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

MD-500 vs MD-900

Hughes MD-500 military helicopters side profile drawing
🇺🇸 MD-500
MD Helicopters MD-900 military helicopters side profile drawing
🇺🇸 MD-900
Change comparison vs
Specifications
MD-500 MD-900
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Helicopters Military Helicopters
Manufacturer Hughes MD Helicopters
First flight 28 January 1982 18 December 1992
Year introduced 1967 1994
Number produced 4700 units 5 units
Average unit price $4 million --
Wingspan 8.3 m 10.3 m
Height 2.6 m 3.7 m
Length 9.4 m 9.9 m
Maximum speed 282 km/h 259 km/h
Operational range 430 km 543 km
Service ceiling 4,877 m 5,334 m
Max. takeoff weight 1,361 kg 2,835 kg
Empty weight 672 kg 1,531 kg
Total thrust 1 x 313 kW 2 x 410 kW
Performance Radar Chart

Overview

The MD-500 and the MD-900 are both Military Helicopters, manufactured by Hughes and MD Helicopters respectively.

Top speed is 282 km/h for the MD-500 vs 259 km/h for the MD-900. The MD-500 has an operational range of 430 km vs 543 km for the MD-900. The MD-900 operates at altitudes up to 5,334 m compared to 4,877 m for the MD-500. At 2,835 kg MTOW, the MD-900 is 2.1:1 the MD-500's 1,361 kg.

The MD-500 has been produced in 4,700 units vs 5 for the MD-900. The MD-500 first flew 10 years before the MD-900 (1982 vs 1992).

Related Comparisons
MD-500 vs Mi-8 Hip MD-500 vs UH-1 Iroquois "Huey" MD-500 vs Mi-17 Hip-H MD-500 vs 206 JetRanger MD-500 vs Mi-2 Hoplite MD-500 vs UH-60 Black Hawk

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 430 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.