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H120 / EC120 Colibri vs MD-500

H120 / EC120 Colibri vs MD-500 at a glance — top speed 278 vs 282 km/h, range 727 vs 430 km, max takeoff weight 1,700 vs 1,361 kg, built 700 vs 4,700 units.

Airbus Helicopters H120 / EC120 Colibri military helicopters side profile drawing
🇫🇷 H120 / EC120 Colibri
Hughes MD-500 military helicopters side profile drawing
🇺🇸 MD-500
Specifications
H120 / EC120 Colibri MD-500
Origin country 🇫🇷 France 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Helicopters Military Helicopters
Manufacturer Airbus Helicopters Hughes
First flight 9 June 1995 28 January 1982
Year introduced 1998 1967
Number produced 700 units 4700 units
Average unit price -- $4 million
Wingspan 10.0 m 8.3 m
Height 3.4 m 2.6 m
Length 11.5 m 9.4 m
Maximum speed 278 km/h 282 km/h
Operational range 727 km 430 km
Service ceiling 17,600 m 4,877 m
Max. takeoff weight 1,700 kg 1,361 kg
Empty weight 950 kg 672 kg
Total thrust 1 x 376 kW 1 x 313 kW
Performance Radar Chart
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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.