Bell 430 vs MD-500
The Bell 430 and the MD-500 are both Military Helicopters, manufactured by Bell and Hughes respectively. Top speed is 278 km/h for the Bell 430 vs 282 km/h for the MD-500. The Bell 430 has an operational range of 600 km vs 430 km for the MD-500. The Bell 430 operates at altitudes up to 6,096 m compared to 4,877 m for the MD-500. At 4,218 kg MTOW, the Bell 430 is 3.1x the MD-500's 1,361 kg. The Bell 430 has been produced in 136 units vs 4,700 for the MD-500. Unit cost is $10M for the Bell 430 vs $4M for the MD-500. The MD-500 first flew 12 years before the Bell 430 (1982 vs 1994).
| American commercial helicopter, actively utilized globally for medical services and executive transportation since the late 20th century. | |
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| Origin country | 🇺🇸 United States |
| Category | Military Helicopters |
| Manufacturer | Bell |
| First flight | 25 October 1994 |
| Year introduced | 1995 |
| Number produced | 136 units |
| Average unit price | $10 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 | 15.3 m â—‰ |
| Maximum speed | 278 km/h â—‰ |
| Operational range | 600 km â—‰ |
| Service ceiling | 6,096 m â—‰ |
| Max. takeoff weight | 4,218 kg â—‰ |
| Empty weight | 2,406 kg â—‰ |
| Total thrust | 2 x 585 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 Bell 430 or MD-500?
The MD-500 is faster with a maximum speed of 282 km/h compared to the Bell 430's 278 km/h, a difference of 4 km/h.
Which has longer range, the Bell 430 or MD-500?
The Bell 430 has a longer range at 600 km compared to the MD-500's 430 km.
Which can fly higher, the Bell 430 or MD-500?
The Bell 430 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 Bell 430 or MD-500?
The Bell 430 has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 4,218 kg compared to the MD-500's 1,361 kg.
Which is larger, the Bell 430 or MD-500?
The Bell 430 is longer at 15.3 meters compared to the MD-500's 9.4 meters.
Which is more expensive, the Bell 430 or MD-500?
The Bell 430 is more expensive at approximately $10 million per unit compared to the MD-500 at $4.0 million.
Which entered service first, the Bell 430 or MD-500?
The MD-500 entered service first in 1967, 28 years before the Bell 430 which entered service in 1995.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the Bell 430 or MD-500?
The MD-500 has been produced in greater numbers with 4,700 units compared to 136 units of the Bell 430.