AIR.ONE

Md Helicopters Md 520n vs Md Helicopters Md 600n

The MD Helicopters MD 520N and MD 600N are both light, single‑engine utility helicopters, but they sit in different weight and capability brackets. The MD 520N is typically considered a light single (often used for training, patrol, and general utility) with a smaller cabin and lower overall payload capability. The MD 600N is a larger light single/upper‑light utility helicopter aimed at missions needing more cabin volume and lift, such as law enforcement, EMS support roles, and utility work. In range, the MD 600N generally offers a longer practical range than the MD 520N due to its larger fuel and higher gross weight design, though actual range varies with configuration, reserves, and mission profile. For passenger capacity, the MD 520N is commonly arranged for a pilot plus up to four passengers (five seats total), while the MD 600N is typically arranged for a pilot plus up to six passengers (seven seats total), making the 600N better suited to carrying larger teams or more mission equipment.

SpecMD Helicopters MD 520NMD Helicopters MD 600N
Summary
Cockpit22
DOC / nm$ 3.38$ 4.06
Min Crew11
Total Seats46
Flight RulesVFRVFR
ManufacturerMD HelicotpersMD Helicotpers
Aircraft NameMD 520NMD 600N
CertificationFAA / EASAFAA / EASA
Max Range (nm)210341
DOC / nm / Seat$ 0.85$ 0.68
Max Cabin Seats35
OEM VerificationUn-VerifiedUn-Verified
Useful Load (lbs)17642000
Standard Cabin Seats25
Direct Operating Cost$ 416$ 545
Flight Deck (Base Spec)Gyro / AnalogGyro / Analog
Max Cruise Speed (ktas)123134
Base Aircraft Price (USD)$ 2,900,000 $3,400,000
Cabin
Cockpit22
Min Crew11
Total Seats46
Max Cabin Seats35
Standard Cabin Seats25
Engine
FADECNoNo
Model250-C20R250-C47
Fuel TypeJetFuelJetFuel
TBO (hrs)35002000
Horsepower450715
No. of Engines11
Fuel Burn (gph)3541
Fuel Capacity (gal)64118
Dimensions
Length (ft)31.436.9
Overall Height (ft)8.89.7
Rotor Diameter (ft)27.427.5