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H215M / AS532 Cougar vs NH90 / Caiman

Airbus Helicopters H215M / AS532 Cougar military helicopters side profile drawing
🇩🇪🇫🇷 H215M / AS532 Cougar
NHIndustries NH90 / Caiman military helicopters side profile drawing
🇩🇪🇫🇷🇮🇹🇳🇱 NH90 / Caiman
Change comparison vs
Specifications
H215M / AS532 Cougar NH90 / Caiman
Origin country 🇩🇪 Germany🇫🇷 France 🇩🇪 Germany🇫🇷 France🇮🇹 Italy🇳🇱 Netherlands
Category Military Helicopters Military Helicopters
Manufacturer Airbus Helicopters NHIndustries
First flight 1 September 1978 18 December 1995
Year introduced 1978 2004
Number produced 408 units 471 units
Average unit price $18 million $42 million
Wingspan 15.6 m 16.3 m
Height 4.8 m 5.3 m
Length 18.7 m 19.6 m
Maximum speed 250 km/h 300 km/h
Operational range 573 km 880 km
Service ceiling 4,100 m 6,000 m
Max. takeoff weight 9,000 kg 10,600 kg
Empty weight 4,330 kg 6,400 kg
Total thrust 2 x 593 kW 2 x 847 kW
Performance Radar Chart

Overview

The H215M / AS532 Cougar and the NH90 / Caiman are both Military Helicopters, manufactured by Airbus Helicopters and NHIndustries respectively.

Top speed is 250 km/h for the H215M / AS532 Cougar vs 300 km/h for the NH90 / Caiman. The H215M / AS532 Cougar has an operational range of 573 km vs 880 km for the NH90 / Caiman. The NH90 / Caiman operates at altitudes up to 6,000 m compared to 4,100 m for the H215M / AS532 Cougar.

The H215M / AS532 Cougar has been produced in 408 units vs 471 for the NH90 / Caiman. Unit cost is $18M for the H215M / AS532 Cougar vs $42M for the NH90 / Caiman. The H215M / AS532 Cougar first flew 17 years before the NH90 / Caiman (1978 vs 1995).

Related Comparisons
H215M / AS532 Cougar vs H225M / EC725 Caracal NH90 / Caiman vs Mi-8 Hip H215M / AS532 Cougar vs Mi-8 Hip H215M / AS532 Cougar vs UH-1 Iroquois "Huey" H215M / AS532 Cougar vs Mi-17 Hip-H H215M / AS532 Cougar vs 206 JetRanger

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the H215M / AS532 Cougar or NH90 / Caiman?
The NH90 / Caiman is faster with a maximum speed of 300 km/h compared to the H215M / AS532 Cougar's 250 km/h, a difference of 50 km/h.
Which has longer range, the H215M / AS532 Cougar or NH90 / Caiman?
The NH90 / Caiman has a longer range at 880 km compared to the H215M / AS532 Cougar's 573 km.
Which can fly higher, the H215M / AS532 Cougar or NH90 / Caiman?
The NH90 / Caiman has a higher service ceiling at 6,000 meters (19,685 ft) compared to the H215M / AS532 Cougar's 4,100 meters (13,451 ft).
Which is heavier, the H215M / AS532 Cougar or NH90 / Caiman?
The NH90 / Caiman has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 10,600 kg compared to the H215M / AS532 Cougar's 9,000 kg.
Which is larger, the H215M / AS532 Cougar or NH90 / Caiman?
The NH90 / Caiman is longer at 19.6 meters compared to the H215M / AS532 Cougar's 18.7 meters.
Which is more expensive, the H215M / AS532 Cougar or NH90 / Caiman?
The NH90 / Caiman is more expensive at approximately $42 million per unit compared to the H215M / AS532 Cougar at $18 million.
Which entered service first, the H215M / AS532 Cougar or NH90 / Caiman?
The H215M / AS532 Cougar entered service first in 1978, 26 years before the NH90 / Caiman which entered service in 2004.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the H215M / AS532 Cougar or NH90 / Caiman?
The NH90 / Caiman has been produced in greater numbers with 471 units compared to 408 units of the H215M / AS532 Cougar.