AW609 vs NH90 / Caiman

Overview

The AW609 is a Military Special Mission Aircraft built by AgustaWestland, while the NH90 / Caiman is a Military Helicopters by NHIndustries.

Top speed is 509 km/h for the AW609 vs 300 km/h for the NH90 / Caiman. The AW609 has an operational range of 1,389 km vs 880 km for the NH90 / Caiman. The AW609 operates at altitudes up to 7,620 m compared to 6,000 m for the NH90 / Caiman.

Unit cost is $25M for the AW609 vs $42M for the NH90 / Caiman. The NH90 / Caiman first flew 8 years before the AW609 (1995 vs 2003).

Italian-American tiltrotor aircraft, designed for commercial and government purposes, with applications like search and rescue or offshore transport.
AgustaWestland AW609 Other profile drawing
Origin country 🇮🇹 Italy 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Special Mission Aircraft
Manufacturer AgustaWestland
First flight 6 March 2003
Year introduced 2020
Number produced N/A
Average unit price $25 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 11.7 m
Height 5.1 m
Length 14.1 m
Maximum speed 509 km/h
Operational range 1,389 km
Service ceiling 7,620 m
Max. takeoff weight 8,200 kg
Empty weight 4,755 kg
Total thrust 2 x 724 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 AW609 or NH90 / Caiman?
The AW609 is faster with a maximum speed of 509 km/h compared to the NH90 / Caiman's 300 km/h, a difference of 209 km/h.
Which has longer range, the AW609 or NH90 / Caiman?
The AW609 has a longer range at 1,389 km compared to the NH90 / Caiman's 880 km.
Which can fly higher, the AW609 or NH90 / Caiman?
The AW609 has a higher service ceiling at 7,620 meters (25,000 ft) compared to the NH90 / Caiman's 6,000 meters (19,685 ft).
Which is heavier, the AW609 or NH90 / Caiman?
The NH90 / Caiman has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 10,600 kg compared to the AW609's 8,200 kg.
Which is larger, the AW609 or NH90 / Caiman?
The NH90 / Caiman is longer at 19.6 meters compared to the AW609's 14.1 meters.
Which is more expensive, the AW609 or NH90 / Caiman?
The NH90 / Caiman is more expensive at approximately $42 million per unit compared to the AW609 at $25 million.
Which entered service first, the AW609 or NH90 / Caiman?
The NH90 / Caiman entered service first in 2004, 16 years before the AW609 which entered service in 2020.