GlobalMilitary.net Open-source military intelligence Updated daily

MD-500 vs Atlas Oryx

MD-500 vs Atlas Oryx at a glance — top speed 282 vs 306 km/h, range 430 vs 303 km, max takeoff weight 1,361 vs 8,000 kg, built 4,700 vs 50 units.

Hughes MD-500 military helicopters side profile drawing
🇺🇸 MD-500
Atlas Oryx military helicopters side profile drawing
🇿🇦 Atlas Oryx
Specifications
MD-500 Atlas Oryx
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇿🇦 South Africa
Category Military Helicopters Military Helicopters
Manufacturer Hughes Atlas
First flight 28 January 1982 1 January 1986
Year introduced 1967 1987
Number produced 4700 units 50 units
Average unit price $4 million --
Wing area -- m² 191.0 m²
Wingspan 8.3 m 15.6 m
Height 2.6 m 5.1 m
Length 9.4 m 15.5 m
Maximum speed 282 km/h 306 km/h
Operational range 430 km 303 km
Service ceiling 4,877 m 7,162 m
Max. takeoff weight 1,361 kg 8,000 kg
Empty weight 672 kg 3,600 kg
Total thrust 1 x 313 kW 2 x 1,400 kW
Performance Radar Chart
Change comparison vs

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the MD-500 or Atlas Oryx?
The Atlas Oryx is faster with a maximum speed of 306 km/h compared to the MD-500's 282 km/h, a difference of 24 km/h.
Which has longer range, the MD-500 or Atlas Oryx?
The MD-500 has a longer range at 430 km compared to the Atlas Oryx's 303 km.
Which can fly higher, the MD-500 or Atlas Oryx?
The Atlas Oryx has a higher service ceiling at 7,162 meters (23,497 ft) compared to the MD-500's 4,877 meters (16,000 ft).
Which is heavier, the MD-500 or Atlas Oryx?
The Atlas Oryx has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 8,000 kg compared to the MD-500's 1,361 kg.
Which is larger, the MD-500 or Atlas Oryx?
The Atlas Oryx is longer at 15.4 meters compared to the MD-500's 9.4 meters.
Which entered service first, the MD-500 or Atlas Oryx?
The MD-500 entered service first in 1967, 20 years before the Atlas Oryx which entered service in 1987.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the MD-500 or Atlas Oryx?
The MD-500 has been produced in greater numbers with 4,700 units compared to 50 units of the Atlas Oryx.