MD-500 vs Z-18
Overview
The MD-500 and the Z-18 are both Military Helicopters, manufactured by Hughes and Changhe respectively.
Top speed is 282 km/h for the MD-500 vs 336 km/h for the Z-18. The MD-500 has an operational range of 430 km vs 1,000 km for the Z-18. The Z-18 operates at altitudes up to 9,000 m compared to 4,877 m for the MD-500. At 13,800 kg MTOW, the Z-18 is 10:1 the MD-500's 1,361 kg.
The MD-500 has been produced in 4,700 units vs 133 for the Z-18. The MD-500 first flew 28 years before the Z-18 (1982 vs 2010).
| 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 |
| Chinese utility helicopter, employed since 2014, notably for high altitude operations and transportation in People's Liberation Army. | |
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| Origin country | 🇨🇳 China |
| Category | Military Helicopters |
| Manufacturer | Changhe |
| First flight | 18 March 2010 |
| Year introduced | 2018 |
| Number produced | 133 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 | 19.0 m ◉ |
| Height | 6.7 m ◉ |
| Length | 23.0 m ◉ |
| Maximum speed | 336 km/h ◉ |
| Operational range | 1,000 km ◉ |
| Service ceiling | 9,000 m ◉ |
| Max. takeoff weight | 13,800 kg ◉ |
| Empty weight | 6,865 kg ◉ |
| Total thrust | 3 x 433 kW ◉ |
Performance Radar Chart
Detailed Comparison
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which is faster, the MD-500 or Z-18?
The Z-18 is faster with a maximum speed of 336 km/h compared to the MD-500's 282 km/h, a difference of 54 km/h.
Which has longer range, the MD-500 or Z-18?
The Z-18 has a longer range at 1,000 km compared to the MD-500's 430 km.
Which can fly higher, the MD-500 or Z-18?
The Z-18 has a higher service ceiling at 9,000 meters (29,527 ft) compared to the MD-500's 4,877 meters (16,000 ft).
Which is heavier, the MD-500 or Z-18?
The Z-18 has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 13,800 kg compared to the MD-500's 1,361 kg.
Which is larger, the MD-500 or Z-18?
The Z-18 is longer at 23.0 meters compared to the MD-500's 9.4 meters.
Which entered service first, the MD-500 or Z-18?
The MD-500 entered service first in 1967, 51 years before the Z-18 which entered service in 2018.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the MD-500 or Z-18?
The MD-500 has been produced in greater numbers with 4,700 units compared to 133 units of the Z-18.