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Md Helicopters Md 520n vs Md Helicopters Md 530f vs Md Helicopters Md 600n

The MD Helicopters MD 520N is a light, single-engine utility helicopter optimized for low-noise operations thanks to its NOTAR anti-torque system; it is typically configured for about four passengers plus a pilot, and it offers a modest mission radius suited to short-range patrol, training, and local utility work. The MD 530F is also a light, single-engine utility helicopter, generally positioned as the higher-hot-and-high-capable, more powerful sibling in the 500-series; it commonly carries about four to five passengers plus a pilot depending on interior fit, and it tends to provide a similar overall range class to the 520N, with practical endurance focused on short to medium legs rather than long-distance transport. The MD 600N steps up into the light-intermediate single-engine category, retaining the NOTAR concept but with a larger cabin and higher useful load; it is often configured for about six passengers plus a pilot, and it typically delivers the greatest range of the three, making it better suited to longer utility missions, air medical support, and higher-capacity passenger transport.

SpecMD Helicopters MD 520NMD Helicopters MD 530FMD Helicopters MD 600N
Summary
Cockpit222
DOC / nm$ 3.38$ 3.59$ 4.06
Min Crew111
Total Seats446
Flight RulesVFRVFRVFR
ManufacturerMD HelicotpersMD HelicotpersMD Helicotpers
Aircraft NameMD 520NMD 530FMD 600N
CertificationFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASA
Max Range (nm)210216341
DOC / nm / Seat$ 0.85$ 0.90$ 0.68
Max Cabin Seats335
OEM VerificationUn-VerifiedUn-VerifiedUn-Verified
Useful Load (lbs)176415092000
Standard Cabin Seats225
Direct Operating Cost$ 416$ 480$ 545
Flight Deck (Base Spec)Gyro / AnalogGarmin G500HGyro / Analog
Max Cruise Speed (ktas)123134134
Base Aircraft Price (USD)$ 2,900,000$ 3,400,000 $3,400,000
Cabin
Cockpit222
Min Crew111
Total Seats446
Max Cabin Seats335
Standard Cabin Seats225
Engine
FADECNoNoNo
Model250-C20R250-C30250-C47
Fuel TypeJetFuelJetFuelJetFuel
TBO (hrs)350020002000
Horsepower450650715
No. of Engines111
Fuel Burn (gph)353541
Fuel Capacity (gal)6464118
Dimensions
Length (ft)31.432.236.9
Overall Height (ft)8.88.79.7
Rotor Diameter (ft)27.427.527.5