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MD-500 vs SA315 Alouette II

MD-500 vs SA315 Alouette II at a glance — top speed 282 vs 192 km/h, range 430 vs 565 km, max takeoff weight 1,361 vs 1,600 kg, built 4,700 vs 1,300 units.

Hughes MD-500 military helicopters side profile drawing
🇺🇸 MD-500
SA315 Alouette II military helicopters side profile drawing
🇫🇷 SA315 Alouette II
Specifications
MD-500 SA315 Alouette II
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇫🇷 France
Category Military Helicopters Military Helicopters
Manufacturer Hughes Sud Aviation
First flight 28 January 1982 12 March 1955
Year introduced 1967 1957
Number produced 4700 units 1300 units
Average unit price $4 million --
Wingspan 8.3 m 10.2 m
Height 2.6 m 2.8 m
Length 9.4 m 9.7 m
Maximum speed 282 km/h 192 km/h
Operational range 430 km 565 km
Service ceiling 4,877 m 2,300 m
Max. takeoff weight 1,361 kg 1,600 kg
Empty weight 672 kg 895 kg
Total thrust 1 x 313 kW 1 x 343 kW
Performance Radar Chart
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the MD-500 or SA315 Alouette II?
The MD-500 is faster with a maximum speed of 282 km/h compared to the SA315 Alouette II's 192 km/h, a difference of 90 km/h.
Which has longer range, the MD-500 or SA315 Alouette II?
The SA315 Alouette II has a longer range at 565 km compared to the MD-500's 430 km.
Which can fly higher, the MD-500 or SA315 Alouette II?
The MD-500 has a higher service ceiling at 4,877 meters (16,000 ft) compared to the SA315 Alouette II's 2,300 meters (7,545 ft).
Which is heavier, the MD-500 or SA315 Alouette II?
The SA315 Alouette II has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 1,600 kg compared to the MD-500's 1,361 kg.
Which is larger, the MD-500 or SA315 Alouette II?
The SA315 Alouette II is longer at 9.7 meters compared to the MD-500's 9.4 meters.
Which entered service first, the MD-500 or SA315 Alouette II?
The SA315 Alouette II entered service first in 1957, 10 years before the MD-500 which entered service in 1967.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the MD-500 or SA315 Alouette II?
The MD-500 has been produced in greater numbers with 4,700 units compared to 1,300 units of the SA315 Alouette II.