AW109 vs MD-500
The AW109 and the MD-500 are both Military Helicopters, manufactured by AgustaWestland and Hughes respectively. Top speed is 311 km/h for the AW109 vs 282 km/h for the MD-500. The AW109 has an operational range of 932 km vs 430 km for the MD-500. The AW109 operates at altitudes up to 6,000 m compared to 4,877 m for the MD-500. At 3,000 kg MTOW, the AW109 is 2.2x the MD-500's 1,361 kg. The AW109 has been produced in 124 units vs 4,700 for the MD-500. Unit cost is $8M for the AW109 vs $4M for the MD-500. The AW109 first flew 11 years before the MD-500 (1971 vs 1982).
| Italian multipurpose helicopter, notable for its use in law enforcement, air ambulance and military roles since the late 1970s. | |
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| 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 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 | 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 â—‰ |
| Max. takeoff weight | 3,000 kg â—‰ |
| Empty weight | 2,000 kg â—‰ |
| Total thrust | 2 x 426 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 AW109 or MD-500?
The AW109 is faster with a maximum speed of 311 km/h compared to the MD-500's 282 km/h, a difference of 29 km/h.
Which has longer range, the AW109 or MD-500?
The AW109 has a longer range at 932 km compared to the MD-500's 430 km.
Which can fly higher, the AW109 or MD-500?
The AW109 has a higher service ceiling at 6,000 meters (19,685 ft) compared to the MD-500's 4,877 meters (16,000 ft).
Which is heavier, the AW109 or MD-500?
The AW109 has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 3,000 kg compared to the MD-500's 1,361 kg.
Which is larger, the AW109 or MD-500?
The AW109 is longer at 13.0 meters compared to the MD-500's 9.4 meters.
Which is more expensive, the AW109 or MD-500?
The AW109 is more expensive at approximately $8.0 million per unit compared to the MD-500 at $4.0 million.
Which entered service first, the AW109 or MD-500?
The MD-500 entered service first in 1967, 9 years before the AW109 which entered service in 1976.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the AW109 or MD-500?
The MD-500 has been produced in greater numbers with 4,700 units compared to 124 units of the AW109.