MD-500 vs NH90 / Caiman
The MD-500 and the NH90 / Caiman are both Military Helicopters, manufactured by Hughes and NHIndustries respectively. Top speed is 282 km/h for the MD-500 vs 300 km/h for the NH90 / Caiman. The MD-500 has an operational range of 430 km vs 880 km for the NH90 / Caiman. The NH90 / Caiman operates at altitudes up to 6,000 m compared to 4,877 m for the MD-500. At 10,600 kg MTOW, the NH90 / Caiman is 7.8x the MD-500's 1,361 kg. The MD-500 has been produced in 4,700 units vs 471 for the NH90 / Caiman. Unit cost is $4M for the MD-500 vs $42M for the NH90 / Caiman. The MD-500 first flew 13 years before the NH90 / Caiman (1982 vs 1995).
| American light helicopter, renowned during the Cold War era, predominantly deployed for law enforcement and utility applications. | |
|
|
| 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 |
| European multinational medium-sized military helicopter, known for deployment in various peace-keeping and combat missions since the 1990s. | |
|
|
| Origin country | 🇩🇪 Germany 🇫🇷 France 🇮🇹 Italy 🇳🇱 Netherlands |
| Category | Military Helicopters |
| Manufacturer | NHIndustries |
| First flight | 18 December 1995 |
| Year introduced | 2004 |
| Number produced | 471 units |
| Average unit price | $42 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 | 16.3 m â—‰ |
| Height | 5.3 m â—‰ |
| Length | 19.6 m â—‰ |
| Maximum speed | 300 km/h â—‰ |
| Operational range | 880 km â—‰ |
| Service ceiling | 6,000 m â—‰ |
| Max. takeoff weight | 10,600 kg â—‰ |
| Empty weight | 6,400 kg â—‰ |
| Total thrust | 2 x 1,693 kW â—‰ |
Performance Radar Chart
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is faster, the MD-500 or NH90 / Caiman?
The NH90 / Caiman is faster with a maximum speed of 300 km/h compared to the MD-500's 282 km/h, a difference of 18 km/h.
Which has longer range, the MD-500 or NH90 / Caiman?
The NH90 / Caiman has a longer range at 880 km compared to the MD-500's 430 km.
Which can fly higher, the MD-500 or NH90 / Caiman?
The NH90 / Caiman has a higher service ceiling at 6,000 meters (19,685 ft) compared to the MD-500's 4,877 meters (16,000 ft).
Which is heavier, the MD-500 or NH90 / Caiman?
The NH90 / Caiman has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 10,600 kg compared to the MD-500's 1,361 kg.
Which is larger, the MD-500 or NH90 / Caiman?
The NH90 / Caiman is longer at 19.6 meters compared to the MD-500's 9.4 meters.
Which is more expensive, the MD-500 or NH90 / Caiman?
The NH90 / Caiman is more expensive at approximately $42 million per unit compared to the MD-500 at $4.0 million.
Which entered service first, the MD-500 or NH90 / Caiman?
The MD-500 entered service first in 1967, 37 years before the NH90 / Caiman which entered service in 2004.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the MD-500 or NH90 / Caiman?
The MD-500 has been produced in greater numbers with 4,700 units compared to 471 units of the NH90 / Caiman.