Bell 47 vs SA321 Super Frelon

Overview

The Bell 47 and the SA321 Super Frelon are both Military Helicopters, manufactured by Bell and Aérospatiale respectively.

Top speed is 169 km/h for the Bell 47 vs 275 km/h for the SA321 Super Frelon. The Bell 47 has an operational range of 396 km vs 1,020 km for the SA321 Super Frelon. At 13,000 kg MTOW, the SA321 Super Frelon is 9.7x the Bell 47's 1,338 kg.

The Bell 47 has been produced in 5,600 units vs 110 for the SA321 Super Frelon. The Bell 47 first flew 16 years before the SA321 Super Frelon (1946 vs 1962).

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 --
French heavy transport helicopter, operational during the Cold War, prominently used by China, France, and Israel.
Aérospatiale SA321 Super Frelon Helicopter profile drawing
Origin country 🇫🇷 France
Category Military Helicopters
Manufacturer Aérospatiale
First flight 7 December 1962
Year introduced 1966
Number produced 110 units
Average unit price $3.5 million
Wing area 100.8 m²
Wingspan 11.3 m
Height 2.8 m
Length 9.6 m
Maximum speed 169 km/h
Operational range 396 km
Service ceiling -- m
Max. takeoff weight 1,338 kg
Empty weight 859 kg
Total thrust 1 x 210 kW
Wing area -- m²
Wingspan 18.9 m
Height 6.7 m
Length 23.0 m
Maximum speed 275 km/h
Operational range 1,020 km
Service ceiling 3,100 m
Max. takeoff weight 13,000 kg
Empty weight 6,865 kg
Total thrust 3 x 385 kW

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the Bell 47 or SA321 Super Frelon?
The SA321 Super Frelon is faster with a maximum speed of 275 km/h compared to the Bell 47's 169 km/h, a difference of 106 km/h.
Which has longer range, the Bell 47 or SA321 Super Frelon?
The SA321 Super Frelon has a longer range at 1,020 km compared to the Bell 47's 396 km.
Which can fly higher, the Bell 47 or SA321 Super Frelon?
The SA321 Super Frelon has a higher service ceiling at 3,100 meters (10,170 ft) compared to the Bell 47's 0 meters (0 ft).
Which is heavier, the Bell 47 or SA321 Super Frelon?
The SA321 Super Frelon has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 13,000 kg compared to the Bell 47's 1,338 kg.
Which is larger, the Bell 47 or SA321 Super Frelon?
The SA321 Super Frelon is longer at 23.0 meters compared to the Bell 47's 9.6 meters.
Which entered service first, the Bell 47 or SA321 Super Frelon?
The Bell 47 entered service first in 1946, 20 years before the SA321 Super Frelon which entered service in 1966.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the Bell 47 or SA321 Super Frelon?
The Bell 47 has been produced in greater numbers with 5,600 units compared to 110 units of the SA321 Super Frelon.