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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.

SpecMD Helicopters MD 500EMD Helicopters MD 520NMD Helicopters MD 530FMD Helicopters MD 600NMD Helicopters MD 902 Exlplorer
Summary
Cockpit22222
DOC / nm$ 2.95$ 3.38$ 3.59$ 4.06$ 7.54
Min Crew11111
Total Seats44468
Flight RulesVFRVFRVFRVFRVFR
ManufacturerMD HelicotpersMD HelicotpersMD HelicotpersMD HelicotpersMD Helicotpers
Aircraft NameMD 500EMD 520NMD 530FMD 600NMD 902 Exlplorer
CertificationFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASA
Max Range (nm)258210216341317
DOC / nm / Seat$ 0.74$ 0.85$ 0.90$ 0.68$ 0.94
Max Cabin Seats33356
OEM VerificationUn-VerifiedUn-VerifiedUn-VerifiedUn-VerifiedUn-Verified
Useful Load (lbs)14831764150920003125
Standard Cabin Seats22256
Direct Operating Cost$ 398$ 416$ 480$ 545$ 988
Flight Deck (Base Spec)Gyro / AnalogGyro / AnalogGarmin G500HGyro / AnalogGarmin G500H
Max Cruise Speed (ktas)135123134134131
Base Aircraft Price (USD)$ 2,750,000$ 2,900,000$ 3,400,000 $3,400,000 $7,250,000
Cabin
Cockpit22222
Min Crew11111
Total Seats44468
Max Cabin Seats33356
Standard Cabin Seats22256
Engine
FADECNoNoNoNoNo
Model250-C20B250-C20R250-C30250-C47PW207E
Fuel TypeJetFuelJetFuelJetFuelJetFuelJetFuel
TBO (hrs)35003500200020004000
Horsepower420450650715710
No. of Engines11112
Fuel Burn (gph)3535354165
Fuel Capacity (gal)646464118159
Dimensions
Length (ft)30.931.432.236.940.6
Overall Height (ft)8.78.88.79.712
Rotor Diameter (ft)26.427.427.527.533.9