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AS565 Panther vs NH90 / Caiman

Airbus Helicopters AS565 Panther military helicopters side profile drawing
🇫🇷 AS565 Panther
NHIndustries NH90 / Caiman military helicopters side profile drawing
🇩🇪🇫🇷🇮🇹🇳🇱 NH90 / Caiman
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Specifications
AS565 Panther NH90 / Caiman
Origin country 🇫🇷 France 🇩🇪 Germany🇫🇷 France🇮🇹 Italy🇳🇱 Netherlands
Category Military Helicopters Military Helicopters
Manufacturer Airbus Helicopters NHIndustries
First flight 28 February 1984 18 December 1995
Year introduced 1986 2004
Number produced N/A 471 units
Average unit price $7 million $42 million
Wing area 112.0 m² -- m²
Wingspan 11.9 m 16.3 m
Height 4.0 m 5.3 m
Length 13.7 m 19.6 m
Maximum speed 306 km/h 300 km/h
Operational range 827 km 880 km
Service ceiling 5,865 m 6,000 m
Max. takeoff weight 4,300 kg 10,600 kg
Empty weight 2,380 kg 6,400 kg
Total thrust 2 x 635 kW 2 x 1,693 kW
Performance Radar Chart

Overview

The AS565 Panther and the NH90 / Caiman are both Military Helicopters, manufactured by Airbus Helicopters and NHIndustries respectively.

Top speed is 306 km/h for the AS565 Panther vs 300 km/h for the NH90 / Caiman. The AS565 Panther has an operational range of 827 km vs 880 km for the NH90 / Caiman. The NH90 / Caiman operates at altitudes up to 6,000 m compared to 5,865 m for the AS565 Panther. At 10,600 kg MTOW, the NH90 / Caiman is 2.5:1 the AS565 Panther's 4,300 kg.

Unit cost is $7M for the AS565 Panther vs $42M for the NH90 / Caiman. The AS565 Panther first flew 11 years before the NH90 / Caiman (1984 vs 1995).

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the AS565 Panther or NH90 / Caiman?
The AS565 Panther is faster with a maximum speed of 306 km/h compared to the NH90 / Caiman's 300 km/h, a difference of 6 km/h.
Which has longer range, the AS565 Panther or NH90 / Caiman?
The NH90 / Caiman has a longer range at 880 km compared to the AS565 Panther's 827 km.
Which can fly higher, the AS565 Panther or NH90 / Caiman?
The NH90 / Caiman has a higher service ceiling at 6,000 meters (19,685 ft) compared to the AS565 Panther's 5,865 meters (19,242 ft).
Which is heavier, the AS565 Panther or NH90 / Caiman?
The NH90 / Caiman has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 10,600 kg compared to the AS565 Panther's 4,300 kg.
Which is larger, the AS565 Panther or NH90 / Caiman?
The NH90 / Caiman is longer at 19.6 meters compared to the AS565 Panther's 13.7 meters.
Which is more expensive, the AS565 Panther or NH90 / Caiman?
The NH90 / Caiman is more expensive at approximately $42 million per unit compared to the AS565 Panther at $7.0 million.
Which entered service first, the AS565 Panther or NH90 / Caiman?
The AS565 Panther entered service first in 1986, 18 years before the NH90 / Caiman which entered service in 2004.