AH-2 Rooivalk vs MD-500
The AH-2 Rooivalk and the MD-500 are both Military Helicopters, manufactured by Denel and Hughes respectively. Top speed is 309 km/h for the AH-2 Rooivalk vs 282 km/h for the MD-500. The AH-2 Rooivalk has an operational range of 740 km vs 430 km for the MD-500. The AH-2 Rooivalk operates at altitudes up to 6,096 m compared to 4,877 m for the MD-500. At 8,750 kg MTOW, the AH-2 Rooivalk is 6.4x the MD-500's 1,361 kg. The AH-2 Rooivalk has been produced in 12 units vs 4,700 for the MD-500. Unit cost is $40M for the AH-2 Rooivalk vs $4M for the MD-500. The MD-500 first flew 8 years before the AH-2 Rooivalk (1982 vs 1990).
| South African attack helicopter, designed during the late 20th century, extensively deployed for peacekeeping missions in Africa. | |
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| Origin country | 🇿🇦 South Africa |
| Category | Military Helicopters |
| Manufacturer | Denel |
| First flight | 15 January 1990 |
| Year introduced | 2011 |
| Number produced | 12 units |
| Average unit price | $40 million |
| American light helicopter, renowned during the Cold War era, predominantly deployed for law enforcement and utility applications. | |
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| Origin country | 🇺🇸 United States |
| Category | Military Helicopters |
| Manufacturer | Hughes |
| First flight | 28 January 1982 |
| Year introduced | 1967 |
| Number produced | 4700 units |
| Average unit price | $4 million |
| Wingspan | 15.6 m â—‰ |
| Height | 5.2 m â—‰ |
| Length | 18.7 m â—‰ |
| Maximum speed | 309 km/h â—‰ |
| Operational range | 740 km â—‰ |
| Service ceiling | 6,096 m â—‰ |
| Max. takeoff weight | 8,750 kg â—‰ |
| Empty weight | 5,730 kg â—‰ |
| Total thrust | 2 x 1,420 kW â—‰ |
| Wingspan | 8.3 m â—‰ |
| Height | 2.6 m â—‰ |
| Length | 9.4 m â—‰ |
| Maximum speed | 282 km/h â—‰ |
| Operational range | 430 km â—‰ |
| Service ceiling | 4,877 m â—‰ |
| Max. takeoff weight | 1,361 kg â—‰ |
| Empty weight | 672 kg â—‰ |
| Total thrust | 1 x 313 kW â—‰ |
Performance Radar Chart
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is faster, the AH-2 Rooivalk or MD-500?
The AH-2 Rooivalk is faster with a maximum speed of 309 km/h compared to the MD-500's 282 km/h, a difference of 27 km/h.
Which has longer range, the AH-2 Rooivalk or MD-500?
The AH-2 Rooivalk has a longer range at 740 km compared to the MD-500's 430 km.
Which can fly higher, the AH-2 Rooivalk or MD-500?
The AH-2 Rooivalk has a higher service ceiling at 6,096 meters (20,000 ft) compared to the MD-500's 4,877 meters (16,000 ft).
Which is heavier, the AH-2 Rooivalk or MD-500?
The AH-2 Rooivalk has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 8,750 kg compared to the MD-500's 1,361 kg.
Which is larger, the AH-2 Rooivalk or MD-500?
The AH-2 Rooivalk is longer at 18.7 meters compared to the MD-500's 9.4 meters.
Which is more expensive, the AH-2 Rooivalk or MD-500?
The AH-2 Rooivalk is more expensive at approximately $40 million per unit compared to the MD-500 at $4.0 million.
Which entered service first, the AH-2 Rooivalk or MD-500?
The MD-500 entered service first in 1967, 44 years before the AH-2 Rooivalk which entered service in 2011.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the AH-2 Rooivalk or MD-500?
The MD-500 has been produced in greater numbers with 4,700 units compared to 12 units of the AH-2 Rooivalk.