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Md Helicopters Md 500e vs Md Helicopters Md 520n vs Md Helicopters Md 530f

The MD Helicopters MD 500E, MD 520N, and MD 530F are all light single-engine helicopters in the MD 500 family, typically used for utility, law enforcement, training, and light aerial work, but they differ in configuration and typical mission emphasis. The MD 500E is a conventional (tail-rotor) light utility helicopter and is commonly configured for a pilot plus up to four passengers, with real-world cabin layouts varying by operator; its practical range is generally in the few-hundred-mile class depending on fuel load and reserves. The MD 520N remains in the same light single-engine category and similar seating class, but it is distinguished by its NOTAR (no tail rotor) anti-torque system, which can be attractive for noise-sensitive operations; its range is broadly comparable to the 500E, again typically a few hundred miles depending on configuration. The MD 530F is also a light single-engine helicopter, often optimized for higher/hotter operations and utility performance, and it is usually configured for a pilot plus up to four passengers; its range is likewise in the same general few-hundred-mile bracket, varying with tanks, payload, and mission profile.

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