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MH-53J Pave Low III vs SA340 Gazelle

MH-53J Pave Low III vs SA340 Gazelle at a glance — top speed 310 vs 310 km/h, range 1,100 vs 361 km, max takeoff weight 20,865 vs 2,100 kg, built 41 vs 1,775 units.

Specifications
MH-53J Pave Low III SA340 Gazelle
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇫🇷 France
Category Military Helicopters Military Helicopters
Manufacturer Sikorsky Aérospatiale
First flight -- 7 April 1967
Year introduced 1988 1971
Number produced 41 units 1775 units
Average unit price -- $1.7 million
Wing area 378.4 m² -- m²
Wingspan 22.0 m 10.5 m
Height 7.6 m 3.2 m
Length 27.0 m 11.9 m
Maximum speed 310 km/h 310 km/h
Operational range 1,100 km 361 km
Service ceiling 4,900 m 4,450 m
Max. takeoff weight 20,865 kg 2,100 kg
Empty weight 14,515 kg 1,009 kg
Total thrust 2 x 3,230 kW 1 x 650 kW
Performance Radar Chart
Change comparison vs

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the MH-53J Pave Low III or SA340 Gazelle?
The SA340 Gazelle is faster with a maximum speed of 310 km/h compared to the MH-53J Pave Low III's 310 km/h, a difference of 0 km/h.
Which has longer range, the MH-53J Pave Low III or SA340 Gazelle?
The MH-53J Pave Low III has a longer range at 1,100 km compared to the SA340 Gazelle's 361 km.
Which can fly higher, the MH-53J Pave Low III or SA340 Gazelle?
The MH-53J Pave Low III has a higher service ceiling at 4,900 meters (16,076 ft) compared to the SA340 Gazelle's 4,450 meters (14,599 ft).
Which is heavier, the MH-53J Pave Low III or SA340 Gazelle?
The MH-53J Pave Low III has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 20,865 kg compared to the SA340 Gazelle's 2,100 kg.
Which is larger, the MH-53J Pave Low III or SA340 Gazelle?
The MH-53J Pave Low III is longer at 27.0 meters compared to the SA340 Gazelle's 11.9 meters.
Which entered service first, the MH-53J Pave Low III or SA340 Gazelle?
The SA340 Gazelle entered service first in 1971, 17 years before the MH-53J Pave Low III which entered service in 1988.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the MH-53J Pave Low III or SA340 Gazelle?
The SA340 Gazelle has been produced in greater numbers with 1,775 units compared to 41 units of the MH-53J Pave Low III.