A129 Mangusta vs NH90 / Caiman

The A129 Mangusta and the NH90 / Caiman are both Military Helicopters, manufactured by Agusta and NHIndustries respectively. Top speed is 278 km/h for the A129 Mangusta vs 300 km/h for the NH90 / Caiman. The A129 Mangusta has an operational range of 510 km vs 880 km for the NH90 / Caiman. The NH90 / Caiman operates at altitudes up to 6,000 m compared to 4,724 m for the A129 Mangusta. At 10,600 kg MTOW, the NH90 / Caiman is 2.3x the A129 Mangusta's 4,600 kg. The A129 Mangusta has been produced in 60 units vs 471 for the NH90 / Caiman. Unit cost is $22M for the A129 Mangusta vs $42M for the NH90 / Caiman. The A129 Mangusta first flew 12 years before the NH90 / Caiman (1983 vs 1995).

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
European multinational medium-sized military helicopter, known for deployment in various peace-keeping and combat missions since the 1990s.
NHIndustries NH90 / Caiman Helicopter profile drawing
Origin country 🇩🇪 Germany 🇫🇷 France 🇮🇹 Italy 🇳🇱 Netherlands
Category Military Helicopters
Manufacturer NHIndustries
First flight 18 December 1995
Year introduced 2004
Number produced 471 units
Average unit price $42 million
Wingspan 11.9 m
Height 3.4 m
Length 12.3 m
Maximum speed 278 km/h
Operational range 510 km
Service ceiling 4,724 m
Max. takeoff weight 4,600 kg
Empty weight 2,530 kg
Total thrust 2 x 332 kW
Wingspan 16.3 m
Height 5.3 m
Length 19.6 m
Maximum speed 300 km/h
Operational range 880 km
Service ceiling 6,000 m
Max. takeoff weight 10,600 kg
Empty weight 6,400 kg
Total thrust 2 x 847 kW

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the A129 Mangusta or NH90 / Caiman?
The NH90 / Caiman is faster with a maximum speed of 300 km/h compared to the A129 Mangusta's 278 km/h, a difference of 22 km/h.
Which has longer range, the A129 Mangusta or NH90 / Caiman?
The NH90 / Caiman has a longer range at 880 km compared to the A129 Mangusta's 510 km.
Which can fly higher, the A129 Mangusta or NH90 / Caiman?
The NH90 / Caiman has a higher service ceiling at 6,000 meters (19,685 ft) compared to the A129 Mangusta's 4,724 meters (15,498 ft).
Which is heavier, the A129 Mangusta or NH90 / Caiman?
The NH90 / Caiman has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 10,600 kg compared to the A129 Mangusta's 4,600 kg.
Which is larger, the A129 Mangusta or NH90 / Caiman?
The NH90 / Caiman is longer at 19.6 meters compared to the A129 Mangusta's 12.3 meters.
Which is more expensive, the A129 Mangusta or NH90 / Caiman?
The NH90 / Caiman is more expensive at approximately $42 million per unit compared to the A129 Mangusta at $22 million.
Which entered service first, the A129 Mangusta or NH90 / Caiman?
The A129 Mangusta entered service first in 1990, 14 years before the NH90 / Caiman which entered service in 2004.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the A129 Mangusta or NH90 / Caiman?
The NH90 / Caiman has been produced in greater numbers with 471 units compared to 60 units of the A129 Mangusta.