Specifications
Aircraft Details
- Aircraft location: Miami, Florida
- To be delivered with N registration and Certificate of Airworthiness
- McDonnell Douglas MD 520N NOTAR, built in 1992
- Cruising speed: 123 knots
- Useful internal load at max gross weight: 1,764 lbs
- Hover out of ground effect: 9,400 ft; in ground effect: 12,800 ft
- Rate of climb at max gross weight: 1,913 ft/min
- Max operating altitude: 20,000 ft
- Operating temperature range: -40 to +52°C
- Advanced NOTAR® anti-torque system for reduced noise and improved safety
- Total airframe time: 1,736.4 hours
- Engine: Allison 250C20R/2, 1,736.4 hours since new
- Avionics: Classic analog panel, King KRA 10 radar altimeter, King KI 525A HSI, KI 229 RMI, King KMA 24 audio panel, King KX 155/165 NAV/COM, King KNS 80, KT 76/79 transponder, KR 87 ADF
- Additional equipment: Lighting controls, avionics master, cargo hook release, chronometer, aux fuel tank management, caution/warning annunciator
- Airworthy with service logs available
About this Model
Overview
The MD 520N is a small, high-visibility turbine helicopter that replaces a conventional tail rotor with the NOTAR (NO TAil Rotor) system, using a variable-pitch fan and directed airflow for anti-torque and yaw control. It is typically selected for missions where rotor clearance, ground safety, and operations in confined areas are key considerations, while still keeping footprint and operating complexity in the light-single class.
Mission Fit
In day-to-day use, the 520N tends to fit short-to-medium legs, frequent landings, and operations around people, vehicles, and obstacles—scenarios where NOTAR’s absence of an exposed tail rotor can reduce risk and simplify ground handling procedures. Buyers planning routine multi-hour legs, regular high-density passenger carriage, or demanding external-load work generally evaluate larger airframes with more cabin volume and power margin.
Cabin
Cabin experience is functional and mission-driven. The cockpit emphasizes visibility and access to controls, with seating and interiors varying by operator mission (training, law enforcement, utility). Space is typical of the light-single category—practical for a small passenger count and mission equipment, but not oriented to comfort on longer legs.