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MD-500 vs OH-58 Kiowa

MD-500 vs OH-58 Kiowa at a glance — top speed 282 vs 240 km/h, range 430 vs 260 km, max takeoff weight 1,361 vs 2,495 kg, built 4,700 vs 2,325 units.

Hughes MD-500 military helicopters side profile drawing
🇺🇸 MD-500Full specs
Bell OH-58 Kiowa military helicopters side profile drawing
🇺🇸 OH-58 KiowaFull specs
Specifications
MD-500 OH-58 Kiowa
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Helicopters Military Helicopters
Manufacturer Hughes Bell
First flight 28 January 1982 8 December 1962
Year introduced 1967 1969
Number produced 4700 units 2325 units
Average unit price $4 million --
Wing area -- m² 89.4 m²
Wingspan 8.3 m 10.7 m
Height 2.6 m 3.9 m
Length 9.4 m 12.9 m
Maximum speed 282 km/h 240 km/h
Operational range 430 km 260 km
Service ceiling 4,877 m 4,575 m
Max. takeoff weight 1,361 kg 2,495 kg
Empty weight 672 kg 1,737 kg
Total thrust 1 x 313 kW 1 x 485 kW
Performance Radar Chart
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the MD-500 or OH-58 Kiowa?
The MD-500 is faster with a maximum speed of 282 km/h compared to the OH-58 Kiowa's 240 km/h, a difference of 42 km/h.
Which has longer range, the MD-500 or OH-58 Kiowa?
The MD-500 has a longer range at 430 km compared to the OH-58 Kiowa's 260 km.
Which can fly higher, the MD-500 or OH-58 Kiowa?
The MD-500 has a higher service ceiling at 4,877 meters (16,000 ft) compared to the OH-58 Kiowa's 4,575 meters (15,009 ft).
Which is heavier, the MD-500 or OH-58 Kiowa?
The OH-58 Kiowa has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 2,495 kg compared to the MD-500's 1,361 kg.
Which is larger, the MD-500 or OH-58 Kiowa?
The OH-58 Kiowa is longer at 12.8 meters compared to the MD-500's 9.4 meters.
Which entered service first, the MD-500 or OH-58 Kiowa?
The MD-500 entered service first in 1967, 2 years before the OH-58 Kiowa which entered service in 1969.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the MD-500 or OH-58 Kiowa?
The MD-500 has been produced in greater numbers with 4,700 units compared to 2,325 units of the OH-58 Kiowa.