MD-500 vs Mi-8 Hip

The MD-500 and the Mi-8 Hip are both Military Helicopters, manufactured by Hughes and Mil respectively. Top speed is 282 km/h for the MD-500 vs 250 km/h for the Mi-8 Hip. The MD-500 has an operational range of 430 km vs 495 km for the Mi-8 Hip. The MD-500 operates at altitudes up to 4,877 m compared to 4,500 m for the Mi-8 Hip. At 12,000 kg MTOW, the Mi-8 Hip is 8.8x the MD-500's 1,361 kg. The MD-500 has been produced in 4,700 units vs 17,000 for the Mi-8 Hip. Unit cost is $4M for the MD-500 vs $4M for the Mi-8 Hip. The Mi-8 Hip first flew 21 years before the MD-500 (1961 vs 1982).

American light helicopter, renowned during the Cold War era, predominantly deployed for law enforcement and utility applications.
Hughes MD-500 Helicopter profile drawing
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
Soviet multipurpose helicopter, prevalent during the Cold War, extensively utilized for transport, combat and humanitarian operations globally.
Mil Mi-8 Hip Helicopter profile drawing
Origin country 🇨🇳 Ex-USSR
Category Military Helicopters
Manufacturer Mil
First flight 24 June 1961
Year introduced 1967
Number produced 17000 units
Average unit price $4 million
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—‰
Wingspan 21.3 m â—‰
Height 5.7 m â—‰
Length 25.2 m â—‰
Maximum speed 250 km/h â—‰
Operational range 495 km â—‰
Service ceiling 4,500 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 12,000 kg â—‰
Empty weight 7,160 kg â—‰
Total thrust 2 x 1,119 kW â—‰

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the MD-500 or Mi-8 Hip?
The MD-500 is faster with a maximum speed of 282 km/h compared to the Mi-8 Hip's 250 km/h, a difference of 32 km/h.
Which has longer range, the MD-500 or Mi-8 Hip?
The Mi-8 Hip has a longer range at 495 km compared to the MD-500's 430 km.
Which can fly higher, the MD-500 or Mi-8 Hip?
The MD-500 has a higher service ceiling at 4,877 meters (16,000 ft) compared to the Mi-8 Hip's 4,500 meters (14,763 ft).
Which is heavier, the MD-500 or Mi-8 Hip?
The Mi-8 Hip has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 12,000 kg compared to the MD-500's 1,361 kg.
Which is larger, the MD-500 or Mi-8 Hip?
The Mi-8 Hip is longer at 25.2 meters compared to the MD-500's 9.4 meters.
Which is more expensive, the MD-500 or Mi-8 Hip?
The Mi-8 Hip is more expensive at approximately $4.0 million per unit compared to the MD-500 at $4.0 million.
Which entered service first, the MD-500 or Mi-8 Hip?
The Mi-8 Hip entered service first in 1967, 0 years before the MD-500 which entered service in 1967.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the MD-500 or Mi-8 Hip?
The Mi-8 Hip has been produced in greater numbers with 17,000 units compared to 4,700 units of the MD-500.