MD-500 vs SA316 Alouette III
The MD-500 and the SA316 Alouette III are both Military Helicopters, manufactured by Hughes and Sud Aviation respectively. Top speed is 282 km/h for the MD-500 vs 210 km/h for the SA316 Alouette III. The MD-500 has an operational range of 430 km vs 540 km for the SA316 Alouette III. The MD-500 operates at altitudes up to 4,877 m compared to 3,200 m for the SA316 Alouette III. The MD-500 has been produced in 4,700 units vs 2,000 for the SA316 Alouette III. Unit cost is $4M for the MD-500 vs $1.5M for the SA316 Alouette III. The SA316 Alouette III first flew 23 years before the MD-500 (1959 vs 1982).
| American light helicopter, renowned during the Cold War era, predominantly deployed for law enforcement and utility applications. | |
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| 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 |
| French utility helicopter, popular in the Cold War-era, extensively utilized for search and rescue, and light transport roles. | |
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| Origin country | 🇫🇷 France |
| Category | Military Helicopters |
| Manufacturer | Sud Aviation |
| First flight | 28 February 1959 |
| Year introduced | 1961 |
| Number produced | 2000 units |
| Average unit price | $1.5 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 | 11.0 m ◉ |
| Height | 3.0 m ◉ |
| Length | 10.0 m ◉ |
| Maximum speed | 210 km/h ◉ |
| Operational range | 540 km ◉ |
| Service ceiling | 3,200 m ◉ |
| Max. takeoff weight | 2,200 kg ◉ |
| Empty weight | 1,143 kg ◉ |
| Total thrust | 1 x 713 kW ◉ |
Performance Radar Chart
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is faster, the MD-500 or SA316 Alouette III?
The MD-500 is faster with a maximum speed of 282 km/h compared to the SA316 Alouette III's 210 km/h, a difference of 72 km/h.
Which has longer range, the MD-500 or SA316 Alouette III?
The SA316 Alouette III has a longer range at 540 km compared to the MD-500's 430 km.
Which can fly higher, the MD-500 or SA316 Alouette III?
The MD-500 has a higher service ceiling at 4,877 meters (16,000 ft) compared to the SA316 Alouette III's 3,200 meters (10,498 ft).
Which is heavier, the MD-500 or SA316 Alouette III?
The SA316 Alouette III has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 2,200 kg compared to the MD-500's 1,361 kg.
Which is larger, the MD-500 or SA316 Alouette III?
The SA316 Alouette III is longer at 10.0 meters compared to the MD-500's 9.4 meters.
Which is more expensive, the MD-500 or SA316 Alouette III?
The MD-500 is more expensive at approximately $4.0 million per unit compared to the SA316 Alouette III at $1.5 million.
Which entered service first, the MD-500 or SA316 Alouette III?
The SA316 Alouette III entered service first in 1961, 6 years before the MD-500 which entered service in 1967.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the MD-500 or SA316 Alouette III?
The MD-500 has been produced in greater numbers with 4,700 units compared to 2,000 units of the SA316 Alouette III.