MD-500 vs TH-55 Osage

MD-500

American light helicopter, renowned during the Cold War era, predominantly deployed for law enforcement and utility applications.

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

American training helicopter, prominent during the Vietnam War, extensively utilized for instructional duties by the US Army.

Origin country	🇺🇸 United States
Category	Military Helicopters
Manufacturer	Hughes
First flight	2 October 1956
Year introduced	1961
Number produced	2800 units
Average unit price	$-- million

Photo of TH-55 Osage by Alf van Beem.

Which is faster, the MD-500 or TH-55 Osage?

The MD-500 is faster with a maximum speed of 282 km/h compared to the TH-55 Osage's 140 km/h, a difference of 142 km/h.

Which has longer range, the MD-500 or TH-55 Osage?

The TH-55 Osage has a longer range at 480 km compared to the MD-500's 0 km.

Which can fly higher, the MD-500 or TH-55 Osage?

The MD-500 has a higher service ceiling at 4,877 meters (16,000 ft) compared to the TH-55 Osage's 4,000 meters (13,123 ft).

Which is heavier, the MD-500 or TH-55 Osage?

The MD-500 has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 1,361 kg compared to the TH-55 Osage's 703 kg.

Which is larger, the MD-500 or TH-55 Osage?

The MD-500 is longer at 9.4 meters compared to the TH-55 Osage's 8.8 meters.

Which entered service first, the MD-500 or TH-55 Osage?

The TH-55 Osage entered service first in 1961, 6 years before the MD-500 which entered service in 1967.

Which has been built in greater numbers, the MD-500 or TH-55 Osage?

The MD-500 has been produced in greater numbers with 4,700 units compared to 2,800 units of the TH-55 Osage.