H120 / EC120 Colibri vs MD-500

Overview

The H120 / EC120 Colibri and the MD-500 are both Military Helicopters, manufactured by Airbus Helicopters and Hughes respectively.

Top speed is 278 km/h for the H120 / EC120 Colibri vs 282 km/h for the MD-500. The H120 / EC120 Colibri has an operational range of 727 km vs 430 km for the MD-500. The H120 / EC120 Colibri operates at altitudes up to 17,600 m compared to 4,877 m for the MD-500.

The H120 / EC120 Colibri has been produced in 700 units vs 4,700 for the MD-500. The MD-500 first flew 13 years before the H120 / EC120 Colibri (1982 vs 1995).

French light utility helicopter, notable for widespread civil use and law enforcement operations since the late 20th century.
Airbus Helicopters H120 / EC120 Colibri Helicopter profile drawing
Origin country πŸ‡«πŸ‡· France
Category Military Helicopters
Manufacturer Airbus Helicopters
First flight 9 June 1995
Year introduced 1998
Number produced 700 units
Average unit price --
American light helicopter, renowned during the Cold War era, predominantly deployed for law enforcement and utility applications.
Hughes MD-500 Helicopter profile drawing
Origin country πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ 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 10.0 m β—‰
Height 3.4 m β—‰
Length 11.5 m β—‰
Maximum speed 278 km/h β—‰
Operational range 727 km β—‰
Service ceiling 17,600 m β—‰
Max. takeoff weight 1,700 kg β—‰
Empty weight 950 kg β—‰
Total thrust 1 x 376 kW β—‰
Wingspan 8.3 m β—‰
Height 2.6 m β—‰
Length 9.4 m β—‰
Maximum speed 282 km/h β—‰
Operational range 430 km β—‰
Service ceiling 4,877 m β—‰
Max. takeoff weight 1,361 kg β—‰
Empty weight 672 kg β—‰
Total thrust 1 x 313 kW β—‰

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the H120 / EC120 Colibri or MD-500?
The MD-500 is faster with a maximum speed of 282 km/h compared to the H120 / EC120 Colibri's 278 km/h, a difference of 4 km/h.
Which has longer range, the H120 / EC120 Colibri or MD-500?
The H120 / EC120 Colibri has a longer range at 727 km compared to the MD-500's 430 km.
Which can fly higher, the H120 / EC120 Colibri or MD-500?
The H120 / EC120 Colibri has a higher service ceiling at 17,600 meters (57,742 ft) compared to the MD-500's 4,877 meters (16,000 ft).
Which is heavier, the H120 / EC120 Colibri or MD-500?
The H120 / EC120 Colibri has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 1,700 kg compared to the MD-500's 1,361 kg.
Which is larger, the H120 / EC120 Colibri or MD-500?
The H120 / EC120 Colibri is longer at 11.5 meters compared to the MD-500's 9.4 meters.
Which entered service first, the H120 / EC120 Colibri or MD-500?
The MD-500 entered service first in 1967, 31 years before the H120 / EC120 Colibri which entered service in 1998.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the H120 / EC120 Colibri or MD-500?
The MD-500 has been produced in greater numbers with 4,700 units compared to 700 units of the H120 / EC120 Colibri.