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Enstrom Helicotper 480b vs Enstrom Helicotper 480b G vs Md Helicopters Md 500e vs Md Helicopters Md 520n vs Md Helicopters Md 530f

The Enstrom 480B and 480B-G are light, single‑engine piston helicopters typically used for training, personal, and utility flying. Both are generally configured for about five seats including the pilot, with broadly similar range in the few‑hundred‑mile class; the 480B‑G is essentially a modernized/updated 480B variant, so day‑to‑day differences are more about equipment and configuration than a step change in capacity or range. The MD Helicopters MD 500E is a light, single‑engine turbine helicopter in the “500” family, commonly fielded for utility and law‑enforcement roles. It usually seats around five (pilot plus up to four), and its range is typically comparable to or somewhat greater than the Enstrom piston models, depending on fuel and mission fit. The MD 520N is also a light turbine helicopter but is distinguished by its NOTAR (no tail rotor) system, often chosen for reduced external noise and improved tail‑rotor safety; it generally carries a similar passenger load to the 500E and comparable range. The MD 530F is a higher‑power, hot‑and‑high‑optimized 500‑series turbine variant; it typically retains similar seating but can offer stronger performance and mission flexibility, with range again in a similar general band depending on configuration.

SpecMD Helicopters MD 500EMD Helicopters MD 520NMD Helicopters MD 530F
Summary
Cockpit222
DOC / nm$ 2.95$ 3.38$ 3.59
Min Crew111
Total Seats444
Flight RulesVFRVFRVFR
ManufacturerMD HelicotpersMD HelicotpersMD Helicotpers
Aircraft NameMD 500EMD 520NMD 530F
CertificationFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASA
Max Range (nm)258210216
DOC / nm / Seat$ 0.74$ 0.85$ 0.90
Max Cabin Seats333
OEM VerificationUn-VerifiedUn-VerifiedUn-Verified
Useful Load (lbs)148317641509
Standard Cabin Seats222
Direct Operating Cost$ 398$ 416$ 480
Flight Deck (Base Spec)Gyro / AnalogGyro / AnalogGarmin G500H
Max Cruise Speed (ktas)135123134
Base Aircraft Price (USD)$ 2,750,000$ 2,900,000$ 3,400,000
Cabin
Cockpit222
Min Crew111
Total Seats444
Max Cabin Seats333
Standard Cabin Seats222
Engine
FADECNoNoNo
Model250-C20B250-C20R250-C30
Fuel TypeJetFuelJetFuelJetFuel
TBO (hrs)350035002000
Horsepower420450650
No. of Engines111
Fuel Burn (gph)353535
Fuel Capacity (gal)646464
Dimensions
Length (ft)30.931.432.2
Overall Height (ft)8.78.88.7
Rotor Diameter (ft)26.427.427.5