Ka-27 Helix vs MD-500

The Ka-27 Helix and the MD-500 are both Military Helicopters, manufactured by Kamov and Hughes respectively. Top speed is 270 km/h for the Ka-27 Helix vs 282 km/h for the MD-500. The Ka-27 Helix has an operational range of 980 km vs 430 km for the MD-500. The Ka-27 Helix operates at altitudes up to 5,000 m compared to 4,877 m for the MD-500. At 12,000 kg MTOW, the Ka-27 Helix is 8.8x the MD-500's 1,361 kg. The Ka-27 Helix has been produced in 201 units vs 4,700 for the MD-500. The Ka-27 Helix first flew 9 years before the MD-500 (1973 vs 1982).

Soviet maritime helicopter, primarily deployed for anti-submarine warfare and rescue operations during the Cold War era.
Kamov Ka-27 Helix Helicopter profile drawing
Origin country 🇨🇳 Ex-USSR
Category Military Helicopters
Manufacturer Kamov
First flight 8 August 1973
Year introduced 1982
Number produced 201 units
Average unit price $-- 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 15.8 m â—‰
Height 5.5 m â—‰
Length 11.3 m â—‰
Maximum speed 270 km/h â—‰
Operational range 980 km â—‰
Service ceiling 5,000 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 12,000 kg â—‰
Empty weight 6,500 kg â—‰
Total thrust 2 x 1,659 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 Ka-27 Helix or MD-500?
The MD-500 is faster with a maximum speed of 282 km/h compared to the Ka-27 Helix's 270 km/h, a difference of 12 km/h.
Which has longer range, the Ka-27 Helix or MD-500?
The Ka-27 Helix has a longer range at 980 km compared to the MD-500's 430 km.
Which can fly higher, the Ka-27 Helix or MD-500?
The Ka-27 Helix has a higher service ceiling at 5,000 meters (16,404 ft) compared to the MD-500's 4,877 meters (16,000 ft).
Which is heavier, the Ka-27 Helix or MD-500?
The Ka-27 Helix has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 12,000 kg compared to the MD-500's 1,361 kg.
Which is larger, the Ka-27 Helix or MD-500?
The Ka-27 Helix is longer at 11.3 meters compared to the MD-500's 9.4 meters.
Which entered service first, the Ka-27 Helix or MD-500?
The MD-500 entered service first in 1967, 15 years before the Ka-27 Helix which entered service in 1982.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the Ka-27 Helix or MD-500?
The MD-500 has been produced in greater numbers with 4,700 units compared to 201 units of the Ka-27 Helix.