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Bell 412 vs MD-500

Bell 412 vs MD-500 at a glance — top speed 260 vs 282 km/h, range 980 vs 430 km, max takeoff weight 5,398 vs 1,361 kg, built 1,300 vs 4,700 units.

Bell 412 military helicopters side profile drawing
🇨🇦🇺🇸 Bell 412
Hughes MD-500 military helicopters side profile drawing
🇺🇸 MD-500
Specifications
Bell 412 MD-500
Origin country 🇨🇦 Canada🇺🇸 United States 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Helicopters Military Helicopters
Manufacturer Bell Hughes
First flight 1 August 1979 28 January 1982
Year introduced 1981 1967
Number produced 1300 units 4700 units
Average unit price $15 million $4 million
Wing area 154.4 m² -- m²
Wingspan 14.0 m 8.3 m
Height 4.6 m 2.6 m
Length 17.1 m 9.4 m
Maximum speed 260 km/h 282 km/h
Operational range 980 km 430 km
Service ceiling 6,100 m 4,877 m
Max. takeoff weight 5,398 kg 1,361 kg
Empty weight 3,079 kg 672 kg
Total thrust 1 x 930 kW 1 x 313 kW
Performance Radar Chart
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the Bell 412 or MD-500?
The MD-500 is faster with a maximum speed of 282 km/h compared to the Bell 412's 260 km/h, a difference of 22 km/h.
Which has longer range, the Bell 412 or MD-500?
The Bell 412 has a longer range at 980 km compared to the MD-500's 430 km.
Which can fly higher, the Bell 412 or MD-500?
The Bell 412 has a higher service ceiling at 6,100 meters (20,013 ft) compared to the MD-500's 4,877 meters (16,000 ft).
Which is heavier, the Bell 412 or MD-500?
The Bell 412 has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 5,398 kg compared to the MD-500's 1,361 kg.
Which is larger, the Bell 412 or MD-500?
The Bell 412 is longer at 17.1 meters compared to the MD-500's 9.4 meters.
Which is more expensive, the Bell 412 or MD-500?
The Bell 412 is more expensive at approximately $15 million per unit compared to the MD-500 at $4.0 million.
Which entered service first, the Bell 412 or MD-500?
The MD-500 entered service first in 1967, 14 years before the Bell 412 which entered service in 1981.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the Bell 412 or MD-500?
The MD-500 has been produced in greater numbers with 4,700 units compared to 1,300 units of the Bell 412.