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Dhruv vs NH90 / Caiman

HAL Dhruv military helicopters side profile drawing
🇮🇳 Dhruv
NHIndustries NH90 / Caiman military helicopters side profile drawing
🇩🇪🇫🇷🇮🇹🇳🇱 NH90 / Caiman
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Specifications
Dhruv NH90 / Caiman
Origin country 🇮🇳 India 🇩🇪 Germany🇫🇷 France🇮🇹 Italy🇳🇱 Netherlands
Category Military Helicopters Military Helicopters
Manufacturer HAL NHIndustries
First flight 20 August 1992 18 December 1995
Year introduced 2002 2004
Number produced 335 units 471 units
Average unit price $12 million $42 million
Wingspan 13.2 m 16.3 m
Height 5.0 m 5.3 m
Length 15.9 m 19.6 m
Maximum speed 280 km/h 300 km/h
Operational range 630 km 880 km
Service ceiling 4,400 m 6,000 m
Max. takeoff weight 5,580 kg 10,600 kg
Empty weight 4,445 kg 6,400 kg
Total thrust 2 x 807 kW 2 x 1,693 kW
Performance Radar Chart

Overview

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

Top speed is 280 km/h for the Dhruv vs 300 km/h for the NH90 / Caiman. The Dhruv has an operational range of 630 km vs 880 km for the NH90 / Caiman. The NH90 / Caiman operates at altitudes up to 6,000 m compared to 4,400 m for the Dhruv.

The Dhruv has been produced in 335 units vs 471 for the NH90 / Caiman. Unit cost is $12M for the Dhruv vs $42M for the NH90 / Caiman. The Dhruv first flew 3 years before the NH90 / Caiman (1992 vs 1995).

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the Dhruv or NH90 / Caiman?
The NH90 / Caiman is faster with a maximum speed of 300 km/h compared to the Dhruv's 280 km/h, a difference of 20 km/h.
Which has longer range, the Dhruv or NH90 / Caiman?
The NH90 / Caiman has a longer range at 880 km compared to the Dhruv's 630 km.
Which can fly higher, the Dhruv or NH90 / Caiman?
The NH90 / Caiman has a higher service ceiling at 6,000 meters (19,685 ft) compared to the Dhruv's 4,400 meters (14,435 ft).
Which is heavier, the Dhruv or NH90 / Caiman?
The NH90 / Caiman has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 10,600 kg compared to the Dhruv's 5,580 kg.
Which is larger, the Dhruv or NH90 / Caiman?
The NH90 / Caiman is longer at 19.6 meters compared to the Dhruv's 15.9 meters.
Which is more expensive, the Dhruv or NH90 / Caiman?
The NH90 / Caiman is more expensive at approximately $42 million per unit compared to the Dhruv at $12 million.
Which entered service first, the Dhruv or NH90 / Caiman?
The Dhruv entered service first in 2002, 2 years before the NH90 / Caiman which entered service in 2004.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the Dhruv or NH90 / Caiman?
The NH90 / Caiman has been produced in greater numbers with 471 units compared to 335 units of the Dhruv.