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MD-500 vs SA 315B Lama

MD-500 vs SA 315B Lama at a glance — top speed 282 vs 192 km/h, range 430 vs 515 km, max takeoff weight 1,361 vs 2,300 kg, built 4,700 vs 400 units.

Hughes MD-500 military helicopters side profile drawing
🇺🇸 MD-500
Aérospatiale SA 315B Lama military helicopters side profile drawing
🇫🇷 SA 315B Lama
Specifications
MD-500 SA 315B Lama
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇫🇷 France
Category Military Helicopters Military Helicopters
Manufacturer Hughes Aérospatiale
First flight 28 January 1982 17 March 1969
Year introduced 1967 1971
Number produced 4700 units 400 units
Average unit price $4 million --
Wing area -- m² 95.4 m²
Wingspan 8.3 m 11.0 m
Height 2.6 m 3.1 m
Length 9.4 m 10.2 m
Maximum speed 282 km/h 192 km/h
Operational range 430 km 515 km
Service ceiling 4,877 m 5,400 m
Max. takeoff weight 1,361 kg 2,300 kg
Empty weight 672 kg 1,021 kg
Total thrust 1 x 313 kW 1 x 649 kW
Performance Radar Chart
Change comparison vs

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the MD-500 or SA 315B Lama?
The MD-500 is faster with a maximum speed of 282 km/h compared to the SA 315B Lama's 192 km/h, a difference of 90 km/h.
Which has longer range, the MD-500 or SA 315B Lama?
The SA 315B Lama has a longer range at 515 km compared to the MD-500's 430 km.
Which can fly higher, the MD-500 or SA 315B Lama?
The SA 315B Lama has a higher service ceiling at 5,400 meters (17,716 ft) compared to the MD-500's 4,877 meters (16,000 ft).
Which is heavier, the MD-500 or SA 315B Lama?
The SA 315B Lama has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 2,300 kg compared to the MD-500's 1,361 kg.
Which is larger, the MD-500 or SA 315B Lama?
The SA 315B Lama is longer at 10.2 meters compared to the MD-500's 9.4 meters.
Which entered service first, the MD-500 or SA 315B Lama?
The MD-500 entered service first in 1967, 4 years before the SA 315B Lama which entered service in 1971.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the MD-500 or SA 315B Lama?
The MD-500 has been produced in greater numbers with 4,700 units compared to 400 units of the SA 315B Lama.