AW109 vs Bell 47

Overview

The AW109 and the Bell 47 are both Military Helicopters, manufactured by AgustaWestland and Bell respectively.

Top speed is 311 km/h for the AW109 vs 169 km/h for the Bell 47. The AW109 has an operational range of 932 km vs 396 km for the Bell 47. At 3,000 kg MTOW, the AW109 is 2.2x the Bell 47's 1,338 kg.

The AW109 has been produced in 124 units vs 5,600 for the Bell 47. The Bell 47 first flew 25 years before the AW109 (1946 vs 1971).

Italian multipurpose helicopter, notable for its use in law enforcement, air ambulance and military roles since the late 1970s.
AgustaWestland AW109 Helicopter profile drawing
Origin country 🇬🇧 United Kingdom 🇮🇹 Italy
Category Military Helicopters
Manufacturer AgustaWestland
First flight 4 August 1971
Year introduced 1976
Number produced 124 units
Average unit price $8 million
American single-rotor light helicopter, developed in the mid-1940s and utilized for a wide range of civilian and military applications including reconnaissance and medical evacuation.
Bell Bell 47 Helicopter profile drawing
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Helicopters
Manufacturer Bell
First flight 1 January 1946
Year introduced 1946
Number produced 5600 units
Average unit price --
Wing area -- m²
Wingspan 11.0 m â—‰
Height 3.5 m â—‰
Length 13.0 m â—‰
Maximum speed 311 km/h â—‰
Operational range 932 km â—‰
Service ceiling 6,000 m
Max. takeoff weight 3,000 kg â—‰
Empty weight 2,000 kg â—‰
Total thrust 2 x 213 kW â—‰
Wing area 100.8 m²
Wingspan 11.3 m â—‰
Height 2.8 m â—‰
Length 9.6 m â—‰
Maximum speed 169 km/h â—‰
Operational range 396 km â—‰
Service ceiling -- m
Max. takeoff weight 1,338 kg â—‰
Empty weight 859 kg â—‰
Total thrust 1 x 210 kW â—‰

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the AW109 or Bell 47?
The AW109 is faster with a maximum speed of 311 km/h compared to the Bell 47's 169 km/h, a difference of 142 km/h.
Which has longer range, the AW109 or Bell 47?
The AW109 has a longer range at 932 km compared to the Bell 47's 396 km.
Which can fly higher, the AW109 or Bell 47?
The AW109 has a higher service ceiling at 6,000 meters (19,685 ft) compared to the Bell 47's 0 meters (0 ft).
Which is heavier, the AW109 or Bell 47?
The AW109 has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 3,000 kg compared to the Bell 47's 1,338 kg.
Which is larger, the AW109 or Bell 47?
The AW109 is longer at 13.0 meters compared to the Bell 47's 9.6 meters.
Which entered service first, the AW109 or Bell 47?
The Bell 47 entered service first in 1946, 30 years before the AW109 which entered service in 1976.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the AW109 or Bell 47?
The Bell 47 has been produced in greater numbers with 5,600 units compared to 124 units of the AW109.