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CH-46 Sea Knight vs NH90 / Caiman

Boeing Vertol CH-46 Sea Knight military helicopters side profile drawing
NHIndustries NH90 / Caiman military helicopters side profile drawing
🇩🇪🇫🇷🇮🇹🇳🇱 NH90 / Caiman
Change comparison vs
Specifications
CH-46 Sea Knight NH90 / Caiman
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇩🇪 Germany🇫🇷 France🇮🇹 Italy🇳🇱 Netherlands
Category Military Helicopters Military Helicopters
Manufacturer Boeing Vertol NHIndustries
First flight 22 April 1958 18 December 1995
Year introduced 1964 2004
Number produced 524 units 471 units
Average unit price $14 million $42 million
Wingspan 16.0 m 16.3 m
Height 5.1 m 5.3 m
Length 13.9 m 19.6 m
Maximum speed 266 km/h 300 km/h
Operational range 1,020 km 880 km
Service ceiling 4,267 m 6,000 m
Max. takeoff weight 11,000 kg 10,600 kg
Empty weight 7,047 kg 6,400 kg
Total thrust 2 x 1,400 kW 2 x 1,693 kW
Performance Radar Chart

Overview

The CH-46 Sea Knight and the NH90 / Caiman are both Military Helicopters, manufactured by Boeing Vertol and NHIndustries respectively.

Top speed is 266 km/h for the CH-46 Sea Knight vs 300 km/h for the NH90 / Caiman. The CH-46 Sea Knight has an operational range of 1,020 km vs 880 km for the NH90 / Caiman. The NH90 / Caiman operates at altitudes up to 6,000 m compared to 4,267 m for the CH-46 Sea Knight.

The CH-46 Sea Knight has been produced in 524 units vs 471 for the NH90 / Caiman. Unit cost is $14M for the CH-46 Sea Knight vs $42M for the NH90 / Caiman. The CH-46 Sea Knight first flew 37 years before the NH90 / Caiman (1958 vs 1995).

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the CH-46 Sea Knight or NH90 / Caiman?
The NH90 / Caiman is faster with a maximum speed of 300 km/h compared to the CH-46 Sea Knight's 266 km/h, a difference of 34 km/h.
Which has longer range, the CH-46 Sea Knight or NH90 / Caiman?
The CH-46 Sea Knight has a longer range at 1,020 km compared to the NH90 / Caiman's 880 km.
Which can fly higher, the CH-46 Sea Knight or NH90 / Caiman?
The NH90 / Caiman has a higher service ceiling at 6,000 meters (19,685 ft) compared to the CH-46 Sea Knight's 4,267 meters (13,999 ft).
Which is heavier, the CH-46 Sea Knight or NH90 / Caiman?
The CH-46 Sea Knight has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 11,000 kg compared to the NH90 / Caiman's 10,600 kg.
Which is larger, the CH-46 Sea Knight or NH90 / Caiman?
The NH90 / Caiman is longer at 19.6 meters compared to the CH-46 Sea Knight's 13.9 meters.
Which is more expensive, the CH-46 Sea Knight or NH90 / Caiman?
The NH90 / Caiman is more expensive at approximately $42 million per unit compared to the CH-46 Sea Knight at $14 million.
Which entered service first, the CH-46 Sea Knight or NH90 / Caiman?
The CH-46 Sea Knight entered service first in 1964, 40 years before the NH90 / Caiman which entered service in 2004.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the CH-46 Sea Knight or NH90 / Caiman?
The CH-46 Sea Knight has been produced in greater numbers with 524 units compared to 471 units of the NH90 / Caiman.