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AW101 vs SA321 Super Frelon

AW101 vs SA321 Super Frelon at a glance — top speed 309 vs 275 km/h, range 1,389 vs 1,020 km, max takeoff weight 12,900 vs 13,000 kg, built 137 vs 110 units.

AgustaWestland AW101 military helicopters side profile drawing
🇬🇧🇮🇹 AW101
Specifications
AW101 SA321 Super Frelon
Origin country 🇬🇧 United Kingdom🇮🇹 Italy 🇫🇷 France
Category Military Helicopters Military Helicopters
Manufacturer AgustaWestland Aérospatiale
First flight 19 October 1964 7 December 1962
Year introduced 1999 1966
Number produced 137 units 110 units
Average unit price $70 million $3.5 million
Wingspan 18.6 m 18.9 m
Height 6.6 m 6.7 m
Length 20.4 m 23.0 m
Maximum speed 309 km/h 275 km/h
Operational range 1,389 km 1,020 km
Service ceiling 2,600 m 3,100 m
Max. takeoff weight 12,900 kg 13,000 kg
Empty weight 6,850 kg 6,865 kg
Total thrust 3 x 1,044 kW 3 x 1,155 kW
Performance Radar Chart
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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 1,020 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.