MD-500 vs SA340 Gazelle

American light helicopter, renowned during the Cold War era, predominantly deployed for law enforcement and utility applications.
Picture of MD-500
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Helicopters
Manufacturer Hughes
First flight 28 January 1982
Year introduced 1967
Number produced 4700 units
Average unit price $4 million
French light utility helicopter, known for its extensive use in military and civil applications since its 1960s introduction.
Picture of SA340 Gazelle
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
Wingspan -- m
Height 2.6 m â—‰
Length 9.4 m â—‰
Maximum speed 282 km/h â—‰
Operational range -- km
Service ceiling 4,877 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 1,361 kg â—‰
Empty weight 672 kg â—‰
Total thrust 1 x 313 kW â—‰
Profile drawing of Hughes MD-500
Wingspan 10.5 m
Height 3.2 m â—‰
Length 11.9 m â—‰
Maximum speed 310 km/h â—‰
Operational range 361 km
Service ceiling 4,450 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 2,100 kg â—‰
Empty weight 1,009 kg â—‰
Total thrust 1 x 650 kW â—‰
Profile drawing of Aérospatiale SA340 Gazelle

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the MD-500 or SA340 Gazelle?
The SA340 Gazelle is faster with a maximum speed of 310 km/h compared to the MD-500's 282 km/h, a difference of 28 km/h.
Which has longer range, the MD-500 or SA340 Gazelle?
The SA340 Gazelle has a longer range at 361 km compared to the MD-500's 0 km.
Which can fly higher, the MD-500 or SA340 Gazelle?
The MD-500 has a higher service ceiling at 4,877 meters (16,000 ft) compared to the SA340 Gazelle's 4,450 meters (14,599 ft).
Which is heavier, the MD-500 or SA340 Gazelle?
The SA340 Gazelle has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 2,100 kg compared to the MD-500's 1,361 kg.
Which is larger, the MD-500 or SA340 Gazelle?
The SA340 Gazelle is longer at 11.9 meters compared to the MD-500's 9.4 meters.
Which is more expensive, the MD-500 or SA340 Gazelle?
The MD-500 is more expensive at approximately $4.0 million per unit compared to the SA340 Gazelle at $1.7 million.
Which entered service first, the MD-500 or SA340 Gazelle?
The MD-500 entered service first in 1967, 4 years before the SA340 Gazelle which entered service in 1971.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the MD-500 or SA340 Gazelle?
The MD-500 has been produced in greater numbers with 4,700 units compared to 1,775 units of the SA340 Gazelle.