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AW109 vs Bell 430

AW109 vs Bell 430 at a glance — top speed 311 vs 278 km/h, range 932 vs 600 km, max takeoff weight 3,000 vs 4,218 kg, built 124 vs 136 units.

AgustaWestland AW109 military helicopters side profile drawing
🇬🇧🇮🇹 AW109
Bell 430 military helicopters side profile drawing
🇺🇸 Bell 430
Specifications
AW109 Bell 430
Origin country 🇬🇧 United Kingdom🇮🇹 Italy 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Helicopters Military Helicopters
Manufacturer AgustaWestland Bell
First flight 4 August 1971 25 October 1994
Year introduced 1976 1995
Number produced 124 units 136 units
Average unit price $8 million $10 million
Wingspan 11.0 m 12.8 m
Height 3.5 m 3.8 m
Length 13.0 m 15.3 m
Maximum speed 311 km/h 278 km/h
Operational range 932 km 600 km
Service ceiling 6,000 m 6,096 m
Max. takeoff weight 3,000 kg 4,218 kg
Empty weight 2,000 kg 2,406 kg
Total thrust 2 x 426 kW 2 x 585 kW
Performance Radar Chart
Change comparison vs

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the AW109 or Bell 430?
The AW109 is faster with a maximum speed of 311 km/h compared to the Bell 430's 278 km/h, a difference of 33 km/h.
Which has longer range, the AW109 or Bell 430?
The AW109 has a longer range at 932 km compared to the Bell 430's 600 km.
Which can fly higher, the AW109 or Bell 430?
The Bell 430 has a higher service ceiling at 6,096 meters (20,000 ft) compared to the AW109's 6,000 meters (19,685 ft).
Which is heavier, the AW109 or Bell 430?
The Bell 430 has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 4,218 kg compared to the AW109's 3,000 kg.
Which is larger, the AW109 or Bell 430?
The Bell 430 is longer at 15.3 meters compared to the AW109's 13.0 meters.
Which is more expensive, the AW109 or Bell 430?
The Bell 430 is more expensive at approximately $10 million per unit compared to the AW109 at $8.0 million.
Which entered service first, the AW109 or Bell 430?
The AW109 entered service first in 1976, 19 years before the Bell 430 which entered service in 1995.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the AW109 or Bell 430?
The Bell 430 has been produced in greater numbers with 136 units compared to 124 units of the AW109.