GlobalMilitary.net Open-source military intelligence Updated daily

KUH-1 Surion vs NH90 / Caiman

KAI KUH-1 Surion military helicopters side profile drawing
🇰🇷 KUH-1 Surion
NHIndustries NH90 / Caiman military helicopters side profile drawing
🇩🇪🇫🇷🇮🇹🇳🇱 NH90 / Caiman
Change comparison vs
Specifications
KUH-1 Surion NH90 / Caiman
Origin country 🇰🇷 South Korea 🇩🇪 Germany🇫🇷 France🇮🇹 Italy🇳🇱 Netherlands
Category Military Helicopters Military Helicopters
Manufacturer KAI NHIndustries
First flight 10 March 2010 18 December 1995
Year introduced 2013 2004
Number produced 170 units 471 units
Average unit price $21 million $42 million
Wingspan 15.8 m 16.3 m
Height 4.5 m 5.3 m
Length 19.0 m 19.6 m
Maximum speed 270 km/h 300 km/h
Operational range 828 km 880 km
Service ceiling 3,048 m 6,000 m
Max. takeoff weight 8,709 kg 10,600 kg
Empty weight 4,973 kg 6,400 kg
Total thrust 2 x 1,228 kW 2 x 1,693 kW
Performance Radar Chart

Overview

The KUH-1 Surion and the NH90 / Caiman are both Military Helicopters, manufactured by KAI and NHIndustries respectively.

Top speed is 270 km/h for the KUH-1 Surion vs 300 km/h for the NH90 / Caiman. The KUH-1 Surion has an operational range of 828 km vs 880 km for the NH90 / Caiman. The NH90 / Caiman operates at altitudes up to 6,000 m compared to 3,048 m for the KUH-1 Surion.

The KUH-1 Surion has been produced in 170 units vs 471 for the NH90 / Caiman. Unit cost is $21M for the KUH-1 Surion vs $42M for the NH90 / Caiman. The NH90 / Caiman first flew 15 years before the KUH-1 Surion (1995 vs 2010).

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the KUH-1 Surion or NH90 / Caiman?
The NH90 / Caiman is faster with a maximum speed of 300 km/h compared to the KUH-1 Surion's 270 km/h, a difference of 30 km/h.
Which has longer range, the KUH-1 Surion or NH90 / Caiman?
The NH90 / Caiman has a longer range at 880 km compared to the KUH-1 Surion's 828 km.
Which can fly higher, the KUH-1 Surion or NH90 / Caiman?
The NH90 / Caiman has a higher service ceiling at 6,000 meters (19,685 ft) compared to the KUH-1 Surion's 3,048 meters (10,000 ft).
Which is heavier, the KUH-1 Surion or NH90 / Caiman?
The NH90 / Caiman has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 10,600 kg compared to the KUH-1 Surion's 8,709 kg.
Which is larger, the KUH-1 Surion or NH90 / Caiman?
The NH90 / Caiman is longer at 19.6 meters compared to the KUH-1 Surion's 19.0 meters.
Which is more expensive, the KUH-1 Surion or NH90 / Caiman?
The NH90 / Caiman is more expensive at approximately $42 million per unit compared to the KUH-1 Surion at $21 million.
Which entered service first, the KUH-1 Surion or NH90 / Caiman?
The NH90 / Caiman entered service first in 2004, 9 years before the KUH-1 Surion which entered service in 2013.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the KUH-1 Surion or NH90 / Caiman?
The NH90 / Caiman has been produced in greater numbers with 471 units compared to 170 units of the KUH-1 Surion.