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H120 / EC120 Colibri vs SA340 Gazelle

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Specifications
H120 / EC120 Colibri SA340 Gazelle
Origin country 🇫🇷 France 🇫🇷 France
Category Military Helicopters Military Helicopters
Manufacturer Airbus Helicopters Aérospatiale
First flight 9 June 1995 7 April 1967
Year introduced 1998 1971
Number produced 700 units 1775 units
Average unit price -- $1.7 million
Wingspan 10.0 m 10.5 m
Height 3.4 m 3.2 m
Length 11.5 m 11.9 m
Maximum speed 278 km/h 310 km/h
Operational range 727 km 361 km
Service ceiling 17,600 m 4,450 m
Max. takeoff weight 1,700 kg 2,100 kg
Empty weight 950 kg 1,009 kg
Total thrust 1 x 376 kW 1 x 650 kW
Performance Radar Chart

Overview

The H120 / EC120 Colibri and the SA340 Gazelle are both Military Helicopters, manufactured by Airbus Helicopters and Aérospatiale respectively.

Top speed is 278 km/h for the H120 / EC120 Colibri vs 310 km/h for the SA340 Gazelle. The H120 / EC120 Colibri has an operational range of 727 km vs 361 km for the SA340 Gazelle. The H120 / EC120 Colibri operates at altitudes up to 17,600 m compared to 4,450 m for the SA340 Gazelle.

The H120 / EC120 Colibri has been produced in 700 units vs 1,775 for the SA340 Gazelle. The SA340 Gazelle first flew 28 years before the H120 / EC120 Colibri (1967 vs 1995).

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the H120 / EC120 Colibri or SA340 Gazelle?
The SA340 Gazelle is faster with a maximum speed of 310 km/h compared to the H120 / EC120 Colibri's 278 km/h, a difference of 32 km/h.
Which has longer range, the H120 / EC120 Colibri or SA340 Gazelle?
The H120 / EC120 Colibri has a longer range at 727 km compared to the SA340 Gazelle's 361 km.
Which can fly higher, the H120 / EC120 Colibri or SA340 Gazelle?
The H120 / EC120 Colibri has a higher service ceiling at 17,600 meters (57,742 ft) compared to the SA340 Gazelle's 4,450 meters (14,599 ft).
Which is heavier, the H120 / EC120 Colibri or SA340 Gazelle?
The SA340 Gazelle has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 2,100 kg compared to the H120 / EC120 Colibri's 1,700 kg.
Which is larger, the H120 / EC120 Colibri or SA340 Gazelle?
The SA340 Gazelle is longer at 11.9 meters compared to the H120 / EC120 Colibri's 11.5 meters.
Which entered service first, the H120 / EC120 Colibri or SA340 Gazelle?
The SA340 Gazelle entered service first in 1971, 27 years before the H120 / EC120 Colibri which entered service in 1998.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the H120 / EC120 Colibri or SA340 Gazelle?
The SA340 Gazelle has been produced in greater numbers with 1,775 units compared to 700 units of the H120 / EC120 Colibri.