AW101 vs MD-500
The AW101 and the MD-500 are both Military Helicopters, manufactured by AgustaWestland and Hughes respectively. Top speed is 309 km/h for the AW101 vs 282 km/h for the MD-500. The AW101 has an operational range of 1,389 km vs 430 km for the MD-500. The MD-500 operates at altitudes up to 4,877 m compared to 2,600 m for the AW101. At 12,900 kg MTOW, the AW101 is 9.5x the MD-500's 1,361 kg. The AW101 has been produced in 137 units vs 4,700 for the MD-500. Unit cost is $70M for the AW101 vs $4M for the MD-500. The AW101 first flew 18 years before the MD-500 (1964 vs 1982).
| British-Italian medium-lift helicopter, notable for search and rescue, anti-submarine warfare, and troop transport operations globally since the early 2000s. | |
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| Origin country | 🇬🇧 United Kingdom 🇮🇹 Italy |
| Category | Military Helicopters |
| Manufacturer | AgustaWestland |
| First flight | 19 October 1964 |
| Year introduced | 1999 |
| Number produced | 137 units |
| Average unit price | $70 million |
| American light helicopter, renowned during the Cold War era, predominantly deployed for law enforcement and utility applications. | |
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| 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 |
| Wingspan | 18.6 m â—‰ |
| Height | 6.6 m â—‰ |
| Length | 20.4 m â—‰ |
| Maximum speed | 309 km/h â—‰ |
| Operational range | 1,389 km â—‰ |
| Service ceiling | 2,600 m â—‰ |
| Max. takeoff weight | 12,900 kg â—‰ |
| Empty weight | 6,850 kg â—‰ |
| Total thrust | 3 x 1,044 kW â—‰ |
| 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 AW101 or MD-500?
The AW101 is faster with a maximum speed of 309 km/h compared to the MD-500's 282 km/h, a difference of 27 km/h.
Which has longer range, the AW101 or MD-500?
The AW101 has a longer range at 1,389 km compared to the MD-500's 430 km.
Which can fly higher, the AW101 or MD-500?
The MD-500 has a higher service ceiling at 4,877 meters (16,000 ft) compared to the AW101's 2,600 meters (8,530 ft).
Which is heavier, the AW101 or MD-500?
The AW101 has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 12,900 kg compared to the MD-500's 1,361 kg.
Which is larger, the AW101 or MD-500?
The AW101 is longer at 20.4 meters compared to the MD-500's 9.4 meters.
Which is more expensive, the AW101 or MD-500?
The AW101 is more expensive at approximately $70 million per unit compared to the MD-500 at $4.0 million.
Which entered service first, the AW101 or MD-500?
The MD-500 entered service first in 1967, 32 years before the AW101 which entered service in 1999.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the AW101 or MD-500?
The MD-500 has been produced in greater numbers with 4,700 units compared to 137 units of the AW101.