AS565 Panther vs MD-500

The AS565 Panther and the MD-500 are both Military Helicopters, manufactured by Airbus Helicopters and Hughes respectively. Top speed is 306 km/h for the AS565 Panther vs 282 km/h for the MD-500. The AS565 Panther has an operational range of 827 km vs 430 km for the MD-500. The AS565 Panther operates at altitudes up to 5,865 m compared to 4,877 m for the MD-500. At 4,300 kg MTOW, the AS565 Panther is 3.2x the MD-500's 1,361 kg. Unit cost is $7M for the AS565 Panther vs $4M for the MD-500. The MD-500 first flew 2 years before the AS565 Panther (1982 vs 1984).

French multipurpose military helicopter, used extensively in combat search and rescue, antisubmarine warfare, and transport tasks since the 1980s.
Airbus Helicopters AS565 Panther Helicopter profile drawing
Origin country 🇫🇷 France
Category Military Helicopters
Manufacturer Airbus Helicopters
First flight 28 February 1984
Year introduced 1986
Number produced N/A
Average unit price $7 million
American light helicopter, renowned during the Cold War era, predominantly deployed for law enforcement and utility applications.
Hughes MD-500 Helicopter profile drawing
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Helicopters
Manufacturer Hughes
First flight 28 January 1982
Year introduced 1967
Number produced 4700 units
Average unit price $4 million
Wing area 112.0 m²
Wingspan 11.9 m â—‰
Height 4.0 m â—‰
Length 13.7 m â—‰
Maximum speed 306 km/h â—‰
Operational range 827 km â—‰
Service ceiling 5,865 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 4,300 kg â—‰
Empty weight 2,380 kg â—‰
Total thrust 2 x 635 kW â—‰
Wing area -- m²
Wingspan 8.3 m â—‰
Height 2.6 m â—‰
Length 9.4 m â—‰
Maximum speed 282 km/h â—‰
Operational range 430 km â—‰
Service ceiling 4,877 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 1,361 kg â—‰
Empty weight 672 kg â—‰
Total thrust 1 x 313 kW â—‰

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the AS565 Panther or MD-500?
The AS565 Panther is faster with a maximum speed of 306 km/h compared to the MD-500's 282 km/h, a difference of 24 km/h.
Which has longer range, the AS565 Panther or MD-500?
The AS565 Panther has a longer range at 827 km compared to the MD-500's 430 km.
Which can fly higher, the AS565 Panther or MD-500?
The AS565 Panther has a higher service ceiling at 5,865 meters (19,242 ft) compared to the MD-500's 4,877 meters (16,000 ft).
Which is heavier, the AS565 Panther or MD-500?
The AS565 Panther has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 4,300 kg compared to the MD-500's 1,361 kg.
Which is larger, the AS565 Panther or MD-500?
The AS565 Panther is longer at 13.7 meters compared to the MD-500's 9.4 meters.
Which is more expensive, the AS565 Panther or MD-500?
The AS565 Panther is more expensive at approximately $7.0 million per unit compared to the MD-500 at $4.0 million.
Which entered service first, the AS565 Panther or MD-500?
The MD-500 entered service first in 1967, 19 years before the AS565 Panther which entered service in 1986.