NH90 / Caiman vs W-3 Sokol

Overview

The NH90 / Caiman and the W-3 Sokol are both Military Helicopters, manufactured by NHIndustries and PZL respectively.

Top speed is 300 km/h for the NH90 / Caiman vs 260 km/h for the W-3 Sokol. The NH90 / Caiman has an operational range of 880 km vs 745 km for the W-3 Sokol. The NH90 / Caiman operates at altitudes up to 6,000 m compared to 4,910 m for the W-3 Sokol.

The NH90 / Caiman has been produced in 471 units vs 149 for the W-3 Sokol. The W-3 Sokol first flew 16 years before the NH90 / Caiman (1979 vs 1995).

European multinational medium-sized military helicopter, known for deployment in various peace-keeping and combat missions since the 1990s.
NHIndustries NH90 / Caiman Helicopter profile drawing
Origin country 🇩🇪 Germany 🇫🇷 France 🇮🇹 Italy 🇳🇱 Netherlands
Category Military Helicopters
Manufacturer NHIndustries
First flight 18 December 1995
Year introduced 2004
Number produced 471 units
Average unit price $42 million
Polish utility helicopter, renowned for search and rescue missions, particularly during UN peacekeeping operations in Bosnia-Herzegovina in the 1990s.
PZL W-3 Sokol Helicopter profile drawing
Origin country 🇵🇱 Poland
Category Military Helicopters
Manufacturer PZL
First flight 16 November 1979
Year introduced 1986
Number produced 149 units
Average unit price --
Wingspan 16.3 m
Height 5.3 m
Length 19.6 m
Maximum speed 300 km/h
Operational range 880 km
Service ceiling 6,000 m
Max. takeoff weight 10,600 kg
Empty weight 6,400 kg
Total thrust 2 x 847 kW
Wingspan 15.7 m
Height 5.1 m
Length 14.2 m
Maximum speed 260 km/h
Operational range 745 km
Service ceiling 4,910 m
Max. takeoff weight 6,400 kg
Empty weight 3,850 kg
Total thrust 2 x 331 kW

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the NH90 / Caiman or W-3 Sokol?
The NH90 / Caiman is faster with a maximum speed of 300 km/h compared to the W-3 Sokol's 260 km/h, a difference of 40 km/h.
Which has longer range, the NH90 / Caiman or W-3 Sokol?
The NH90 / Caiman has a longer range at 880 km compared to the W-3 Sokol's 745 km.
Which can fly higher, the NH90 / Caiman or W-3 Sokol?
The NH90 / Caiman has a higher service ceiling at 6,000 meters (19,685 ft) compared to the W-3 Sokol's 4,910 meters (16,108 ft).
Which is heavier, the NH90 / Caiman or W-3 Sokol?
The NH90 / Caiman has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 10,600 kg compared to the W-3 Sokol's 6,400 kg.
Which is larger, the NH90 / Caiman or W-3 Sokol?
The NH90 / Caiman is longer at 19.6 meters compared to the W-3 Sokol's 14.2 meters.
Which entered service first, the NH90 / Caiman or W-3 Sokol?
The W-3 Sokol entered service first in 1986, 18 years before the NH90 / Caiman which entered service in 2004.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the NH90 / Caiman or W-3 Sokol?
The NH90 / Caiman has been produced in greater numbers with 471 units compared to 149 units of the W-3 Sokol.