higher, the AH-1Z Viper or NH90 / Caiman?
The AH-1Z Viper has a higher service ceiling at 6,100 meters (20,013 ft) compared to the NH90 / Caiman's 6,000 meters (19,685 ft).
Which is heavier, the AH-1Z Viper or NH90 / Caiman?
The NH90 / Caiman has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 10,600 kg compared to the AH-1Z Viper's 8,391 kg.
Which is larger, the AH-1Z Viper or NH90 / Caiman?
The NH90 / Caiman is longer at 19.6 meters compared to the AH-1Z Viper's 17.8 meters.
Which entered service first, the AH-1Z Viper or NH90 / Caiman?
The NH90 / Caiman entered service first in 2004, 6 years before the AH-1Z Viper which entered service in 2010.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the AH-1Z Viper or NH90 / Caiman?
The NH90 / Caiman has been produced in greater numbers with 471 units compared to 195 units of the AH-1Z Viper.