GlobalMilitary.net Open-source military intelligence Updated daily
Head-to-head

AH-6 Little Bird vs TH-55 Osage

Boeing AH-6 Little Bird military helicopters side profile drawing
🇺🇸 AH-6 Little Bird
Hughes TH-55 Osage military helicopters side profile drawing
🇺🇸 TH-55 Osage
Change comparison vs
Specifications
AH-6 Little Bird TH-55 Osage
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Helicopters Military Helicopters
Manufacturer Boeing Hughes
First flight 27 February 1963 2 October 1956
Year introduced 1980 1961
Number produced 1420 units 2800 units
Average unit price $7.5 million --
Wingspan 8.4 m 7.7 m
Height 2.6 m 2.5 m
Length 9.2 m 8.8 m
Maximum speed 282 km/h 140 km/h
Operational range 430 km 480 km
Service ceiling 4,877 m 4,000 m
Max. takeoff weight 1,610 kg 703 kg
Empty weight 896 kg 435 kg
Total thrust 1 x 239 kW 1 x 130 kW
Performance Radar Chart

Overview

The AH-6 Little Bird and the TH-55 Osage are both Military Helicopters, manufactured by Boeing and Hughes respectively.

The AH-6 Little Bird reaches 282 km/h — 2.0x the TH-55 Osage's 140 km/h. The AH-6 Little Bird has an operational range of 430 km vs 480 km for the TH-55 Osage. The AH-6 Little Bird operates at altitudes up to 4,877 m compared to 4,000 m for the TH-55 Osage. At 1,610 kg MTOW, the AH-6 Little Bird is 2.3x the TH-55 Osage's 703 kg.

The AH-6 Little Bird has been produced in 1,420 units vs 2,800 for the TH-55 Osage. The TH-55 Osage first flew 7 years before the AH-6 Little Bird (1956 vs 1963).

Related Comparisons
AH-6 Little Bird vs Mi-8 Hip AH-6 Little Bird vs Mi-17 Hip-H AH-6 Little Bird vs 206 JetRanger AH-6 Little Bird vs Mi-2 Hoplite AH-6 Little Bird vs UH-60 Black Hawk AH-6 Little Bird vs MD-500

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the AH-6 Little Bird or TH-55 Osage?
The AH-6 Little Bird is faster with a maximum speed of 282 km/h compared to the TH-55 Osage's 140 km/h, a difference of 142 km/h.
Which has longer range, the AH-6 Little Bird or TH-55 Osage?
The TH-55 Osage has a longer range at 480 km compared to the AH-6 Little Bird's 430 km.
Which can fly higher, the AH-6 Little Bird or TH-55 Osage?
The AH-6 Little Bird has a higher service ceiling at 4,877 meters (16,000 ft) compared to the TH-55 Osage's 4,000 meters (13,123 ft).
Which is heavier, the AH-6 Little Bird or TH-55 Osage?
The AH-6 Little Bird has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 1,610 kg compared to the TH-55 Osage's 703 kg.
Which is larger, the AH-6 Little Bird or TH-55 Osage?
The AH-6 Little Bird is longer at 9.2 meters compared to the TH-55 Osage's 8.8 meters.
Which entered service first, the AH-6 Little Bird or TH-55 Osage?
The TH-55 Osage 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 TH-55 Osage?
The TH-55 Osage has been produced in greater numbers with 2,800 units compared to 1,420 units of the AH-6 Little Bird.