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MD-500 vs SA330 Puma

Hughes MD-500 military helicopters side profile drawing
🇺🇸 MD-500
Aérospatiale SA330 Puma military helicopters side profile drawing
🇫🇷 SA330 Puma
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Specifications
MD-500 SA330 Puma
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇫🇷 France
Category Military Helicopters Military Helicopters
Manufacturer Hughes Aérospatiale
First flight 28 January 1982 15 April 1965
Year introduced 1967 1968
Number produced 4700 units 697 units
Average unit price $4 million $2 million
Wingspan 8.3 m 15.0 m
Height 2.6 m 5.1 m
Length 9.4 m 18.2 m
Maximum speed 282 km/h 257 km/h
Operational range 430 km 580 km
Service ceiling 4,877 m 4,800 m
Max. takeoff weight 1,361 kg 7,000 kg
Empty weight 672 kg 3,536 kg
Total thrust 1 x 313 kW 2 x 1,175 kW
Performance Radar Chart

Overview

The MD-500 and the SA330 Puma are both Military Helicopters, manufactured by Hughes and Aérospatiale respectively.

Top speed is 282 km/h for the MD-500 vs 257 km/h for the SA330 Puma. The MD-500 has an operational range of 430 km vs 580 km for the SA330 Puma. The MD-500 operates at altitudes up to 4,877 m compared to 4,800 m for the SA330 Puma. At 7,000 kg MTOW, the SA330 Puma is 5.1x the MD-500's 1,361 kg.

The MD-500 has been produced in 4,700 units vs 697 for the SA330 Puma. Unit cost is $4M for the MD-500 vs $2M for the SA330 Puma. The SA330 Puma first flew 17 years before the MD-500 (1965 vs 1982).

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the MD-500 or SA330 Puma?
The MD-500 is faster with a maximum speed of 282 km/h compared to the SA330 Puma's 257 km/h, a difference of 25 km/h.
Which has longer range, the MD-500 or SA330 Puma?
The SA330 Puma has a longer range at 580 km compared to the MD-500's 430 km.
Which can fly higher, the MD-500 or SA330 Puma?
The MD-500 has a higher service ceiling at 4,877 meters (16,000 ft) compared to the SA330 Puma's 4,800 meters (15,748 ft).
Which is heavier, the MD-500 or SA330 Puma?
The SA330 Puma has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 7,000 kg compared to the MD-500's 1,361 kg.
Which is larger, the MD-500 or SA330 Puma?
The SA330 Puma is longer at 18.1 meters compared to the MD-500's 9.4 meters.
Which is more expensive, the MD-500 or SA330 Puma?
The MD-500 is more expensive at approximately $4.0 million per unit compared to the SA330 Puma at $2.0 million.
Which entered service first, the MD-500 or SA330 Puma?
The MD-500 entered service first in 1967, 1 years before the SA330 Puma which entered service in 1968.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the MD-500 or SA330 Puma?
The MD-500 has been produced in greater numbers with 4,700 units compared to 697 units of the SA330 Puma.