Bell 430 vs SA340 Gazelle
The Bell 430 and the SA340 Gazelle are both Military Helicopters, manufactured by Bell and Aérospatiale respectively. Top speed is 278 km/h for the Bell 430 vs 310 km/h for the SA340 Gazelle. The Bell 430 has an operational range of 600 km vs 361 km for the SA340 Gazelle. The Bell 430 operates at altitudes up to 6,096 m compared to 4,450 m for the SA340 Gazelle. At 4,218 kg MTOW, the Bell 430 is 2.0x the SA340 Gazelle's 2,100 kg. The Bell 430 has been produced in 136 units vs 1,775 for the SA340 Gazelle. Unit cost is $10M for the Bell 430 vs $1.7M for the SA340 Gazelle. The SA340 Gazelle first flew 27 years before the Bell 430 (1967 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 |
| French light utility helicopter, known for its extensive use in military and civil applications since its 1960s introduction. | |
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| Origin country | 🇫🇷 France |
| Category | Military Helicopters |
| Manufacturer | Aérospatiale |
| First flight | 7 April 1967 |
| Year introduced | 1971 |
| Number produced | 1775 units |
| Average unit price | $1.7 million |
| Wingspan | 12.8 m ◉ |
| Height | 3.8 m ◉ |
| Length | 15.3 m ◉ |
| Maximum speed | 278 km/h ◉ |
| Operational range | 600 km ◉ |
| Service ceiling | 6,096 m ◉ |
| Max. takeoff weight | 4,218 kg ◉ |
| Empty weight | 2,406 kg ◉ |
| Total thrust | 2 x 293 kW ◉ |
| Wingspan | 10.5 m ◉ |
| Height | 3.2 m ◉ |
| Length | 11.9 m ◉ |
| Maximum speed | 310 km/h ◉ |
| Operational range | 361 km ◉ |
| Service ceiling | 4,450 m ◉ |
| Max. takeoff weight | 2,100 kg ◉ |
| Empty weight | 1,009 kg ◉ |
| Total thrust | 1 x 650 kW ◉ |
Performance Radar Chart
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is faster, the Bell 430 or SA340 Gazelle?
The SA340 Gazelle is faster with a maximum speed of 310 km/h compared to the Bell 430's 278 km/h, a difference of 32 km/h.
Which has longer range, the Bell 430 or SA340 Gazelle?
The Bell 430 has a longer range at 600 km compared to the SA340 Gazelle's 361 km.
Which can fly higher, the Bell 430 or SA340 Gazelle?
The Bell 430 has a higher service ceiling at 6,096 meters (20,000 ft) compared to the SA340 Gazelle's 4,450 meters (14,599 ft).
Which is heavier, the Bell 430 or SA340 Gazelle?
The Bell 430 has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 4,218 kg compared to the SA340 Gazelle's 2,100 kg.
Which is larger, the Bell 430 or SA340 Gazelle?
The Bell 430 is longer at 15.3 meters compared to the SA340 Gazelle's 11.9 meters.
Which is more expensive, the Bell 430 or SA340 Gazelle?
The Bell 430 is more expensive at approximately $10 million per unit compared to the SA340 Gazelle at $1.7 million.
Which entered service first, the Bell 430 or SA340 Gazelle?
The SA340 Gazelle entered service first in 1971, 24 years before the Bell 430 which entered service in 1995.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the Bell 430 or SA340 Gazelle?
The SA340 Gazelle has been produced in greater numbers with 1,775 units compared to 136 units of the Bell 430.