H215M / AS532 Cougar vs MD-500

Overview

The H215M / AS532 Cougar and the MD-500 are both Military Helicopters, manufactured by Airbus Helicopters and Hughes respectively.

Top speed is 250 km/h for the H215M / AS532 Cougar vs 282 km/h for the MD-500. The H215M / AS532 Cougar has an operational range of 573 km vs 430 km for the MD-500. The MD-500 operates at altitudes up to 4,877 m compared to 4,100 m for the H215M / AS532 Cougar. At 9,000 kg MTOW, the H215M / AS532 Cougar is 6.6x the MD-500's 1,361 kg.

The H215M / AS532 Cougar has been produced in 408 units vs 4,700 for the MD-500. Unit cost is $18M for the H215M / AS532 Cougar vs $4M for the MD-500. The H215M / AS532 Cougar first flew 4 years before the MD-500 (1978 vs 1982).

H215M / AS532 Cougar

French utility helicopter, notable for search and rescue missions, extensively utilized in military and civilian sectors since the 1970s.
Airbus Helicopters H215M / AS532 Cougar Helicopter profile drawing
Origin country 🇩🇪 Germany 🇫🇷 France
Category Military Helicopters
Manufacturer Airbus Helicopters
First flight 1 September 1978
Year introduced 1978
Number produced 408 units
Average unit price $18 million
→ View full H215M / AS532 Cougar details

MD-500

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
→ View full MD-500 details

H215M / AS532 Cougar

Wingspan 15.6 m ◉
Height 4.8 m ◉
Length 18.7 m ◉
Maximum speed 250 km/h ◉
Operational range 573 km ◉
Service ceiling 4,100 m ◉
Max. takeoff weight 9,000 kg ◉
Empty weight 4,330 kg ◉
Total thrust 2 x 593 kW ◉

MD-500

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 H215M / AS532 Cougar or MD-500?
The MD-500 is faster with a maximum speed of 282 km/h compared to the H215M / AS532 Cougar's 250 km/h, a difference of 32 km/h.
Which has longer range, the H215M / AS532 Cougar or MD-500?
The H215M / AS532 Cougar has a longer range at 573 km compared to the MD-500's 430 km.
Which can fly higher, the H215M / AS532 Cougar or MD-500?
The MD-500 has a higher service ceiling at 4,877 meters (16,000 ft) compared to the H215M / AS532 Cougar's 4,100 meters (13,451 ft).
Which is heavier, the H215M / AS532 Cougar or MD-500?
The H215M / AS532 Cougar has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 9,000 kg compared to the MD-500's 1,361 kg.
Which is larger, the H215M / AS532 Cougar or MD-500?
The H215M / AS532 Cougar is longer at 18.7 meters compared to the MD-500's 9.4 meters.
Which is more expensive, the H215M / AS532 Cougar or MD-500?
The H215M / AS532 Cougar is more expensive at approximately $18 million per unit compared to the MD-500 at $4.0 million.
Which entered service first, the H215M / AS532 Cougar or MD-500?
The MD-500 entered service first in 1967, 11 years before the H215M / AS532 Cougar which entered service in 1978.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the H215M / AS532 Cougar or MD-500?
The MD-500 has been produced in greater numbers with 4,700 units compared to 408 units of the H215M / AS532 Cougar.

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