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AW109 vs MD-500

AW109 vs MD-500 at a glance — top speed 311 vs 282 km/h, range 932 vs 430 km, max takeoff weight 3,000 vs 1,361 kg, built 124 vs 4,700 units.

AgustaWestland AW109 military helicopters side profile drawing
🇬🇧🇮🇹 AW109
Hughes MD-500 military helicopters side profile drawing
🇺🇸 MD-500
Specifications
AW109 MD-500
Origin country 🇬🇧 United Kingdom🇮🇹 Italy 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Helicopters Military Helicopters
Manufacturer AgustaWestland Hughes
First flight 4 August 1971 28 January 1982
Year introduced 1976 1967
Number produced 124 units 4700 units
Average unit price $8 million $4 million
Wingspan 11.0 m 8.3 m
Height 3.5 m 2.6 m
Length 13.0 m 9.4 m
Maximum speed 311 km/h 282 km/h
Operational range 932 km 430 km
Service ceiling 6,000 m 4,877 m
Max. takeoff weight 3,000 kg 1,361 kg
Empty weight 2,000 kg 672 kg
Total thrust 2 x 426 kW 1 x 313 kW
Performance Radar Chart
Change comparison vs

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.