MD-500 vs TH-55 Osage
Overview
The MD-500 and the TH-55 Osage are both Military Helicopters, manufactured by Hughes and Hughes respectively.
The MD-500 reaches 282 km/h — 2.0x the TH-55 Osage's 140 km/h. The MD-500 has an operational range of 430 km vs 480 km for the TH-55 Osage. The MD-500 operates at altitudes up to 4,877 m compared to 4,000 m for the TH-55 Osage.
The MD-500 has been produced in 4,700 units vs 2,800 for the TH-55 Osage. The TH-55 Osage first flew 26 years before the MD-500 (1956 vs 1982).
| 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 | -- |
| Wingspan | 8.3 m ◉ |
| Height | 2.6 m ◉ |
| Length | 9.4 m ◉ |
| Maximum speed | 282 km/h ◉ |
| Operational range | 430 km ◉ |
| Service ceiling | 4,877 m ◉ |
| Max. takeoff weight | 1,361 kg ◉ |
| Empty weight | 672 kg ◉ |
| Total thrust | 1 x 313 kW ◉ |
| Wingspan | 7.7 m ◉ |
| Height | 2.5 m ◉ |
| Length | 8.8 m ◉ |
| Maximum speed | 140 km/h ◉ |
| Operational range | 480 km ◉ |
| Service ceiling | 4,000 m ◉ |
| Max. takeoff weight | 703 kg ◉ |
| Empty weight | 435 kg ◉ |
| Total thrust | 1 x 130 kW ◉ |
Performance Radar Chart
Detailed Comparison
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Frequently Asked Questions
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 430 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.