MD-500 vs SA340 Gazelle
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).
| 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 light utility helicopter, known for its extensive use in military and civil applications since its 1960s introduction. | |
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| Origin country | 🇫🇷 France |
| Category | Military Helicopters |
| Manufacturer | Aérospatiale |
| First flight | 7 April 1967 |
| Year introduced | 1971 |
| Number produced | 1775 units |
| Average unit price | $1.7 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 | 10.5 m ◉ |
| Height | 3.2 m ◉ |
| Length | 11.9 m ◉ |
| Maximum speed | 310 km/h ◉ |
| Operational range | 361 km ◉ |
| Service ceiling | 4,450 m ◉ |
| Max. takeoff weight | 2,100 kg ◉ |
| Empty weight | 1,009 kg ◉ |
| Total thrust | 1 x 650 kW ◉ |
Performance Radar Chart
Detailed Comparison
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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.