H160 vs MD 500E
The H160 leads, topping 5 of 7 compared metrics.
Cross-shopping the Airbus Helicopters H160 (introduced 2021) against the MD Helicopters MD 500E (introduced 1982) is a common decision, and the two sit closer on paper than the badges suggest. Both are helicopters, which makes them natural cross-shopping rivals. The clearest separation between them is cabin capacity, where the H160 carries more passengers. We line the numbers up below, then translate them into the mission each aircraft actually wins.
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H160 vs MD 500E: the key differences
- The H160 delivers 85% more range (H160: 430 nm; MD 500E: 232 nm).
- The H160 delivers 12% more cruise speed (H160: 150 kt; MD 500E: 134 kt).
- The H160 delivers 140% more passenger capacity (H160: 12 seats; MD 500E: 5 seats).
- The H160 is the newer design (introduced 2021 versus 1982 for the MD 500E), a gap of 39 years that usually shows up in avionics, cabin systems and fuel burn.
- The H160 is the larger aircraft by maximum takeoff weight (13,228 lbs versus 3,000 lbs), which typically buys more cabin and payload at the cost of higher trip economics.
- The two differ in powerplant layout: the H160 runs 2 engines against 1 on the MD 500E — a factor in redundancy, maintenance scope and operating cost.
Which mission suits which aircraft
Both aircraft are built for short-haul and regional hops, so outright range rarely separates them — the call leans on cabin (the H160 seats more), trip economics and what is actually available on the market. Match the airframe to how you fly most weeks, not to the headline range figure.
Which should you choose?
On published specifications the H160 leads on both range and cabin capacity, so it suits operators who want maximum mission flexibility from a single airframe. The MD 500E can still be the smarter buy on acquisition cost, operating economics, runway performance, or current availability — the factors that rarely show up in a spec sheet. Our acquisition advisory team can model both against your actual mission profile before you commit.
More comparisons
H160 vs MD 500E: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the H160 or the MD 500E?
The H160 has the longer published range — 430 nm versus 232 nm for the MD 500E.
Does the H160 or MD 500E seat more passengers?
The H160 carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 12 seats, compared with 5 on the MD 500E.
Which is faster, the H160 or the MD 500E?
The H160 cruises faster, at 150 kt versus 134 kt for the MD 500E.
Which is newer, the H160 or the MD 500E?
The H160 is the newer design, introduced in 2021 versus 1982 for the MD 500E.
Is the H160 or the MD 500E the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the H160 is the larger aircraft — 13,228 lbs versus 3,000 lbs for the MD 500E.
Should I buy the H160 or the MD 500E?
On published specifications the H160 leads on both range and cabin capacity, so it suits operators who want maximum mission flexibility from a single airframe. The MD 500E can still be the smarter buy on acquisition cost, operating economics, runway performance, or current availability — the factors that rarely show up in a spec sheet. Our acquisition advisory team can model both against your actual mission profile before you commit.
Still weighing up the H160 vs MD 500E?
Specs only take you so far. Our advisors give an independent recommendation based on your mission, budget and how you actually fly — and represent your side through to purchase.