AH-6 Little Bird vs SA340 Gazelle

Overview

The AH-6 Little Bird and the SA340 Gazelle are both Military Helicopters, manufactured by Boeing and Aérospatiale respectively.

Top speed is 282 km/h for the AH-6 Little Bird vs 310 km/h for the SA340 Gazelle. The AH-6 Little Bird has an operational range of 430 km vs 361 km for the SA340 Gazelle. The AH-6 Little Bird operates at altitudes up to 4,877 m compared to 4,450 m for the SA340 Gazelle.

The AH-6 Little Bird has been produced in 1,420 units vs 1,775 for the SA340 Gazelle. Unit cost is $7.5M for the AH-6 Little Bird vs $1.7M for the SA340 Gazelle. The AH-6 Little Bird first flew 4 years before the SA340 Gazelle (1963 vs 1967).

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 light utility helicopter, known for its extensive use in military and civil applications since its 1960s introduction.
Aérospatiale SA340 Gazelle Helicopter profile drawing
Origin country 🇫🇷 France
Category Military Helicopters
Manufacturer Aérospatiale
First flight 7 April 1967
Year introduced 1971
Number produced 1775 units
Average unit price $1.7 million
Wingspan 8.4 m
Height 2.6 m
Length 9.2 m
Maximum speed 282 km/h
Operational range 430 km
Service ceiling 4,877 m
Max. takeoff weight 1,610 kg
Empty weight 896 kg
Total thrust 1 x 239 kW
Wingspan 10.5 m
Height 3.2 m
Length 11.9 m
Maximum speed 310 km/h
Operational range 361 km
Service ceiling 4,450 m
Max. takeoff weight 2,100 kg
Empty weight 1,009 kg
Total thrust 1 x 650 kW

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the AH-6 Little Bird or SA340 Gazelle?
The SA340 Gazelle is faster with a maximum speed of 310 km/h compared to the AH-6 Little Bird's 282 km/h, a difference of 28 km/h.
Which has longer range, the AH-6 Little Bird or SA340 Gazelle?
The AH-6 Little Bird has a longer range at 430 km compared to the SA340 Gazelle's 361 km.
Which can fly higher, the AH-6 Little Bird or SA340 Gazelle?
The AH-6 Little Bird has a higher service ceiling at 4,877 meters (16,000 ft) compared to the SA340 Gazelle's 4,450 meters (14,599 ft).
Which is heavier, the AH-6 Little Bird or SA340 Gazelle?
The SA340 Gazelle has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 2,100 kg compared to the AH-6 Little Bird's 1,610 kg.
Which is larger, the AH-6 Little Bird or SA340 Gazelle?
The SA340 Gazelle is longer at 11.9 meters compared to the AH-6 Little Bird's 9.2 meters.
Which is more expensive, the AH-6 Little Bird or SA340 Gazelle?
The AH-6 Little Bird is more expensive at approximately $7.5 million per unit compared to the SA340 Gazelle at $1.7 million.
Which entered service first, the AH-6 Little Bird or SA340 Gazelle?
The SA340 Gazelle entered service first in 1971, 9 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 SA340 Gazelle?
The SA340 Gazelle has been produced in greater numbers with 1,775 units compared to 1,420 units of the AH-6 Little Bird.