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AW159 vs NH90 / Caiman

AgustaWestland AW159 military helicopters side profile drawing
🇬🇧🇮🇹 AW159
NHIndustries NH90 / Caiman military helicopters side profile drawing
🇩🇪🇫🇷🇮🇹🇳🇱 NH90 / Caiman
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Specifications
AW159 NH90 / Caiman
Origin country 🇬🇧 United Kingdom🇮🇹 Italy 🇩🇪 Germany🇫🇷 France🇮🇹 Italy🇳🇱 Netherlands
Category Military Helicopters Military Helicopters
Manufacturer AgustaWestland NHIndustries
First flight 12 November 2009 18 December 1995
Year introduced 2014 2004
Number produced 67 units 471 units
Average unit price $32 million $42 million
Wingspan 12.8 m 16.3 m
Height 3.8 m 5.3 m
Length 15.0 m 19.6 m
Maximum speed 291 km/h 300 km/h
Operational range 777 km 880 km
Service ceiling 4,000 m 6,000 m
Max. takeoff weight 6,000 kg 10,600 kg
Empty weight 3,300 kg 6,400 kg
Total thrust 2 x 1,015 kW 2 x 1,693 kW
Performance Radar Chart

Overview

The AW159 and the NH90 / Caiman are both Military Helicopters, manufactured by AgustaWestland and NHIndustries respectively.

Top speed is 291 km/h for the AW159 vs 300 km/h for the NH90 / Caiman. The AW159 has an operational range of 777 km vs 880 km for the NH90 / Caiman. The NH90 / Caiman operates at altitudes up to 6,000 m compared to 4,000 m for the AW159.

The AW159 has been produced in 67 units vs 471 for the NH90 / Caiman. Unit cost is $32M for the AW159 vs $42M for the NH90 / Caiman. The NH90 / Caiman first flew 14 years before the AW159 (1995 vs 2009).

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the AW159 or NH90 / Caiman?
The NH90 / Caiman is faster with a maximum speed of 300 km/h compared to the AW159's 291 km/h, a difference of 9 km/h.
Which has longer range, the AW159 or NH90 / Caiman?
The NH90 / Caiman has a longer range at 880 km compared to the AW159's 777 km.
Which can fly higher, the AW159 or NH90 / Caiman?
The NH90 / Caiman has a higher service ceiling at 6,000 meters (19,685 ft) compared to the AW159's 4,000 meters (13,123 ft).
Which is heavier, the AW159 or NH90 / Caiman?
The NH90 / Caiman has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 10,600 kg compared to the AW159's 6,000 kg.
Which is larger, the AW159 or NH90 / Caiman?
The NH90 / Caiman is longer at 19.6 meters compared to the AW159's 15.0 meters.
Which is more expensive, the AW159 or NH90 / Caiman?
The NH90 / Caiman is more expensive at approximately $42 million per unit compared to the AW159 at $32 million.
Which entered service first, the AW159 or NH90 / Caiman?
The NH90 / Caiman entered service first in 2004, 10 years before the AW159 which entered service in 2014.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the AW159 or NH90 / Caiman?
The NH90 / Caiman has been produced in greater numbers with 471 units compared to 67 units of the AW159.