AW139 vs MD-500
The AW139 and the MD-500 are both Military Helicopters, manufactured by AgustaWestland and Hughes respectively. Top speed is 310 km/h for the AW139 vs 282 km/h for the MD-500. The AW139 has an operational range of 1,061 km vs 430 km for the MD-500. The AW139 operates at altitudes up to 6,096 m compared to 4,877 m for the MD-500. At 6,400 kg MTOW, the AW139 is 4.7x the MD-500's 1,361 kg. The AW139 has been produced in 1,100 units vs 4,700 for the MD-500. Unit cost is $15M for the AW139 vs $4M for the MD-500. The MD-500 first flew 19 years before the AW139 (1982 vs 2001).
| Italian multi-purpose helicopter, highly significant in SAR, EMS, offshore transportation, law enforcement roles, since its introduction in 2003. | |
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| Origin country | 🇬🇧 United Kingdom 🇮🇹 Italy |
| Category | Military Helicopters |
| Manufacturer | AgustaWestland |
| First flight | 3 February 2001 |
| Year introduced | 2003 |
| Number produced | 1100 units |
| Average unit price | $15 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 | 13.8 m â—‰ |
| Height | 3.7 m â—‰ |
| Length | 13.8 m â—‰ |
| Maximum speed | 310 km/h â—‰ |
| Operational range | 1,061 km â—‰ |
| Service ceiling | 6,096 m â—‰ |
| Max. takeoff weight | 6,400 kg â—‰ |
| Empty weight | 3,622 kg â—‰ |
| Total thrust | 2 x 1,141 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 AW139 or MD-500?
The AW139 is faster with a maximum speed of 310 km/h compared to the MD-500's 282 km/h, a difference of 28 km/h.
Which has longer range, the AW139 or MD-500?
The AW139 has a longer range at 1,061 km compared to the MD-500's 430 km.
Which can fly higher, the AW139 or MD-500?
The AW139 has a higher service ceiling at 6,096 meters (20,000 ft) compared to the MD-500's 4,877 meters (16,000 ft).
Which is heavier, the AW139 or MD-500?
The AW139 has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 6,400 kg compared to the MD-500's 1,361 kg.
Which is larger, the AW139 or MD-500?
The AW139 is longer at 13.8 meters compared to the MD-500's 9.4 meters.
Which is more expensive, the AW139 or MD-500?
The AW139 is more expensive at approximately $15 million per unit compared to the MD-500 at $4.0 million.
Which entered service first, the AW139 or MD-500?
The MD-500 entered service first in 1967, 36 years before the AW139 which entered service in 2003.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the AW139 or MD-500?
The MD-500 has been produced in greater numbers with 4,700 units compared to 1,100 units of the AW139.