A129 Mangusta vs MD-500

The A129 Mangusta and the MD-500 are both Military Helicopters, manufactured by Agusta and Hughes respectively. Top speed is 278 km/h for the A129 Mangusta vs 282 km/h for the MD-500. The A129 Mangusta has an operational range of 510 km vs 430 km for the MD-500. The MD-500 operates at altitudes up to 4,877 m compared to 4,724 m for the A129 Mangusta. At 4,600 kg MTOW, the A129 Mangusta is 3.4x the MD-500's 1,361 kg. The A129 Mangusta has been produced in 60 units vs 4,700 for the MD-500. Unit cost is $22M for the A129 Mangusta vs $4M for the MD-500. The MD-500 first flew 1 years before the A129 Mangusta (1982 vs 1983).

Italian attack helicopter, designed in the 1980s, extensively deployed for reconnaissance, fire support, and anti-armour operations.
Agusta A129 Mangusta Helicopter profile drawing
Origin country 🇮🇹 Italy
Category Military Helicopters
Manufacturer Agusta
First flight 15 September 1983
Year introduced 1990
Number produced 60 units
Average unit price $22 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 11.9 m â—‰
Height 3.4 m â—‰
Length 12.3 m â—‰
Maximum speed 278 km/h â—‰
Operational range 510 km â—‰
Service ceiling 4,724 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 4,600 kg â—‰
Empty weight 2,530 kg â—‰
Total thrust 2 x 664 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 A129 Mangusta or MD-500?
The MD-500 is faster with a maximum speed of 282 km/h compared to the A129 Mangusta's 278 km/h, a difference of 4 km/h.
Which has longer range, the A129 Mangusta or MD-500?
The A129 Mangusta has a longer range at 510 km compared to the MD-500's 430 km.
Which can fly higher, the A129 Mangusta or MD-500?
The MD-500 has a higher service ceiling at 4,877 meters (16,000 ft) compared to the A129 Mangusta's 4,724 meters (15,498 ft).
Which is heavier, the A129 Mangusta or MD-500?
The A129 Mangusta has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 4,600 kg compared to the MD-500's 1,361 kg.
Which is larger, the A129 Mangusta or MD-500?
The A129 Mangusta is longer at 12.3 meters compared to the MD-500's 9.4 meters.
Which is more expensive, the A129 Mangusta or MD-500?
The A129 Mangusta is more expensive at approximately $22 million per unit compared to the MD-500 at $4.0 million.
Which entered service first, the A129 Mangusta or MD-500?
The MD-500 entered service first in 1967, 23 years before the A129 Mangusta which entered service in 1990.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the A129 Mangusta or MD-500?
The MD-500 has been produced in greater numbers with 4,700 units compared to 60 units of the A129 Mangusta.