Md Helicopters Md 500e vs Md Helicopters Md 520n vs Md Helicopters Md 530f vs Md Helicopters Md 600n vs Md Helicopters Md 902 Exlplorer
The MD 500E is a lightweight, piston-powered member of the MD 500 family, typically used for training, utility, and light observation; it generally offers the shortest range in this group and commonly seats a pilot plus three to four passengers depending on interior and mission fit. The MD 520N is in the same light single-engine class but replaces the conventional tail rotor with the NOTAR system, aiming for lower external noise and improved tail-rotor safety; its range is broadly similar to other light singles, and passenger capacity is typically comparable to the 500E. The MD 530F is a more powerful light single (often configured for high/hot performance), remaining in the same general category but usually providing better useful load and mission flexibility; seating is again usually in the four- to five-place range including the pilot. The MD 600N steps up to a larger light/medium single-engine utility category with NOTAR, typically offering more cabin volume, greater range, and seating around six to seven total. The MD 902 Explorer is a twin-engine NOTAR helicopter in the light/medium twin category, generally providing the greatest range and the highest typical seating, commonly around eight to nine total.
| Spec | MD Helicopters MD 500E | MD Helicopters MD 520N | MD Helicopters MD 530F | MD Helicopters MD 600N | MD Helicopters MD 902 Exlplorer |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 2.95 | $ 3.38 | $ 3.59 | $ 4.06 | $ 7.54 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 4 | 4 | 4 | 6 | 8 |
| Flight Rules | VFR | VFR | VFR | VFR | VFR |
| Manufacturer | MD Helicotpers | MD Helicotpers | MD Helicotpers | MD Helicotpers | MD Helicotpers |
| Aircraft Name | MD 500E | MD 520N | MD 530F | MD 600N | MD 902 Exlplorer |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 258 | 210 | 216 | 341 | 317 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.74 | $ 0.85 | $ 0.90 | $ 0.68 | $ 0.94 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 3 | 3 | 3 | 5 | 6 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 1483 | 1764 | 1509 | 2000 | 3125 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 2 | 2 | 2 | 5 | 6 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 398 | $ 416 | $ 480 | $ 545 | $ 988 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Gyro / Analog | Gyro / Analog | Garmin G500H | Gyro / Analog | Garmin G500H |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 135 | 123 | 134 | 134 | 131 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $ 2,750,000 | $ 2,900,000 | $ 3,400,000 | $3,400,000 | $7,250,000 |
| Cabin | |||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 4 | 4 | 4 | 6 | 8 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 3 | 3 | 3 | 5 | 6 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 2 | 2 | 2 | 5 | 6 |
| Engine | |||||
| FADEC | No | No | No | No | No |
| Model | 250-C20B | 250-C20R | 250-C30 | 250-C47 | PW207E |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 3500 | 3500 | 2000 | 2000 | 4000 |
| Horsepower | 420 | 450 | 650 | 715 | 710 |
| No. of Engines | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| Fuel Burn (gph) | 35 | 35 | 35 | 41 | 65 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 64 | 64 | 64 | 118 | 159 |
| Dimensions | |||||
| Length (ft) | 30.9 | 31.4 | 32.2 | 36.9 | 40.6 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 8.7 | 8.8 | 8.7 | 9.7 | 12 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 26.4 | 27.4 | 27.5 | 27.5 | 33.9 |