MD-500 vs OH-58 Kiowa

Overview

The MD-500 and the OH-58 Kiowa are both Military Helicopters, manufactured by Hughes and Bell respectively.

Top speed is 282 km/h for the MD-500 vs 240 km/h for the OH-58 Kiowa. The MD-500 has an operational range of 430 km vs 260 km for the OH-58 Kiowa. The MD-500 operates at altitudes up to 4,877 m compared to 4,575 m for the OH-58 Kiowa.

The MD-500 has been produced in 4,700 units vs 2,325 for the OH-58 Kiowa. The OH-58 Kiowa first flew 20 years before the MD-500 (1962 vs 1982).

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 πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ United States
Category Military Helicopters
Manufacturer Hughes
First flight 28 January 1982
Year introduced 1967
Number produced 4700 units
Average unit price $4 million
American single-engine single-rotor military helicopter, introduced in the late 1960s, used for observation, utility, and direct fire support.
Bell OH-58 Kiowa Helicopter profile drawing
Origin country πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ United States
Category Military Helicopters
Manufacturer Bell
First flight 8 December 1962
Year introduced 1969
Number produced 2325 units
Average unit price --
Wing area -- mΒ²
Wingspan 8.3 m β—‰
Height 2.6 m β—‰
Length 9.4 m β—‰
Maximum speed 282 km/h β—‰
Operational range 430 km β—‰
Service ceiling 4,877 m β—‰
Max. takeoff weight 1,361 kg β—‰
Empty weight 672 kg β—‰
Total thrust 1 x 313 kW β—‰
Wing area 89.4 mΒ²
Wingspan 10.7 m β—‰
Height 3.9 m β—‰
Length 12.9 m β—‰
Maximum speed 240 km/h β—‰
Operational range 260 km β—‰
Service ceiling 4,575 m β—‰
Max. takeoff weight 2,495 kg β—‰
Empty weight 1,737 kg β—‰
Total thrust 1 x 485 kW β—‰

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the MD-500 or OH-58 Kiowa?
The MD-500 is faster with a maximum speed of 282 km/h compared to the OH-58 Kiowa's 240 km/h, a difference of 42 km/h.
Which has longer range, the MD-500 or OH-58 Kiowa?
The MD-500 has a longer range at 430 km compared to the OH-58 Kiowa's 260 km.
Which can fly higher, the MD-500 or OH-58 Kiowa?
The MD-500 has a higher service ceiling at 4,877 meters (16,000 ft) compared to the OH-58 Kiowa's 4,575 meters (15,009 ft).
Which is heavier, the MD-500 or OH-58 Kiowa?
The OH-58 Kiowa has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 2,495 kg compared to the MD-500's 1,361 kg.
Which is larger, the MD-500 or OH-58 Kiowa?
The OH-58 Kiowa is longer at 12.8 meters compared to the MD-500's 9.4 meters.
Which entered service first, the MD-500 or OH-58 Kiowa?
The MD-500 entered service first in 1967, 2 years before the OH-58 Kiowa which entered service in 1969.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the MD-500 or OH-58 Kiowa?
The MD-500 has been produced in greater numbers with 4,700 units compared to 2,325 units of the OH-58 Kiowa.