CH-46 Sea Knight vs MD-500
Overview
The CH-46 Sea Knight and the MD-500 are both Military Helicopters, manufactured by Boeing/Vertol and Hughes respectively.
Top speed is 266 km/h for the CH-46 Sea Knight vs 282 km/h for the MD-500. The CH-46 Sea Knight has an operational range of 1,020 km vs 430 km for the MD-500. The MD-500 operates at altitudes up to 4,877 m compared to 4,267 m for the CH-46 Sea Knight. At 11,000 kg MTOW, the CH-46 Sea Knight is 8.1x the MD-500's 1,361 kg.
The CH-46 Sea Knight has been produced in 524 units vs 4,700 for the MD-500. Unit cost is $14M for the CH-46 Sea Knight vs $4M for the MD-500. The CH-46 Sea Knight first flew 24 years before the MD-500 (1958 vs 1982).
| American medium-lift tandem rotor helicopter, notably deployed in Vietnam and Iraq, used for troop transportation and search and rescue operations. | |
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| Origin country | 🇺🇸 United States |
| Category | Military Helicopters |
| Manufacturer | Boeing/Vertol |
| First flight | 22 April 1958 |
| Year introduced | 1964 |
| Number produced | 524 units |
| Average unit price | $14 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 | 16.0 m ◉ |
| Height | 5.1 m ◉ |
| Length | 13.9 m ◉ |
| Maximum speed | 266 km/h ◉ |
| Operational range | 1,020 km ◉ |
| Service ceiling | 4,267 m ◉ |
| Max. takeoff weight | 11,000 kg ◉ |
| Empty weight | 7,047 kg ◉ |
| Total thrust | 2 x 700 kW ◉ |
| Wingspan | 8.3 m ◉ |
| Height | 2.6 m ◉ |
| Length | 9.4 m ◉ |
| Maximum speed | 282 km/h ◉ |
| Operational range | 430 km ◉ |
| Service ceiling | 4,877 m ◉ |
| Max. takeoff weight | 1,361 kg ◉ |
| Empty weight | 672 kg ◉ |
| Total thrust | 1 x 313 kW ◉ |
Performance Radar Chart
Detailed Comparison
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which is faster, the CH-46 Sea Knight or MD-500?
The MD-500 is faster with a maximum speed of 282 km/h compared to the CH-46 Sea Knight's 266 km/h, a difference of 16 km/h.
Which has longer range, the CH-46 Sea Knight or MD-500?
The CH-46 Sea Knight has a longer range at 1,020 km compared to the MD-500's 430 km.
Which can fly higher, the CH-46 Sea Knight or MD-500?
The MD-500 has a higher service ceiling at 4,877 meters (16,000 ft) compared to the CH-46 Sea Knight's 4,267 meters (13,999 ft).
Which is heavier, the CH-46 Sea Knight or MD-500?
The CH-46 Sea Knight has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 11,000 kg compared to the MD-500's 1,361 kg.
Which is larger, the CH-46 Sea Knight or MD-500?
The CH-46 Sea Knight is longer at 13.9 meters compared to the MD-500's 9.4 meters.
Which is more expensive, the CH-46 Sea Knight or MD-500?
The CH-46 Sea Knight is more expensive at approximately $14 million per unit compared to the MD-500 at $4.0 million.
Which entered service first, the CH-46 Sea Knight or MD-500?
The CH-46 Sea Knight entered service first in 1964, 3 years before the MD-500 which entered service in 1967.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the CH-46 Sea Knight or MD-500?
The MD-500 has been produced in greater numbers with 4,700 units compared to 524 units of the CH-46 Sea Knight.