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.
| Spec | MD Helicopters MD 500E | MD Helicopters MD 520N | MD Helicopters MD 530F |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 2.95 | $ 3.38 | $ 3.59 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Flight Rules | VFR | VFR | VFR |
| Manufacturer | MD Helicotpers | MD Helicotpers | MD Helicotpers |
| Aircraft Name | MD 500E | MD 520N | MD 530F |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 258 | 210 | 216 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.74 | $ 0.85 | $ 0.90 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 3 | 3 | 3 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 1483 | 1764 | 1509 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 398 | $ 416 | $ 480 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Gyro / Analog | Gyro / Analog | Garmin G500H |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 135 | 123 | 134 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $ 2,750,000 | $ 2,900,000 | $ 3,400,000 |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 3 | 3 | 3 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | No | No | No |
| Model | 250-C20B | 250-C20R | 250-C30 |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 3500 | 3500 | 2000 |
| Horsepower | 420 | 450 | 650 |
| No. of Engines | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Fuel Burn (gph) | 35 | 35 | 35 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 64 | 64 | 64 |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 30.9 | 31.4 | 32.2 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 8.7 | 8.8 | 8.7 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 26.4 | 27.4 | 27.5 |