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AS565 Panther vs MD-500

Airbus Helicopters AS565 Panther military helicopters side profile drawing
🇫🇷 AS565 Panther
Hughes MD-500 military helicopters side profile drawing
🇺🇸 MD-500
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Specifications
AS565 Panther MD-500
Origin country 🇫🇷 France 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Helicopters Military Helicopters
Manufacturer Airbus Helicopters Hughes
First flight 28 February 1984 28 January 1982
Year introduced 1986 1967
Number produced N/A 4700 units
Average unit price $7 million $4 million
Wing area 112.0 m² -- m²
Wingspan 11.9 m 8.3 m
Height 4.0 m 2.6 m
Length 13.7 m 9.4 m
Maximum speed 306 km/h 282 km/h
Operational range 827 km 430 km
Service ceiling 5,865 m 4,877 m
Max. takeoff weight 4,300 kg 1,361 kg
Empty weight 2,380 kg 672 kg
Total thrust 2 x 318 kW 1 x 313 kW
Performance Radar Chart

Overview

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).

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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.