KUH-1 Surion vs MD-500
The KUH-1 Surion and the MD-500 are both Military Helicopters, manufactured by KAI and Hughes respectively. Top speed is 270 km/h for the KUH-1 Surion vs 282 km/h for the MD-500. The KUH-1 Surion has an operational range of 828 km vs 430 km for the MD-500. The MD-500 operates at altitudes up to 4,877 m compared to 3,048 m for the KUH-1 Surion. At 8,709 kg MTOW, the KUH-1 Surion is 6.4x the MD-500's 1,361 kg. The KUH-1 Surion has been produced in 170 units vs 4,700 for the MD-500. Unit cost is $21M for the KUH-1 Surion vs $4M for the MD-500. The MD-500 first flew 28 years before the KUH-1 Surion (1982 vs 2010).
| South Korean utility helicopter, utilized mainly for troop transportation and medevac, active in military operations since 2013. | |
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| Origin country | 🇰🇷 South Korea |
| Category | Military Helicopters |
| Manufacturer | KAI |
| First flight | 10 March 2010 |
| Year introduced | 2013 |
| Number produced | 170 units |
| Average unit price | $21 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 | 15.8 m â—‰ |
| Height | 4.5 m â—‰ |
| Length | 19.0 m â—‰ |
| Maximum speed | 270 km/h â—‰ |
| Operational range | 828 km â—‰ |
| Service ceiling | 3,048 m â—‰ |
| Max. takeoff weight | 8,709 kg â—‰ |
| Empty weight | 4,973 kg â—‰ |
| Total thrust | 2 x 1,228 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 KUH-1 Surion or MD-500?
The MD-500 is faster with a maximum speed of 282 km/h compared to the KUH-1 Surion's 270 km/h, a difference of 12 km/h.
Which has longer range, the KUH-1 Surion or MD-500?
The KUH-1 Surion has a longer range at 828 km compared to the MD-500's 430 km.
Which can fly higher, the KUH-1 Surion or MD-500?
The MD-500 has a higher service ceiling at 4,877 meters (16,000 ft) compared to the KUH-1 Surion's 3,048 meters (10,000 ft).
Which is heavier, the KUH-1 Surion or MD-500?
The KUH-1 Surion has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 8,709 kg compared to the MD-500's 1,361 kg.
Which is larger, the KUH-1 Surion or MD-500?
The KUH-1 Surion is longer at 19.0 meters compared to the MD-500's 9.4 meters.
Which is more expensive, the KUH-1 Surion or MD-500?
The KUH-1 Surion is more expensive at approximately $21 million per unit compared to the MD-500 at $4.0 million.
Which entered service first, the KUH-1 Surion or MD-500?
The MD-500 entered service first in 1967, 46 years before the KUH-1 Surion which entered service in 2013.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the KUH-1 Surion or MD-500?
The MD-500 has been produced in greater numbers with 4,700 units compared to 170 units of the KUH-1 Surion.