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R-4 vs SA316 Alouette III

R-4 vs SA316 Alouette III at a glance — top speed 121 vs 210 km/h, range 210 vs 540 km, max takeoff weight 1,150 vs 2,200 kg, built 131 vs 2,000 units.

Sikorsky R-4 military helicopters side profile drawing
🇺🇸 R-4
SA316 Alouette III military helicopters side profile drawing
🇫🇷 SA316 Alouette III
Specifications
R-4 SA316 Alouette III
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇫🇷 France
Category Military Helicopters Military Helicopters
Manufacturer Sikorsky Sud Aviation
First flight 13 January 1942 28 February 1959
Year introduced 1944 1961
Number produced 131 units 2000 units
Average unit price $10K $1.5 million
Wingspan 11.6 m 11.0 m
Height 3.8 m 3.0 m
Length 10.8 m 10.0 m
Maximum speed 121 km/h 210 km/h
Operational range 210 km 540 km
Service ceiling 2,400 m 3,200 m
Max. takeoff weight 1,150 kg 2,200 kg
Empty weight 950 kg 1,143 kg
Total thrust -- 1 x 713 kW
Performance Radar Chart
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the R-4 or SA316 Alouette III?
The SA316 Alouette III is faster with a maximum speed of 210 km/h compared to the R-4's 121 km/h, a difference of 89 km/h.
Which has longer range, the R-4 or SA316 Alouette III?
The SA316 Alouette III has a longer range at 540 km compared to the R-4's 210 km.
Which can fly higher, the R-4 or SA316 Alouette III?
The SA316 Alouette III has a higher service ceiling at 3,200 meters (10,498 ft) compared to the R-4's 2,400 meters (7,874 ft).
Which is heavier, the R-4 or SA316 Alouette III?
The SA316 Alouette III has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 2,200 kg compared to the R-4's 1,150 kg.
Which is larger, the R-4 or SA316 Alouette III?
The R-4 is longer at 10.8 meters compared to the SA316 Alouette III's 10.0 meters.
Which is more expensive, the R-4 or SA316 Alouette III?
The SA316 Alouette III is more expensive at approximately $1.5 million per unit compared to the R-4 at $0.0 million.
Which entered service first, the R-4 or SA316 Alouette III?
The R-4 entered service first in 1944, 17 years before the SA316 Alouette III which entered service in 1961.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the R-4 or SA316 Alouette III?
The SA316 Alouette III has been produced in greater numbers with 2,000 units compared to 131 units of the R-4.