MD-500 vs OH-1 Ninja

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
Japanese observation helicopter, employed mainly since the late 1990s, with significant use in Japan's Ground Self-Defense Force reconnaissance.
Picture of OH-1 Ninja
Origin country 🇯🇵 Japan
Category Military Helicopters
Manufacturer Kawasaki
First flight 6 August 1996
Year introduced 2000
Number produced 38 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 3.8 m â—‰
Length 12.0 m â—‰
Maximum speed 278 km/h â—‰
Operational range 550 km
Service ceiling 4,880 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 4,000 kg â—‰
Empty weight 2,450 kg â—‰
Total thrust 2 x 664 kW â—‰
Profile drawing of Kawasaki OH-1 Ninja

Performance Radar Chart

Photo of OH-1 Ninja by 陸上自衛隊.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the MD-500 or OH-1 Ninja?
The MD-500 is faster with a maximum speed of 282 km/h compared to the OH-1 Ninja's 278 km/h, a difference of 4 km/h.
Which has longer range, the MD-500 or OH-1 Ninja?
The OH-1 Ninja has a longer range at 550 km compared to the MD-500's 0 km.
Which can fly higher, the MD-500 or OH-1 Ninja?
The OH-1 Ninja has a higher service ceiling at 4,880 meters (16,010 ft) compared to the MD-500's 4,877 meters (16,000 ft).
Which is heavier, the MD-500 or OH-1 Ninja?
The OH-1 Ninja has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 4,000 kg compared to the MD-500's 1,361 kg.
Which is larger, the MD-500 or OH-1 Ninja?
The OH-1 Ninja is longer at 12.0 meters compared to the MD-500's 9.4 meters.
Which entered service first, the MD-500 or OH-1 Ninja?
The MD-500 entered service first in 1967, 33 years before the OH-1 Ninja which entered service in 2000.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the MD-500 or OH-1 Ninja?
The MD-500 has been produced in greater numbers with 4,700 units compared to 38 units of the OH-1 Ninja.