OH-58 Kiowa vs SA340 Gazelle

Overview

The OH-58 Kiowa and the SA340 Gazelle are both Military Helicopters, manufactured by Bell and Aérospatiale respectively.

Top speed is 240 km/h for the OH-58 Kiowa vs 310 km/h for the SA340 Gazelle. The OH-58 Kiowa has an operational range of 260 km vs 361 km for the SA340 Gazelle. The OH-58 Kiowa operates at altitudes up to 4,575 m compared to 4,450 m for the SA340 Gazelle.

The OH-58 Kiowa has been produced in 2,325 units vs 1,775 for the SA340 Gazelle. The OH-58 Kiowa first flew 5 years before the SA340 Gazelle (1962 vs 1967).

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 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Helicopters
Manufacturer Bell
First flight 8 December 1962
Year introduced 1969
Number produced 2325 units
Average unit price --
French light utility helicopter, known for its extensive use in military and civil applications since its 1960s introduction.
Aérospatiale SA340 Gazelle Helicopter profile drawing
Origin country 🇫🇷 France
Category Military Helicopters
Manufacturer Aérospatiale
First flight 7 April 1967
Year introduced 1971
Number produced 1775 units
Average unit price $1.7 million
Wing area 89.4 m²
Wingspan 10.7 m
Height 3.9 m
Length 12.9 m
Maximum speed 240 km/h
Operational range 260 km
Service ceiling 4,575 m
Max. takeoff weight 2,495 kg
Empty weight 1,737 kg
Total thrust 1 x 485 kW
Wing area -- m²
Wingspan 10.5 m
Height 3.2 m
Length 11.9 m
Maximum speed 310 km/h
Operational range 361 km
Service ceiling 4,450 m
Max. takeoff weight 2,100 kg
Empty weight 1,009 kg
Total thrust 1 x 650 kW

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the OH-58 Kiowa or SA340 Gazelle?
The SA340 Gazelle is faster with a maximum speed of 310 km/h compared to the OH-58 Kiowa's 240 km/h, a difference of 70 km/h.
Which has longer range, the OH-58 Kiowa or SA340 Gazelle?
The SA340 Gazelle has a longer range at 361 km compared to the OH-58 Kiowa's 260 km.
Which can fly higher, the OH-58 Kiowa or SA340 Gazelle?
The OH-58 Kiowa has a higher service ceiling at 4,575 meters (15,009 ft) compared to the SA340 Gazelle's 4,450 meters (14,599 ft).
Which is heavier, the OH-58 Kiowa or SA340 Gazelle?
The OH-58 Kiowa has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 2,495 kg compared to the SA340 Gazelle's 2,100 kg.
Which is larger, the OH-58 Kiowa or SA340 Gazelle?
The OH-58 Kiowa is longer at 12.8 meters compared to the SA340 Gazelle's 11.9 meters.
Which entered service first, the OH-58 Kiowa or SA340 Gazelle?
The OH-58 Kiowa entered service first in 1969, 2 years before the SA340 Gazelle which entered service in 1971.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the OH-58 Kiowa or SA340 Gazelle?
The OH-58 Kiowa has been produced in greater numbers with 2,325 units compared to 1,775 units of the SA340 Gazelle.