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.
| Spec | MD Helicopters MD 520N | MD Helicopters MD 530F | MD Helicopters MD 600N |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 3.38 | $ 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 520N | MD 530F | MD 600N |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 210 | 216 | 341 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.85 | $ 0.90 | $ 0.68 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 3 | 3 | 5 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 1764 | 1509 | 2000 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 2 | 2 | 5 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 416 | $ 480 | $ 545 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Gyro / Analog | Garmin G500H | Gyro / Analog |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 123 | 134 | 134 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $ 2,900,000 | $ 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-C20R | 250-C30 | 250-C47 |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 3500 | 2000 | 2000 |
| Horsepower | 450 | 650 | 715 |
| No. of Engines | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Fuel Burn (gph) | 35 | 35 | 41 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 64 | 64 | 118 |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 31.4 | 32.2 | 36.9 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 8.8 | 8.7 | 9.7 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 27.4 | 27.5 | 27.5 |