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AH-2 Rooivalk vs NH90 / Caiman

AH-2 Rooivalk vs NH90 / Caiman at a glance — top speed 309 vs 300 km/h, range 740 vs 880 km, max takeoff weight 8,750 vs 10,600 kg, built 12 vs 471 units.

Denel AH-2 Rooivalk military helicopters side profile drawing
🇿🇦 AH-2 Rooivalk
NHIndustries NH90 / Caiman military helicopters side profile drawing
🇩🇪🇫🇷🇮🇹🇳🇱 NH90 / Caiman
Specifications
AH-2 Rooivalk NH90 / Caiman
Origin country 🇿🇦 South Africa 🇩🇪 Germany🇫🇷 France🇮🇹 Italy🇳🇱 Netherlands
Category Military Helicopters Military Helicopters
Manufacturer Denel NHIndustries
First flight 15 January 1990 18 December 1995
Year introduced 2011 2004
Number produced 12 units 471 units
Average unit price $40 million $42 million
Wingspan 15.6 m 16.3 m
Height 5.2 m 5.3 m
Length 18.7 m 19.6 m
Maximum speed 309 km/h 300 km/h
Operational range 740 km 880 km
Service ceiling 6,096 m 6,000 m
Max. takeoff weight 8,750 kg 10,600 kg
Empty weight 5,730 kg 6,400 kg
Total thrust 2 x 1,420 kW 2 x 1,693 kW
Performance Radar Chart
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the AH-2 Rooivalk or NH90 / Caiman?
The AH-2 Rooivalk is faster with a maximum speed of 309 km/h compared to the NH90 / Caiman's 300 km/h, a difference of 9 km/h.
Which has longer range, the AH-2 Rooivalk or NH90 / Caiman?
The NH90 / Caiman has a longer range at 880 km compared to the AH-2 Rooivalk's 740 km.
Which can fly higher, the AH-2 Rooivalk or NH90 / Caiman?
The AH-2 Rooivalk has a higher service ceiling at 6,096 meters (20,000 ft) compared to the NH90 / Caiman's 6,000 meters (19,685 ft).
Which is heavier, the AH-2 Rooivalk or NH90 / Caiman?
The NH90 / Caiman has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 10,600 kg compared to the AH-2 Rooivalk's 8,750 kg.
Which is larger, the AH-2 Rooivalk or NH90 / Caiman?
The NH90 / Caiman is longer at 19.6 meters compared to the AH-2 Rooivalk's 18.7 meters.
Which is more expensive, the AH-2 Rooivalk or NH90 / Caiman?
The NH90 / Caiman is more expensive at approximately $42 million per unit compared to the AH-2 Rooivalk at $40 million.
Which entered service first, the AH-2 Rooivalk or NH90 / Caiman?
The NH90 / Caiman entered service first in 2004, 7 years before the AH-2 Rooivalk which entered service in 2011.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the AH-2 Rooivalk or NH90 / Caiman?
The NH90 / Caiman has been produced in greater numbers with 471 units compared to 12 units of the AH-2 Rooivalk.