Comparison of MD 500 MG Defender and Robinson R44

Attribute	Robinson R44 ×	MD 500 MG Defender ×
General
Manufacturer	Robinson Helicopter	MD Helicopters
Model	Robinson R44	MD 500 MG Defender
Country	United States	United States
Manufactured from (year)	2002	1976
Type	Light Helicopters	Military Helicopters
Icao	R44	H500
Performance
Engine	1x Lycoming IO-540-AE1A5 6 cylinder	1x 1 × One Allison 250-C20B
Power, hp (hp)	245	420
Avionics	Garmin GTN 650 GPS/COM/NAV, Garmin GMA 350Hc Audio Panel	-
Max cruise speed (km/h)	204	217
Travel range (km)	644	589
Fuel economy (km/l)	3.483	1.771
Service ceiling (m)	4,267	4,206
Rate of climb (m/sec)	5.08	8.64
Weights
Max take off weight (kg)	1,134	1,361
Max payload (kg)	451	454
Fuel tank capacity (l)	185	238
Baggage volume (m³)	1	-
Dimensions
Seats	4	5
Cabin height (m)	1.2	-
Cabin width (m)	1.22	-
Cabin length (m)	1.8	-
Exterior length (m)	11.66	9.38
Tail height (m)	3	2.71
Fuselage diameter (m)	1.28	-
Wing span (m)	10.1	8.05
Wing tips	No Winglets	No Winglets