Dhruv vs MD-500
The Dhruv and the MD-500 are both Military Helicopters, manufactured by HAL and Hughes respectively. Top speed is 280 km/h for the Dhruv vs 282 km/h for the MD-500. The Dhruv has an operational range of 630 km vs 430 km for the MD-500. The MD-500 operates at altitudes up to 4,877 m compared to 4,400 m for the Dhruv. At 5,580 kg MTOW, the Dhruv is 4.1x the MD-500's 1,361 kg. The Dhruv has been produced in 335 units vs 4,700 for the MD-500. Unit cost is $12M for the Dhruv vs $4M for the MD-500. The MD-500 first flew 10 years before the Dhruv (1982 vs 1992).
| Indian utility helicopter, notable for extensive deployment in diverse Indian military and civil operations since the early 2000s. | |
|
|
| Origin country | 🇮🇳 India |
| Category | Military Helicopters |
| Manufacturer | HAL |
| First flight | 20 August 1992 |
| Year introduced | 2002 |
| Number produced | 335 units |
| Average unit price | $12 million |
| American light helicopter, renowned during the Cold War era, predominantly deployed for law enforcement and utility applications. | |
|
|
| 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 | 13.2 m â—‰ |
| Height | 5.0 m â—‰ |
| Length | 15.9 m â—‰ |
| Maximum speed | 280 km/h â—‰ |
| Operational range | 630 km â—‰ |
| Service ceiling | 4,400 m â—‰ |
| Max. takeoff weight | 5,580 kg â—‰ |
| Empty weight | 4,445 kg â—‰ |
| Total thrust | 2 x 807 kW â—‰ |
| Wingspan | 8.3 m â—‰ |
| Height | 2.6 m â—‰ |
| Length | 9.4 m â—‰ |
| Maximum speed | 282 km/h â—‰ |
| Operational range | 430 km â—‰ |
| Service ceiling | 4,877 m â—‰ |
| Max. takeoff weight | 1,361 kg â—‰ |
| Empty weight | 672 kg â—‰ |
| Total thrust | 1 x 313 kW â—‰ |
Performance Radar Chart
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is faster, the Dhruv or MD-500?
The MD-500 is faster with a maximum speed of 282 km/h compared to the Dhruv's 280 km/h, a difference of 2 km/h.
Which has longer range, the Dhruv or MD-500?
The Dhruv has a longer range at 630 km compared to the MD-500's 430 km.
Which can fly higher, the Dhruv or MD-500?
The MD-500 has a higher service ceiling at 4,877 meters (16,000 ft) compared to the Dhruv's 4,400 meters (14,435 ft).
Which is heavier, the Dhruv or MD-500?
The Dhruv has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 5,580 kg compared to the MD-500's 1,361 kg.
Which is larger, the Dhruv or MD-500?
The Dhruv is longer at 15.9 meters compared to the MD-500's 9.4 meters.
Which is more expensive, the Dhruv or MD-500?
The Dhruv is more expensive at approximately $12 million per unit compared to the MD-500 at $4.0 million.
Which entered service first, the Dhruv or MD-500?
The MD-500 entered service first in 1967, 35 years before the Dhruv which entered service in 2002.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the Dhruv or MD-500?
The MD-500 has been produced in greater numbers with 4,700 units compared to 335 units of the Dhruv.