AH-6 Little Bird vs SA316 Alouette III

The AH-6 Little Bird and the SA316 Alouette III are both Military Helicopters, manufactured by Boeing and Sud Aviation respectively. Top speed is 282 km/h for the AH-6 Little Bird vs 210 km/h for the SA316 Alouette III. The AH-6 Little Bird has an operational range of 430 km vs 540 km for the SA316 Alouette III. The AH-6 Little Bird operates at altitudes up to 4,877 m compared to 3,200 m for the SA316 Alouette III. The AH-6 Little Bird has been produced in 1,420 units vs 2,000 for the SA316 Alouette III. Unit cost is $7.5M for the AH-6 Little Bird vs $1.5M for the SA316 Alouette III. The SA316 Alouette III first flew 4 years before the AH-6 Little Bird (1959 vs 1963).

American light attack helicopter, best recognized for deployment in special operations during conflicts like the Iraq War.
Boeing AH-6 Little Bird Helicopter profile drawing
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Helicopters
Manufacturer Boeing
First flight 27 February 1963
Year introduced 1980
Number produced 1420 units
Average unit price $7.5 million
French utility helicopter, popular in the Cold War-era, extensively utilized for search and rescue, and light transport roles.
Sud Aviation SA316 Alouette III Helicopter profile drawing
Origin country 🇫🇷 France
Category Military Helicopters
Manufacturer Sud Aviation
First flight 28 February 1959
Year introduced 1961
Number produced 2000 units
Average unit price $1.5 million
Wingspan 8.4 m â—‰
Height 2.6 m â—‰
Length 9.2 m â—‰
Maximum speed 282 km/h â—‰
Operational range 430 km â—‰
Service ceiling 4,877 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 1,610 kg â—‰
Empty weight 896 kg â—‰
Total thrust 1 x 239 kW â—‰
Wingspan 11.0 m â—‰
Height 3.0 m â—‰
Length 10.0 m â—‰
Maximum speed 210 km/h â—‰
Operational range 540 km â—‰
Service ceiling 3,200 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 2,200 kg â—‰
Empty weight 1,143 kg â—‰
Total thrust 1 x 713 kW â—‰

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the AH-6 Little Bird or SA316 Alouette III?
The AH-6 Little Bird is faster with a maximum speed of 282 km/h compared to the SA316 Alouette III's 210 km/h, a difference of 72 km/h.
Which has longer range, the AH-6 Little Bird or SA316 Alouette III?
The SA316 Alouette III has a longer range at 540 km compared to the AH-6 Little Bird's 430 km.
Which can fly higher, the AH-6 Little Bird or SA316 Alouette III?
The AH-6 Little Bird has a higher service ceiling at 4,877 meters (16,000 ft) compared to the SA316 Alouette III's 3,200 meters (10,498 ft).
Which is heavier, the AH-6 Little Bird or SA316 Alouette III?
The SA316 Alouette III has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 2,200 kg compared to the AH-6 Little Bird's 1,610 kg.
Which is larger, the AH-6 Little Bird or SA316 Alouette III?
The SA316 Alouette III is longer at 10.0 meters compared to the AH-6 Little Bird's 9.2 meters.
Which is more expensive, the AH-6 Little Bird or SA316 Alouette III?
The AH-6 Little Bird is more expensive at approximately $7.5 million per unit compared to the SA316 Alouette III at $1.5 million.
Which entered service first, the AH-6 Little Bird or SA316 Alouette III?
The SA316 Alouette III entered service first in 1961, 19 years before the AH-6 Little Bird which entered service in 1980.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the AH-6 Little Bird or SA316 Alouette III?
The SA316 Alouette III has been produced in greater numbers with 2,000 units compared to 1,420 units of the AH-6 Little Bird.