MD-500 vs SA340 Gazelle
| American light helicopter, renowned during the Cold War era, predominantly deployed for law enforcement and utility applications. | |
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| 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 |
| French light utility helicopter, known for its extensive use in military and civil applications since its 1960s introduction. | |
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| Origin country | 🇫🇷 France |
| Category | Military Helicopters |
| Manufacturer | Aérospatiale |
| First flight | 7 April 1967 |
| Year introduced | 1971 |
| Number produced | 1775 units |
| Average unit price | $1.7 million |
| Wingspan | -- m |
| Height | 2.6 m â—‰ |
| Length | 9.4 m â—‰ |
| Maximum speed | 282 km/h â—‰ |
| Operational range | -- km |
| Service ceiling | 4,877 m â—‰ |
| Max. takeoff weight | 1,361 kg â—‰ |
| Empty weight | 672 kg â—‰ |
| Total thrust | 1 x 313 kW â—‰ |
| Wingspan | 10.5 m |
| Height | 3.2 m â—‰ |
| Length | 11.9 m â—‰ |
| Maximum speed | 310 km/h â—‰ |
| Operational range | 670 km |
| Service ceiling | 4,450 m â—‰ |
| Max. takeoff weight | 2,100 kg â—‰ |
| Empty weight | 1,009 kg â—‰ |
| Total thrust | 1 x 650 kW â—‰ |