MD-500 vs SH-2 Seasprite
The MD-500 and the SH-2 Seasprite are both Military Helicopters, manufactured by Hughes and Kaman respectively. Top speed is 282 km/h for the MD-500 vs 256 km/h for the SH-2 Seasprite. The MD-500 has an operational range of 430 km vs 680 km for the SH-2 Seasprite. The SH-2 Seasprite operates at altitudes up to 5,486 m compared to 4,877 m for the MD-500. The MD-500 has been produced in 4,700 units vs 184 for the SH-2 Seasprite. Unit cost is $4M for the MD-500 vs $1.2M for the SH-2 Seasprite. The SH-2 Seasprite 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 |
| American multi-purpose helicopter, known for major deployments during the Vietnam and Falklands Wars, particularly in anti-submarine warfare roles. | |
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| Origin country | 🇺🇸 United States |
| Category | Military Helicopters |
| Manufacturer | Kaman |
| First flight | 2 July 1959 |
| Year introduced | 1962 |
| Number produced | 184 units |
| Average unit price | $1.2 million |
| Wingspan | 8.3 m â—‰ |
| Height | 2.6 m â—‰ |
| Length | 9.4 m â—‰ |
| Maximum speed | 282 km/h â—‰ |
| Operational range | 430 km â—‰ |
| Service ceiling | 4,877 m â—‰ |
| Max. takeoff weight | 1,361 kg |
| Empty weight | 672 kg â—‰ |
| Total thrust | 1 x 313 kW â—‰ |
| Wingspan | 13.4 m â—‰ |
| Height | 4.6 m â—‰ |
| Length | 16.1 m â—‰ |
| Maximum speed | 256 km/h â—‰ |
| Operational range | 680 km â—‰ |
| Service ceiling | 5,486 m â—‰ |
| Max. takeoff weight | -- kg |
| Empty weight | 4,173 kg â—‰ |
| Total thrust | 2 x 1,342 kW â—‰ |
Performance Radar Chart
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is faster, the MD-500 or SH-2 Seasprite?
The MD-500 is faster with a maximum speed of 282 km/h compared to the SH-2 Seasprite's 256 km/h, a difference of 26 km/h.
Which has longer range, the MD-500 or SH-2 Seasprite?
The SH-2 Seasprite has a longer range at 680 km compared to the MD-500's 430 km.
Which can fly higher, the MD-500 or SH-2 Seasprite?
The SH-2 Seasprite has a higher service ceiling at 5,486 meters (17,998 ft) compared to the MD-500's 4,877 meters (16,000 ft).
Which is heavier, the MD-500 or SH-2 Seasprite?
The MD-500 has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 1,361 kg compared to the SH-2 Seasprite's 0 kg.
Which is larger, the MD-500 or SH-2 Seasprite?
The SH-2 Seasprite is longer at 16.1 meters compared to the MD-500's 9.4 meters.
Which is more expensive, the MD-500 or SH-2 Seasprite?
The MD-500 is more expensive at approximately $4.0 million per unit compared to the SH-2 Seasprite at $1.2 million.
Which entered service first, the MD-500 or SH-2 Seasprite?
The SH-2 Seasprite entered service first in 1962, 5 years before the MD-500 which entered service in 1967.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the MD-500 or SH-2 Seasprite?
The MD-500 has been produced in greater numbers with 4,700 units compared to 184 units of the SH-2 Seasprite.