GlobalMilitary.net Open-source military intelligence Updated daily
Head-to-head

Ka-27 Helix vs MD-500

Ka-27 Helix vs MD-500 at a glance — top speed 270 vs 282 km/h, range 980 vs 430 km, max takeoff weight 12,000 vs 1,361 kg, built 201 vs 4,700 units.

Kamov Ka-27 Helix military helicopters side profile drawing
🇷🇺 Ka-27 Helix
Hughes MD-500 military helicopters side profile drawing
🇺🇸 MD-500
Specifications
Ka-27 Helix MD-500
Origin country 🇷🇺 Ex-USSR 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Helicopters Military Helicopters
Manufacturer Kamov Hughes
First flight 8 August 1973 28 January 1982
Year introduced 1982 1967
Number produced 201 units 4700 units
Average unit price -- $4 million
Wingspan 15.8 m 8.3 m
Height 5.5 m 2.6 m
Length 11.3 m 9.4 m
Maximum speed 270 km/h 282 km/h
Operational range 980 km 430 km
Service ceiling 5,000 m 4,877 m
Max. takeoff weight 12,000 kg 1,361 kg
Empty weight 6,500 kg 672 kg
Total thrust 2 x 1,659 kW 1 x 313 kW
Performance Radar Chart
Change comparison vs
Related Comparisons
Ka-27 Helix vs Mi-8 Hip Ka-27 Helix vs Mi-17 Hip-H Ka-27 Helix vs 206 JetRanger Ka-27 Helix vs Mi-2 Hoplite Ka-27 Helix vs UH-60 Black Hawk Ka-27 Helix vs Mi-24 Hind

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.