Md Helicopters Md 500e vs Md Helicopters Md 530f vs Md Helicopters Md 600n
The MD Helicopters MD 500E is a light, single‑engine utility helicopter in the 500 series, typically used for training, patrol, and general support. It generally offers short-to-moderate range for its class (often around 200–300 nautical miles, depending on fuel fit and mission) and is commonly configured for one pilot plus four passengers, though interiors vary by operator. The MD 530F is also a light, single‑engine helicopter, but optimized for hotter-and-higher operations with improved performance and useful load compared with earlier 500 variants. Its range is broadly similar to the 500E (again commonly in the 200–300 nautical mile bracket), and typical seating is likewise about one pilot plus four passengers, with mission kits sometimes trading seats for equipment. The MD 600N is a larger light‑to‑medium single‑engine helicopter featuring the NOTAR anti‑torque system, positioned for higher cabin volume and quieter operations. It typically provides a longer practical range than the 500/530 family (often roughly 300+ nautical miles, configuration dependent) and usually carries one or two pilots plus five to six passengers.
| Spec | MD Helicopters MD 500E | MD Helicopters MD 530F | MD Helicopters MD 600N |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 2.95 | $ 3.59 | $ 4.06 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 4 | 4 | 6 |
| Flight Rules | VFR | VFR | VFR |
| Manufacturer | MD Helicotpers | MD Helicotpers | MD Helicotpers |
| Aircraft Name | MD 500E | MD 530F | MD 600N |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 258 | 216 | 341 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.74 | $ 0.90 | $ 0.68 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 3 | 3 | 5 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 1483 | 1509 | 2000 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 2 | 2 | 5 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 398 | $ 480 | $ 545 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Gyro / Analog | Garmin G500H | Gyro / Analog |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 135 | 134 | 134 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $ 2,750,000 | $ 3,400,000 | $3,400,000 |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 4 | 4 | 6 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 3 | 3 | 5 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 2 | 2 | 5 |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | No | No | No |
| Model | 250-C20B | 250-C30 | 250-C47 |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 3500 | 2000 | 2000 |
| Horsepower | 420 | 650 | 715 |
| No. of Engines | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Fuel Burn (gph) | 35 | 35 | 41 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 64 | 64 | 118 |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 30.9 | 32.2 | 36.9 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 8.7 | 8.7 | 9.7 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 26.4 | 27.5 | 27.5 |