MD-500 vs MD-900

American light helicopter, renowned during the Cold War era, predominantly deployed for law enforcement and utility applications.
Picture of MD-500
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
American civil utility helicopter, recognized for its quiet operation, used worldwide for law enforcement and air ambulance services.
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Helicopters
Manufacturer MD Helicopters
First flight 18 December 1992
Year introduced 1994
Number produced 5 units
Average unit price $-- million
Height 2.6 m â—‰
Length 9.4 m â—‰
Maximum speed 282 km/h â—‰
Operational range -- km
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—‰
Profile drawing of Hughes MD-500
Height 3.7 m â—‰
Length 9.9 m â—‰
Maximum speed 259 km/h â—‰
Operational range 543 km
Service ceiling 5,334 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 2,835 kg â—‰
Empty weight 1,531 kg â—‰
Total thrust 2 x 410 kW â—‰
Profile drawing of MD Helicopters MD-900

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the MD-500 or MD-900?
The MD-500 is faster with a maximum speed of 282 km/h compared to the MD-900's 259 km/h, a difference of 23 km/h.
Which has longer range, the MD-500 or MD-900?
The MD-900 has a longer range at 543 km compared to the MD-500's 0 km.
Which can fly higher, the MD-500 or MD-900?
The MD-900 has a higher service ceiling at 5,334 meters (17,500 ft) compared to the MD-500's 4,877 meters (16,000 ft).
Which is heavier, the MD-500 or MD-900?
The MD-900 has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 2,835 kg compared to the MD-500's 1,361 kg.
Which is larger, the MD-500 or MD-900?
The MD-900 is longer at 9.9 meters compared to the MD-500's 9.4 meters.
Which entered service first, the MD-500 or MD-900?
The MD-500 entered service first in 1967, 27 years before the MD-900 which entered service in 1994.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the MD-500 or MD-900?
The MD-500 has been produced in greater numbers with 4,700 units compared to 5 units of the MD-900.