AW119 vs MD-500

Overview

The AW119 and the MD-500 are both Military Helicopters, manufactured by AgustaWestland and Hughes respectively.

Top speed is 282 km/h for the AW119 vs 282 km/h for the MD-500. The AW119 has an operational range of 954 km vs 430 km for the MD-500. The MD-500 operates at altitudes up to 4,877 m compared to 4,572 m for the AW119. At 2,850 kg MTOW, the AW119 is 2.1x the MD-500's 1,361 kg.

The AW119 has been produced in 300 units vs 4,700 for the MD-500. Unit cost is $3.1M for the AW119 vs $4M for the MD-500. The MD-500 first flew 13 years before the AW119 (1982 vs 1995).

Italian utility helicopter, known for service with law enforcement and military units globally, designed in the late 20th century.
AgustaWestland AW119 Helicopter profile drawing
Origin country 🇬🇧 United Kingdom 🇮🇹 Italy
Category Military Helicopters
Manufacturer AgustaWestland
First flight 1 February 1995
Year introduced 2000
Number produced 300 units
Average unit price $3.1 million
American light helicopter, renowned during the Cold War era, predominantly deployed for law enforcement and utility applications.
Hughes MD-500 Helicopter profile drawing
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 10.8 m
Height 3.6 m
Length 12.9 m
Maximum speed 282 km/h
Operational range 954 km
Service ceiling 4,572 m
Max. takeoff weight 2,850 kg
Empty weight 1,483 kg
Total thrust 1 x 747 kW
Wingspan 8.3 m
Height 2.6 m
Length 9.4 m
Maximum speed 282 km/h
Operational range 430 km
Service ceiling 4,877 m
Max. takeoff weight 1,361 kg
Empty weight 672 kg
Total thrust 1 x 313 kW

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the AW119 or MD-500?
The MD-500 is faster with a maximum speed of 282 km/h compared to the AW119's 282 km/h, a difference of 0 km/h.
Which has longer range, the AW119 or MD-500?
The AW119 has a longer range at 954 km compared to the MD-500's 430 km.
Which can fly higher, the AW119 or MD-500?
The MD-500 has a higher service ceiling at 4,877 meters (16,000 ft) compared to the AW119's 4,572 meters (15,000 ft).
Which is heavier, the AW119 or MD-500?
The AW119 has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 2,850 kg compared to the MD-500's 1,361 kg.
Which is larger, the AW119 or MD-500?
The AW119 is longer at 12.9 meters compared to the MD-500's 9.4 meters.
Which is more expensive, the AW119 or MD-500?
The MD-500 is more expensive at approximately $4.0 million per unit compared to the AW119 at $3.1 million.
Which entered service first, the AW119 or MD-500?
The MD-500 entered service first in 1967, 33 years before the AW119 which entered service in 2000.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the AW119 or MD-500?
The MD-500 has been produced in greater numbers with 4,700 units compared to 300 units of the AW119.