Mi-8 Hip vs SA316 Alouette III

The Mi-8 Hip and the SA316 Alouette III are both Military Helicopters, manufactured by Mil and Sud Aviation respectively. Top speed is 250 km/h for the Mi-8 Hip vs 210 km/h for the SA316 Alouette III. The Mi-8 Hip has an operational range of 495 km vs 540 km for the SA316 Alouette III. The Mi-8 Hip operates at altitudes up to 4,500 m compared to 3,200 m for the SA316 Alouette III. At 12,000 kg MTOW, the Mi-8 Hip is 5.5x the SA316 Alouette III's 2,200 kg. The Mi-8 Hip has been produced in 17,000 units vs 2,000 for the SA316 Alouette III. Unit cost is $4M for the Mi-8 Hip vs $1.5M for the SA316 Alouette III. The SA316 Alouette III first flew 2 years before the Mi-8 Hip (1959 vs 1961).

Soviet multipurpose helicopter, prevalent during the Cold War, extensively utilized for transport, combat and humanitarian operations globally.
Mil Mi-8 Hip Helicopter profile drawing
Origin country 🇨🇳 Ex-USSR
Category Military Helicopters
Manufacturer Mil
First flight 24 June 1961
Year introduced 1967
Number produced 17000 units
Average unit price $4 million
French utility helicopter, popular in the Cold War-era, extensively utilized for search and rescue, and light transport roles.
Sud Aviation SA316 Alouette III Helicopter profile drawing
Origin country 🇫🇷 France
Category Military Helicopters
Manufacturer Sud Aviation
First flight 28 February 1959
Year introduced 1961
Number produced 2000 units
Average unit price $1.5 million
Wingspan 21.3 m
Height 5.7 m
Length 25.2 m
Maximum speed 250 km/h
Operational range 495 km
Service ceiling 4,500 m
Max. takeoff weight 12,000 kg
Empty weight 7,160 kg
Total thrust 2 x 560 kW
Wingspan 11.0 m
Height 3.0 m
Length 10.0 m
Maximum speed 210 km/h
Operational range 540 km
Service ceiling 3,200 m
Max. takeoff weight 2,200 kg
Empty weight 1,143 kg
Total thrust 1 x 713 kW

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the Mi-8 Hip or SA316 Alouette III?
The Mi-8 Hip is faster with a maximum speed of 250 km/h compared to the SA316 Alouette III's 210 km/h, a difference of 40 km/h.
Which has longer range, the Mi-8 Hip or SA316 Alouette III?
The SA316 Alouette III has a longer range at 540 km compared to the Mi-8 Hip's 495 km.
Which can fly higher, the Mi-8 Hip or SA316 Alouette III?
The Mi-8 Hip has a higher service ceiling at 4,500 meters (14,763 ft) compared to the SA316 Alouette III's 3,200 meters (10,498 ft).
Which is heavier, the Mi-8 Hip or SA316 Alouette III?
The Mi-8 Hip has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 12,000 kg compared to the SA316 Alouette III's 2,200 kg.
Which is larger, the Mi-8 Hip or SA316 Alouette III?
The Mi-8 Hip is longer at 25.2 meters compared to the SA316 Alouette III's 10.0 meters.
Which is more expensive, the Mi-8 Hip or SA316 Alouette III?
The Mi-8 Hip is more expensive at approximately $4.0 million per unit compared to the SA316 Alouette III at $1.5 million.
Which entered service first, the Mi-8 Hip or SA316 Alouette III?
The SA316 Alouette III entered service first in 1961, 6 years before the Mi-8 Hip which entered service in 1967.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the Mi-8 Hip or SA316 Alouette III?
The Mi-8 Hip has been produced in greater numbers with 17,000 units compared to 2,000 units of the SA316 Alouette III.