H215M / AS532 Cougar vs MD-500
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).
| French utility helicopter, notable for search and rescue missions, extensively utilized in military and civilian sectors since the 1970s. | |
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| 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 |
| 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 | 15.6 m â—‰ |
| Height | 4.8 m â—‰ |
| Length | 18.7 m â—‰ |
| Maximum speed | 250 km/h â—‰ |
| Operational range | 573 km â—‰ |
| Service ceiling | 4,100 m â—‰ |
| Max. takeoff weight | 9,000 kg â—‰ |
| Empty weight | 4,330 kg â—‰ |
| Total thrust | 2 x 593 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 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.