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MD-500 vs TH-55 Osage

MD-500 vs TH-55 Osage at a glance — top speed 282 vs 140 km/h, range 430 vs 480 km, max takeoff weight 1,361 vs 703 kg, built 4,700 vs 2,800 units.

Hughes MD-500 military helicopters side profile drawing
🇺🇸 MD-500
Hughes TH-55 Osage military helicopters side profile drawing
🇺🇸 TH-55 Osage
Specifications
MD-500 TH-55 Osage
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Helicopters Military Helicopters
Manufacturer Hughes Hughes
First flight 28 January 1982 2 October 1956
Year introduced 1967 1961
Number produced 4700 units 2800 units
Average unit price $4 million --
Wingspan 8.3 m 7.7 m
Height 2.6 m 2.5 m
Length 9.4 m 8.8 m
Maximum speed 282 km/h 140 km/h
Operational range 430 km 480 km
Service ceiling 4,877 m 4,000 m
Max. takeoff weight 1,361 kg 703 kg
Empty weight 672 kg 435 kg
Total thrust 1 x 313 kW 1 x 130 kW
Performance Radar Chart
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the MD-500 or TH-55 Osage?
The MD-500 is faster with a maximum speed of 282 km/h compared to the TH-55 Osage's 140 km/h, a difference of 142 km/h.
Which has longer range, the MD-500 or TH-55 Osage?
The TH-55 Osage has a longer range at 480 km compared to the MD-500's 430 km.
Which can fly higher, the MD-500 or TH-55 Osage?
The MD-500 has a higher service ceiling at 4,877 meters (16,000 ft) compared to the TH-55 Osage's 4,000 meters (13,123 ft).
Which is heavier, the MD-500 or TH-55 Osage?
The MD-500 has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 1,361 kg compared to the TH-55 Osage's 703 kg.
Which is larger, the MD-500 or TH-55 Osage?
The MD-500 is longer at 9.4 meters compared to the TH-55 Osage's 8.8 meters.
Which entered service first, the MD-500 or TH-55 Osage?
The TH-55 Osage 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 TH-55 Osage?
The MD-500 has been produced in greater numbers with 4,700 units compared to 2,800 units of the TH-55 Osage.