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AH-6 Little Bird vs Bell 430

Boeing AH-6 Little Bird military helicopters side profile drawing
🇺🇸 AH-6 Little Bird
Bell 430 military helicopters side profile drawing
🇺🇸 Bell 430
Change comparison vs
Specifications
AH-6 Little Bird Bell 430
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Helicopters Military Helicopters
Manufacturer Boeing Bell
First flight 27 February 1963 25 October 1994
Year introduced 1980 1995
Number produced 1420 units 136 units
Average unit price $7.5 million $10 million
Wingspan 8.4 m 12.8 m
Height 2.6 m 3.8 m
Length 9.2 m 15.3 m
Maximum speed 282 km/h 278 km/h
Operational range 430 km 600 km
Service ceiling 4,877 m 6,096 m
Max. takeoff weight 1,610 kg 4,218 kg
Empty weight 896 kg 2,406 kg
Total thrust 1 x 239 kW 2 x 585 kW
Performance Radar Chart

Overview

The AH-6 Little Bird and the Bell 430 are both Military Helicopters, manufactured by Boeing and Bell respectively.

Top speed is 282 km/h for the AH-6 Little Bird vs 278 km/h for the Bell 430. The AH-6 Little Bird has an operational range of 430 km vs 600 km for the Bell 430. The Bell 430 operates at altitudes up to 6,096 m compared to 4,877 m for the AH-6 Little Bird. At 4,218 kg MTOW, the Bell 430 is 2.6:1 the AH-6 Little Bird's 1,610 kg.

The AH-6 Little Bird has been produced in 1,420 units vs 136 for the Bell 430. Unit cost is $7.5M for the AH-6 Little Bird vs $10M for the Bell 430. The AH-6 Little Bird first flew 31 years before the Bell 430 (1963 vs 1994).

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the AH-6 Little Bird or Bell 430?
The AH-6 Little Bird is faster with a maximum speed of 282 km/h compared to the Bell 430's 278 km/h, a difference of 4 km/h.
Which has longer range, the AH-6 Little Bird or Bell 430?
The Bell 430 has a longer range at 600 km compared to the AH-6 Little Bird's 430 km.
Which can fly higher, the AH-6 Little Bird or Bell 430?
The Bell 430 has a higher service ceiling at 6,096 meters (20,000 ft) compared to the AH-6 Little Bird's 4,877 meters (16,000 ft).
Which is heavier, the AH-6 Little Bird or Bell 430?
The Bell 430 has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 4,218 kg compared to the AH-6 Little Bird's 1,610 kg.
Which is larger, the AH-6 Little Bird or Bell 430?
The Bell 430 is longer at 15.3 meters compared to the AH-6 Little Bird's 9.2 meters.
Which is more expensive, the AH-6 Little Bird or Bell 430?
The Bell 430 is more expensive at approximately $10 million per unit compared to the AH-6 Little Bird at $7.5 million.
Which entered service first, the AH-6 Little Bird or Bell 430?
The AH-6 Little Bird entered service first in 1980, 15 years before the Bell 430 which entered service in 1995.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the AH-6 Little Bird or Bell 430?
The AH-6 Little Bird has been produced in greater numbers with 1,420 units compared to 136 units of the Bell 430.