Bell 47 vs NH90 / Caiman

Overview

The Bell 47 and the NH90 / Caiman are both Military Helicopters, manufactured by Bell and NHIndustries respectively.

Top speed is 169 km/h for the Bell 47 vs 300 km/h for the NH90 / Caiman. The Bell 47 has an operational range of 396 km vs 880 km for the NH90 / Caiman. At 10,600 kg MTOW, the NH90 / Caiman is 7.9x the Bell 47's 1,338 kg.

The Bell 47 has been produced in 5,600 units vs 471 for the NH90 / Caiman. The Bell 47 first flew 49 years before the NH90 / Caiman (1946 vs 1995).

American single-rotor light helicopter, developed in the mid-1940s and utilized for a wide range of civilian and military applications including reconnaissance and medical evacuation.
Bell Bell 47 Helicopter profile drawing
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Helicopters
Manufacturer Bell
First flight 1 January 1946
Year introduced 1946
Number produced 5600 units
Average unit price --
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
Wing area 100.8 m²
Wingspan 11.3 m â—‰
Height 2.8 m â—‰
Length 9.6 m â—‰
Maximum speed 169 km/h â—‰
Operational range 396 km â—‰
Service ceiling -- m
Max. takeoff weight 1,338 kg â—‰
Empty weight 859 kg â—‰
Total thrust 1 x 210 kW â—‰
Wing area -- m²
Wingspan 16.3 m â—‰
Height 5.3 m â—‰
Length 19.6 m â—‰
Maximum speed 300 km/h â—‰
Operational range 880 km â—‰
Service ceiling 6,000 m
Max. takeoff weight 10,600 kg â—‰
Empty weight 6,400 kg â—‰
Total thrust 2 x 847 kW â—‰

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the Bell 47 or NH90 / Caiman?
The NH90 / Caiman is faster with a maximum speed of 300 km/h compared to the Bell 47's 169 km/h, a difference of 131 km/h.
Which has longer range, the Bell 47 or NH90 / Caiman?
The NH90 / Caiman has a longer range at 880 km compared to the Bell 47's 396 km.
Which can fly higher, the Bell 47 or NH90 / Caiman?
The NH90 / Caiman has a higher service ceiling at 6,000 meters (19,685 ft) compared to the Bell 47's 0 meters (0 ft).
Which is heavier, the Bell 47 or NH90 / Caiman?
The NH90 / Caiman has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 10,600 kg compared to the Bell 47's 1,338 kg.
Which is larger, the Bell 47 or NH90 / Caiman?
The NH90 / Caiman is longer at 19.6 meters compared to the Bell 47's 9.6 meters.
Which entered service first, the Bell 47 or NH90 / Caiman?
The Bell 47 entered service first in 1946, 58 years before the NH90 / Caiman which entered service in 2004.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the Bell 47 or NH90 / Caiman?
The Bell 47 has been produced in greater numbers with 5,600 units compared to 471 units of the NH90 / Caiman.