AW101 vs SA321 Super Frelon

British-Italian medium-lift helicopter, notable for search and rescue, anti-submarine warfare, and troop transport operations globally since the early 2000s.
Picture of AW101
Origin country 🇬🇧 United Kingdom 🇮🇹 Italy
Category Military Helicopters
Manufacturer AgustaWestland
First flight 19 October 1964
Year introduced 1999
Number produced 137 units
Average unit price $70 million
French heavy transport helicopter, operational during the Cold War, prominently used by China, France, and Israel.
Picture of SA321 Super Frelon
Origin country 🇫🇷 France
Category Military Helicopters
Manufacturer Aérospatiale
First flight 7 December 1962
Year introduced 1966
Number produced 110 units
Average unit price $3.5 million
Wingspan -- m
Height 6.6 m â—‰
Length 20.4 m â—‰
Maximum speed 309 km/h â—‰
Operational range 1,389 km
Service ceiling 2,600 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 12,900 kg â—‰
Empty weight 6,850 kg â—‰
Total thrust 3 x 1,044 kW â—‰
Profile drawing of AgustaWestland AW101
Wingspan 18.9 m
Height 6.7 m â—‰
Length 23.0 m â—‰
Maximum speed 275 km/h â—‰
Operational range -- km
Service ceiling 3,100 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 13,000 kg â—‰
Empty weight 6,865 kg â—‰
Total thrust 3 x 1,155 kW â—‰
Profile drawing of Aérospatiale SA321 Super Frelon

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the AW101 or SA321 Super Frelon?
The AW101 is faster with a maximum speed of 309 km/h compared to the SA321 Super Frelon's 275 km/h, a difference of 34 km/h.
Which has longer range, the AW101 or SA321 Super Frelon?
The AW101 has a longer range at 1,389 km compared to the SA321 Super Frelon's 0 km.
Which can fly higher, the AW101 or SA321 Super Frelon?
The SA321 Super Frelon has a higher service ceiling at 3,100 meters (10,170 ft) compared to the AW101's 2,600 meters (8,530 ft).
Which is heavier, the AW101 or SA321 Super Frelon?
The SA321 Super Frelon has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 13,000 kg compared to the AW101's 12,900 kg.
Which is larger, the AW101 or SA321 Super Frelon?
The SA321 Super Frelon is longer at 23.0 meters compared to the AW101's 20.4 meters.
Which is more expensive, the AW101 or SA321 Super Frelon?
The AW101 is more expensive at approximately $70 million per unit compared to the SA321 Super Frelon at $3.5 million.
Which entered service first, the AW101 or SA321 Super Frelon?
The SA321 Super Frelon entered service first in 1966, 33 years before the AW101 which entered service in 1999.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the AW101 or SA321 Super Frelon?
The AW101 has been produced in greater numbers with 137 units compared to 110 units of the SA321 Super Frelon.