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

AH-2 Rooivalk vs Ka-50 Hokum "Black Shark"

AH-2 Rooivalk vs Ka-50 Hokum "Black Shark" at a glance — top speed 309 vs 315 km/h, range 740 vs 460 km, max takeoff weight 8,750 vs 10,800 kg, built 12 vs 19 units.

Denel AH-2 Rooivalk military helicopters side profile drawing
🇿🇦 AH-2 RooivalkFull specs
Kamov Ka-50 Hokum "Black Shark" military helicopters side profile drawing
🇷🇺 Ka-50 Hokum "Black Shark"Full specs
Specifications
AH-2 Rooivalk Ka-50 Hokum "Black Shark"
Origin country 🇿🇦 South Africa 🇷🇺 Ex-USSR
Category Military Helicopters Military Helicopters
Manufacturer Denel Kamov
First flight 15 January 1990 17 June 1982
Year introduced 2011 1995
Number produced 12 units 19 units
Average unit price $40 million $16 million
Wingspan 15.6 m 14.5 m
Height 5.2 m 4.9 m
Length 18.7 m 16.0 m
Maximum speed 309 km/h 315 km/h
Operational range 740 km 460 km
Service ceiling 6,096 m 5,500 m
Max. takeoff weight 8,750 kg 10,800 kg
Empty weight 5,730 kg 7,700 kg
Total thrust 2 x 1,420 kW 2 x 1,641 kW
Performance Radar Chart
Explore further
Change comparison vs
Related Comparisons
Guide Soviet and Russian Aircraft Designations
Ka-50 Hokum "Black Shark" vs Ka-52 Alligator Hokum-B AH-2 Rooivalk vs Bell 407 AH-2 Rooivalk vs H145M / EC645 AH-2 Rooivalk vs H135M / EC365 AH-2 Rooivalk vs AW139 AH-2 Rooivalk vs H120 / EC120 Colibri

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the AH-2 Rooivalk or Ka-50 Hokum "Black Shark"?
The Ka-50 Hokum "Black Shark" is faster with a maximum speed of 315 km/h compared to the AH-2 Rooivalk's 309 km/h, a difference of 6 km/h.
Which has longer range, the AH-2 Rooivalk or Ka-50 Hokum "Black Shark"?
The AH-2 Rooivalk has a longer range at 740 km compared to the Ka-50 Hokum "Black Shark"'s 460 km.
Which can fly higher, the AH-2 Rooivalk or Ka-50 Hokum "Black Shark"?
The AH-2 Rooivalk has a higher service ceiling at 6,096 meters (20,000 ft) compared to the Ka-50 Hokum "Black Shark"'s 5,500 meters (18,044 ft).
Which is heavier, the AH-2 Rooivalk or Ka-50 Hokum "Black Shark"?
The Ka-50 Hokum "Black Shark" has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 10,800 kg compared to the AH-2 Rooivalk's 8,750 kg.
Which is larger, the AH-2 Rooivalk or Ka-50 Hokum "Black Shark"?
The AH-2 Rooivalk is longer at 18.7 meters compared to the Ka-50 Hokum "Black Shark"'s 16.0 meters.
Which is more expensive, the AH-2 Rooivalk or Ka-50 Hokum "Black Shark"?
The AH-2 Rooivalk is more expensive at approximately $40 million per unit compared to the Ka-50 Hokum "Black Shark" at $16 million.
Which entered service first, the AH-2 Rooivalk or Ka-50 Hokum "Black Shark"?
The Ka-50 Hokum "Black Shark" entered service first in 1995, 16 years before the AH-2 Rooivalk which entered service in 2011.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the AH-2 Rooivalk or Ka-50 Hokum "Black Shark"?
The Ka-50 Hokum "Black Shark" has been produced in greater numbers with 19 units compared to 12 units of the AH-2 Rooivalk.