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MD-500 vs S-76 Spirit

MD-500 vs S-76 Spirit at a glance — top speed 282 vs 287 km/h, range 430 vs 761 km, max takeoff weight 1,361 vs 5,307 kg, built 4,700 vs 875 units.

Hughes MD-500 military helicopters side profile drawing
🇺🇸 MD-500
Sikorsky S-76 Spirit military helicopters side profile drawing
🇺🇸 S-76 Spirit
Specifications
MD-500 S-76 Spirit
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Helicopters Military Helicopters
Manufacturer Hughes Sikorsky
First flight 28 January 1982 13 March 1977
Year introduced 1967 1979
Number produced 4700 units 875 units
Average unit price $4 million --
Wingspan 8.3 m 13.4 m
Height 2.6 m 4.5 m
Length 9.4 m 16.0 m
Maximum speed 282 km/h 287 km/h
Operational range 430 km 761 km
Service ceiling 4,877 m 4,206 m
Max. takeoff weight 1,361 kg 5,307 kg
Empty weight 672 kg 3,177 kg
Total thrust 1 x 313 kW 2 x 688 kW
Performance Radar Chart
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the MD-500 or S-76 Spirit?
The S-76 Spirit is faster with a maximum speed of 287 km/h compared to the MD-500's 282 km/h, a difference of 5 km/h.
Which has longer range, the MD-500 or S-76 Spirit?
The S-76 Spirit has a longer range at 761 km compared to the MD-500's 430 km.
Which can fly higher, the MD-500 or S-76 Spirit?
The MD-500 has a higher service ceiling at 4,877 meters (16,000 ft) compared to the S-76 Spirit's 4,206 meters (13,799 ft).
Which is heavier, the MD-500 or S-76 Spirit?
The S-76 Spirit has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 5,307 kg compared to the MD-500's 1,361 kg.
Which is larger, the MD-500 or S-76 Spirit?
The S-76 Spirit is longer at 16.0 meters compared to the MD-500's 9.4 meters.
Which entered service first, the MD-500 or S-76 Spirit?
The MD-500 entered service first in 1967, 12 years before the S-76 Spirit which entered service in 1979.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the MD-500 or S-76 Spirit?
The MD-500 has been produced in greater numbers with 4,700 units compared to 875 units of the S-76 Spirit.