GlobalMilitary.net Open-source military intelligence Updated daily

Ka-29 Helix-B vs MD-500

Kamov Ka-29 Helix-B military helicopters side profile drawing
🇷🇺 Ka-29 Helix-B
Hughes MD-500 military helicopters side profile drawing
🇺🇸 MD-500
Change comparison vs
Specifications
Ka-29 Helix-B MD-500
Origin country 🇷🇺 Ex-USSR 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Helicopters Military Helicopters
Manufacturer Kamov Hughes
First flight 24 December 1973 28 January 1982
Year introduced 1987 1967
Number produced 60 units 4700 units
Average unit price -- $4 million
Wing area 392.2 m² -- m²
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 1,660 kW 1 x 313 kW
Performance Radar Chart

Overview

The Ka-29 Helix-B and the MD-500 are both Military Helicopters, manufactured by Kamov and Hughes respectively.

Top speed is 270 km/h for the Ka-29 Helix-B vs 282 km/h for the MD-500. The Ka-29 Helix-B has an operational range of 980 km vs 430 km for the MD-500. The Ka-29 Helix-B operates at altitudes up to 5,000 m compared to 4,877 m for the MD-500. At 12,000 kg MTOW, the Ka-29 Helix-B is 8.8x the MD-500's 1,361 kg.

The Ka-29 Helix-B has been produced in 60 units vs 4,700 for the MD-500. The Ka-29 Helix-B first flew 9 years before the MD-500 (1973 vs 1982).

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the Ka-29 Helix-B or MD-500?
The MD-500 is faster with a maximum speed of 282 km/h compared to the Ka-29 Helix-B's 270 km/h, a difference of 12 km/h.
Which has longer range, the Ka-29 Helix-B or MD-500?
The Ka-29 Helix-B has a longer range at 980 km compared to the MD-500's 430 km.
Which can fly higher, the Ka-29 Helix-B or MD-500?
The Ka-29 Helix-B 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-29 Helix-B or MD-500?
The Ka-29 Helix-B has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 12,000 kg compared to the MD-500's 1,361 kg.
Which is larger, the Ka-29 Helix-B or MD-500?
The Ka-29 Helix-B is longer at 11.3 meters compared to the MD-500's 9.4 meters.
Which entered service first, the Ka-29 Helix-B or MD-500?
The MD-500 entered service first in 1967, 20 years before the Ka-29 Helix-B which entered service in 1987.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the Ka-29 Helix-B or MD-500?
The MD-500 has been produced in greater numbers with 4,700 units compared to 60 units of the Ka-29 Helix-B.