H135M / EC365 vs MD-500

The H135M / EC365 and the MD-500 are both Military Helicopters, manufactured by Airbus Helicopters and Hughes respectively. Top speed is 287 km/h for the H135M / EC365 vs 282 km/h for the MD-500. The H135M / EC365 has an operational range of 630 km vs 430 km for the MD-500. The H135M / EC365 operates at altitudes up to 6,096 m compared to 4,877 m for the MD-500. At 2,900 kg MTOW, the H135M / EC365 is 2.1x the MD-500's 1,361 kg. The H135M / EC365 has been produced in 1,400 units vs 4,700 for the MD-500. Unit cost is $12M for the H135M / EC365 vs $4M for the MD-500. The MD-500 first flew 12 years before the H135M / EC365 (1982 vs 1994).

European light utility helicopter, prominent in law enforcement, medical services, and military operations worldwide since the late 20th century.
Airbus Helicopters H135M / EC365 Helicopter profile drawing
Origin country 🇫🇷 France
Category Military Helicopters
Manufacturer Airbus Helicopters
First flight 15 February 1994
Year introduced 1996
Number produced 1400 units
Average unit price $12 million
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 🇺🇸 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 10.2 m â—‰
Height 3.5 m â—‰
Length 12.2 m â—‰
Maximum speed 287 km/h â—‰
Operational range 630 km â—‰
Service ceiling 6,096 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 2,900 kg â—‰
Empty weight 1,490 kg â—‰
Total thrust 2 x 519 kW â—‰
Wingspan 8.3 m â—‰
Height 2.6 m â—‰
Length 9.4 m â—‰
Maximum speed 282 km/h â—‰
Operational range 430 km â—‰
Service ceiling 4,877 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 1,361 kg â—‰
Empty weight 672 kg â—‰
Total thrust 1 x 313 kW â—‰

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the H135M / EC365 or MD-500?
The H135M / EC365 is faster with a maximum speed of 287 km/h compared to the MD-500's 282 km/h, a difference of 5 km/h.
Which has longer range, the H135M / EC365 or MD-500?
The H135M / EC365 has a longer range at 630 km compared to the MD-500's 430 km.
Which can fly higher, the H135M / EC365 or MD-500?
The H135M / EC365 has a higher service ceiling at 6,096 meters (20,000 ft) compared to the MD-500's 4,877 meters (16,000 ft).
Which is heavier, the H135M / EC365 or MD-500?
The H135M / EC365 has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 2,900 kg compared to the MD-500's 1,361 kg.
Which is larger, the H135M / EC365 or MD-500?
The H135M / EC365 is longer at 12.2 meters compared to the MD-500's 9.4 meters.
Which is more expensive, the H135M / EC365 or MD-500?
The H135M / EC365 is more expensive at approximately $12 million per unit compared to the MD-500 at $4.0 million.
Which entered service first, the H135M / EC365 or MD-500?
The MD-500 entered service first in 1967, 29 years before the H135M / EC365 which entered service in 1996.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the H135M / EC365 or MD-500?
The MD-500 has been produced in greater numbers with 4,700 units compared to 1,400 units of the H135M / EC365.