Dhruv vs W-3 Sokol

Overview

The Dhruv and the W-3 Sokol are both Military Helicopters, manufactured by HAL and PZL respectively.

Top speed is 280 km/h for the Dhruv vs 260 km/h for the W-3 Sokol. The Dhruv has an operational range of 630 km vs 745 km for the W-3 Sokol. The W-3 Sokol operates at altitudes up to 4,910 m compared to 4,400 m for the Dhruv.

The Dhruv has been produced in 335 units vs 149 for the W-3 Sokol. The W-3 Sokol first flew 13 years before the Dhruv (1979 vs 1992).

Indian utility helicopter, notable for extensive deployment in diverse Indian military and civil operations since the early 2000s.
HAL Dhruv Helicopter profile drawing
Origin country 🇮🇳 India
Category Military Helicopters
Manufacturer HAL
First flight 20 August 1992
Year introduced 2002
Number produced 335 units
Average unit price $12 million
Polish utility helicopter, renowned for search and rescue missions, particularly during UN peacekeeping operations in Bosnia-Herzegovina in the 1990s.
PZL W-3 Sokol Helicopter profile drawing
Origin country 🇵🇱 Poland
Category Military Helicopters
Manufacturer PZL
First flight 16 November 1979
Year introduced 1986
Number produced 149 units
Average unit price --
Wingspan 13.2 m
Height 5.0 m
Length 15.9 m
Maximum speed 280 km/h
Operational range 630 km
Service ceiling 4,400 m
Max. takeoff weight 5,580 kg
Empty weight 4,445 kg
Total thrust 2 x 404 kW
Wingspan 15.7 m
Height 5.1 m
Length 14.2 m
Maximum speed 260 km/h
Operational range 745 km
Service ceiling 4,910 m
Max. takeoff weight 6,400 kg
Empty weight 3,850 kg
Total thrust 2 x 331 kW

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the Dhruv or W-3 Sokol?
The Dhruv is faster with a maximum speed of 280 km/h compared to the W-3 Sokol's 260 km/h, a difference of 20 km/h.
Which has longer range, the Dhruv or W-3 Sokol?
The W-3 Sokol has a longer range at 745 km compared to the Dhruv's 630 km.
Which can fly higher, the Dhruv or W-3 Sokol?
The W-3 Sokol has a higher service ceiling at 4,910 meters (16,108 ft) compared to the Dhruv's 4,400 meters (14,435 ft).
Which is heavier, the Dhruv or W-3 Sokol?
The W-3 Sokol has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 6,400 kg compared to the Dhruv's 5,580 kg.
Which is larger, the Dhruv or W-3 Sokol?
The Dhruv is longer at 15.9 meters compared to the W-3 Sokol's 14.2 meters.
Which entered service first, the Dhruv or W-3 Sokol?
The W-3 Sokol entered service first in 1986, 16 years before the Dhruv which entered service in 2002.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the Dhruv or W-3 Sokol?
The Dhruv has been produced in greater numbers with 335 units compared to 149 units of the W-3 Sokol.