H125M / AS550 Fennec vs MD-500
The H125M / AS550 Fennec and the MD-500 are both Military Helicopters, manufactured by Aérospatiale and Hughes respectively. Top speed is 260 km/h for the H125M / AS550 Fennec vs 282 km/h for the MD-500. The H125M / AS550 Fennec has an operational range of 720 km vs 430 km for the MD-500. The MD-500 operates at altitudes up to 4,877 m compared to 4,600 m for the H125M / AS550 Fennec. The H125M / AS550 Fennec has been produced in 531 units vs 4,700 for the MD-500. Unit cost is $5M for the H125M / AS550 Fennec vs $4M for the MD-500. The H125M / AS550 Fennec first flew 8 years before the MD-500 (1974 vs 1982).
| French military variant helicopter, notable for service in Desert Storm and Afghanistan, widely employed for scouting and light attack roles. | |
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| Origin country | 🇫🇷 France |
| Category | Military Helicopters |
| Manufacturer | Aérospatiale |
| First flight | 27 June 1974 |
| Year introduced | 1990 |
| Number produced | 531 units |
| Average unit price | $5 million |
| American light helicopter, renowned during the Cold War era, predominantly deployed for law enforcement and utility applications. | |
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| 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 | 12.9 m ◉ |
| Height | 3.1 m ◉ |
| Length | 10.9 m ◉ |
| Maximum speed | 260 km/h ◉ |
| Operational range | 720 km ◉ |
| Service ceiling | 4,600 m ◉ |
| Max. takeoff weight | 2,250 kg ◉ |
| Empty weight | 1,174 kg ◉ |
| Total thrust | 1 x 632 kW ◉ |
| Wingspan | 8.3 m ◉ |
| Height | 2.6 m ◉ |
| Length | 9.4 m ◉ |
| Maximum speed | 282 km/h ◉ |
| Operational range | 430 km ◉ |
| Service ceiling | 4,877 m ◉ |
| Max. takeoff weight | 1,361 kg ◉ |
| Empty weight | 672 kg ◉ |
| Total thrust | 1 x 313 kW ◉ |
Performance Radar Chart
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is faster, the H125M / AS550 Fennec or MD-500?
The MD-500 is faster with a maximum speed of 282 km/h compared to the H125M / AS550 Fennec's 260 km/h, a difference of 22 km/h.
Which has longer range, the H125M / AS550 Fennec or MD-500?
The H125M / AS550 Fennec has a longer range at 720 km compared to the MD-500's 430 km.
Which can fly higher, the H125M / AS550 Fennec or MD-500?
The MD-500 has a higher service ceiling at 4,877 meters (16,000 ft) compared to the H125M / AS550 Fennec's 4,600 meters (15,091 ft).
Which is heavier, the H125M / AS550 Fennec or MD-500?
The H125M / AS550 Fennec has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 2,250 kg compared to the MD-500's 1,361 kg.
Which is larger, the H125M / AS550 Fennec or MD-500?
The H125M / AS550 Fennec is longer at 10.9 meters compared to the MD-500's 9.4 meters.
Which is more expensive, the H125M / AS550 Fennec or MD-500?
The H125M / AS550 Fennec is more expensive at approximately $5.0 million per unit compared to the MD-500 at $4.0 million.
Which entered service first, the H125M / AS550 Fennec or MD-500?
The MD-500 entered service first in 1967, 23 years before the H125M / AS550 Fennec which entered service in 1990.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the H125M / AS550 Fennec or MD-500?
The MD-500 has been produced in greater numbers with 4,700 units compared to 531 units of the H125M / AS550 Fennec.