MD-500 vs UH-1 Iroquois "Huey"

Overview

The MD-500 and the UH-1 Iroquois "Huey" are both Military Helicopters, manufactured by Hughes and Bell respectively.

Top speed is 282 km/h for the MD-500 vs 222 km/h for the UH-1 Iroquois "Huey". The MD-500 has an operational range of 430 km vs 510 km for the UH-1 Iroquois "Huey". The UH-1 Iroquois "Huey" operates at altitudes up to 5,910 m compared to 4,877 m for the MD-500. At 4,309 kg MTOW, the UH-1 Iroquois "Huey" is 3.2x the MD-500's 1,361 kg.

The MD-500 has been produced in 4,700 units vs 16,000 for the UH-1 Iroquois "Huey". Unit cost is $4M for the MD-500 vs $1.3M for the UH-1 Iroquois "Huey". The UH-1 Iroquois "Huey" first flew 26 years before the MD-500 (1956 vs 1982).

MD-500

American light helicopter, renowned during the Cold War era, predominantly deployed for law enforcement and utility applications.
Hughes MD-500 Helicopter profile drawing
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
→ View full MD-500 details

UH-1 Iroquois "Huey"

American utility helicopter, essential in the Vietnam War, extensively employed for medevac, transport, and combat operations.
Bell UH-1 Iroquois "Huey" Helicopter profile drawing
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Helicopters
Manufacturer Bell
First flight 22 October 1956
Year introduced 1959
Number produced 16000 units
Average unit price $1.3 million
→ View full UH-1 Iroquois "Huey" details

MD-500

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 ◉

UH-1 Iroquois "Huey"

Wingspan 14.6 m ◉
Height 4.5 m ◉
Length 12.7 m ◉
Maximum speed 222 km/h ◉
Operational range 510 km ◉
Service ceiling 5,910 m ◉
Max. takeoff weight 4,309 kg ◉
Empty weight 2,087 kg ◉
Total thrust 1 x 820 kW ◉

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the MD-500 or UH-1 Iroquois "Huey"?
The MD-500 is faster with a maximum speed of 282 km/h compared to the UH-1 Iroquois "Huey"'s 222 km/h, a difference of 60 km/h.
Which has longer range, the MD-500 or UH-1 Iroquois "Huey"?
The UH-1 Iroquois "Huey" has a longer range at 510 km compared to the MD-500's 430 km.
Which can fly higher, the MD-500 or UH-1 Iroquois "Huey"?
The UH-1 Iroquois "Huey" has a higher service ceiling at 5,910 meters (19,389 ft) compared to the MD-500's 4,877 meters (16,000 ft).
Which is heavier, the MD-500 or UH-1 Iroquois "Huey"?
The UH-1 Iroquois "Huey" has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 4,309 kg compared to the MD-500's 1,361 kg.
Which is larger, the MD-500 or UH-1 Iroquois "Huey"?
The UH-1 Iroquois "Huey" is longer at 12.7 meters compared to the MD-500's 9.4 meters.
Which is more expensive, the MD-500 or UH-1 Iroquois "Huey"?
The MD-500 is more expensive at approximately $4.0 million per unit compared to the UH-1 Iroquois "Huey" at $1.3 million.
Which entered service first, the MD-500 or UH-1 Iroquois "Huey"?
The UH-1 Iroquois "Huey" entered service first in 1959, 8 years before the MD-500 which entered service in 1967.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the MD-500 or UH-1 Iroquois "Huey"?
The UH-1 Iroquois "Huey" has been produced in greater numbers with 16,000 units compared to 4,700 units of the MD-500.

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