MD-500 vs R-4
The MD-500 and the R-4 are both Military Helicopters, manufactured by Hughes and Sikorsky respectively. The MD-500 reaches 282 km/h — 2.3x the R-4's 121 km/h. The MD-500 has an operational range of 430 km vs 210 km for the R-4. The MD-500 operates at altitudes up to 4,877 m compared to 2,400 m for the R-4. The MD-500 has been produced in 4,700 units vs 131 for the R-4. Unit cost is $4M for the MD-500 vs $0.01M for the R-4. The R-4 first flew 40 years before the MD-500 (1942 vs 1982).
| 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 |
| American helicopter from the 1940s, first to be produced in quantity, used primarily in World War II for rescue operations. | |
| Origin country | 🇺🇸 United States |
| Category | Military Helicopters |
| Manufacturer | Sikorsky |
| First flight | 13 January 1942 |
| Year introduced | 1944 |
| Number produced | 131 units |
| Average unit price | $0.0 million |
| Wingspan | 8.3 m ◉ |
| Height | 2.6 m ◉ |
| Length | 9.4 m ◉ |
| Maximum speed | 282 km/h ◉ |
| Operational range | 430 km ◉ |
| Service ceiling | 4,877 m ◉ |
| Max. takeoff weight | 1,361 kg ◉ |
| Empty weight | 672 kg ◉ |
| Total thrust | 1 x 313 kW ◉ |
| Wingspan | 11.6 m ◉ |
| Height | 3.8 m ◉ |
| Length | 10.8 m ◉ |
| Maximum speed | 121 km/h ◉ |
| Operational range | 210 km ◉ |
| Service ceiling | 2,400 m ◉ |
| Max. takeoff weight | 1,150 kg ◉ |
| Empty weight | 950 kg ◉ |
| Total thrust | 0 ◉ |
Performance Radar Chart
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is faster, the MD-500 or R-4?
The MD-500 is faster with a maximum speed of 282 km/h compared to the R-4's 121 km/h, a difference of 161 km/h.
Which has longer range, the MD-500 or R-4?
The MD-500 has a longer range at 430 km compared to the R-4's 210 km.
Which can fly higher, the MD-500 or R-4?
The MD-500 has a higher service ceiling at 4,877 meters (16,000 ft) compared to the R-4's 2,400 meters (7,874 ft).
Which is heavier, the MD-500 or R-4?
The MD-500 has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 1,361 kg compared to the R-4's 1,150 kg.
Which is larger, the MD-500 or R-4?
The R-4 is longer at 10.8 meters compared to the MD-500's 9.4 meters.
Which is more expensive, the MD-500 or R-4?
The MD-500 is more expensive at approximately $4.0 million per unit compared to the R-4 at $0.0 million.
Which entered service first, the MD-500 or R-4?
The R-4 entered service first in 1944, 23 years before the MD-500 which entered service in 1967.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the MD-500 or R-4?
The MD-500 has been produced in greater numbers with 4,700 units compared to 131 units of the R-4.