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.
| 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 |