AW159 vs MD-500
The AW159 and the MD-500 are both Military Helicopters, manufactured by AgustaWestland and Hughes respectively. Top speed is 291 km/h for the AW159 vs 282 km/h for the MD-500. The AW159 has an operational range of 777 km vs 430 km for the MD-500. The MD-500 operates at altitudes up to 4,877 m compared to 4,000 m for the AW159. At 6,000 kg MTOW, the AW159 is 4.4x the MD-500's 1,361 kg. The AW159 has been produced in 67 units vs 4,700 for the MD-500. Unit cost is $32M for the AW159 vs $4M for the MD-500. The MD-500 first flew 27 years before the AW159 (1982 vs 2009).
| British multi-role helicopter, deployed for battlefield utility, search and rescue, and anti-submarine warfare since modern warfare era. | |
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| Origin country | 🇬🇧 United Kingdom 🇮🇹 Italy |
| Category | Military Helicopters |
| Manufacturer | AgustaWestland |
| First flight | 12 November 2009 |
| Year introduced | 2014 |
| Number produced | 67 units |
| Average unit price | $32 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 | 12.8 m â—‰ |
| Height | 3.8 m â—‰ |
| Length | 15.0 m â—‰ |
| Maximum speed | 291 km/h â—‰ |
| Operational range | 777 km â—‰ |
| Service ceiling | 4,000 m â—‰ |
| Max. takeoff weight | 6,000 kg â—‰ |
| Empty weight | -- kg |
| Total thrust | 2 x 1,015 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 |
| Total thrust | 1 x 313 kW â—‰ |
Performance Radar Chart
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is faster, the AW159 or MD-500?
The AW159 is faster with a maximum speed of 291 km/h compared to the MD-500's 282 km/h, a difference of 9 km/h.
Which has longer range, the AW159 or MD-500?
The AW159 has a longer range at 777 km compared to the MD-500's 430 km.
Which can fly higher, the AW159 or MD-500?
The MD-500 has a higher service ceiling at 4,877 meters (16,000 ft) compared to the AW159's 4,000 meters (13,123 ft).
Which is heavier, the AW159 or MD-500?
The AW159 has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 6,000 kg compared to the MD-500's 1,361 kg.
Which is larger, the AW159 or MD-500?
The AW159 is longer at 15.0 meters compared to the MD-500's 9.4 meters.
Which is more expensive, the AW159 or MD-500?
The AW159 is more expensive at approximately $32 million per unit compared to the MD-500 at $4.0 million.
Which entered service first, the AW159 or MD-500?
The MD-500 entered service first in 1967, 47 years before the AW159 which entered service in 2014.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the AW159 or MD-500?
The MD-500 has been produced in greater numbers with 4,700 units compared to 67 units of the AW159.