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MD-500 vs SA340 Gazelle

Hughes MD-500 military helicopters side profile drawing
🇺🇸 MD-500
Aérospatiale SA340 Gazelle military helicopters side profile drawing
🇫🇷 SA340 Gazelle
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Specifications
MD-500 SA340 Gazelle
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇫🇷 France
Category Military Helicopters Military Helicopters
Manufacturer Hughes Aérospatiale
First flight 28 January 1982 7 April 1967
Year introduced 1967 1971
Number produced 4700 units 1775 units
Average unit price $4 million $1.7 million
Wingspan 8.3 m 10.5 m
Height 2.6 m 3.2 m
Length 9.4 m 11.9 m
Maximum speed 282 km/h 310 km/h
Operational range 430 km 361 km
Service ceiling 4,877 m 4,450 m
Max. takeoff weight 1,361 kg 2,100 kg
Empty weight 672 kg 1,009 kg
Total thrust 1 x 313 kW 1 x 650 kW
Performance Radar Chart

Overview

The MD-500 and the SA340 Gazelle are both Military Helicopters, manufactured by Hughes and Aérospatiale respectively.

Top speed is 282 km/h for the MD-500 vs 310 km/h for the SA340 Gazelle. The MD-500 has an operational range of 430 km vs 361 km for the SA340 Gazelle. The MD-500 operates at altitudes up to 4,877 m compared to 4,450 m for the SA340 Gazelle.

The MD-500 has been produced in 4,700 units vs 1,775 for the SA340 Gazelle. Unit cost is $4M for the MD-500 vs $1.7M for the SA340 Gazelle. The SA340 Gazelle first flew 15 years before the MD-500 (1967 vs 1982).

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the MD-500 or SA340 Gazelle?
The SA340 Gazelle is faster with a maximum speed of 310 km/h compared to the MD-500's 282 km/h, a difference of 28 km/h.
Which has longer range, the MD-500 or SA340 Gazelle?
The MD-500 has a longer range at 430 km compared to the SA340 Gazelle's 361 km.
Which can fly higher, the MD-500 or SA340 Gazelle?
The MD-500 has a higher service ceiling at 4,877 meters (16,000 ft) compared to the SA340 Gazelle's 4,450 meters (14,599 ft).
Which is heavier, the MD-500 or SA340 Gazelle?
The SA340 Gazelle has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 2,100 kg compared to the MD-500's 1,361 kg.
Which is larger, the MD-500 or SA340 Gazelle?
The SA340 Gazelle is longer at 11.9 meters compared to the MD-500's 9.4 meters.
Which is more expensive, the MD-500 or SA340 Gazelle?
The MD-500 is more expensive at approximately $4.0 million per unit compared to the SA340 Gazelle at $1.7 million.
Which entered service first, the MD-500 or SA340 Gazelle?
The MD-500 entered service first in 1967, 4 years before the SA340 Gazelle which entered service in 1971.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the MD-500 or SA340 Gazelle?
The MD-500 has been produced in greater numbers with 4,700 units compared to 1,775 units of the SA340 Gazelle.