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.
| Spec | MD Helicopters MD 520N | MD Helicopters MD 600N |
|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 3.38 | $ 4.06 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 4 | 6 |
| Flight Rules | VFR | VFR |
| Manufacturer | MD Helicotpers | MD Helicotpers |
| Aircraft Name | MD 520N | MD 600N |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 210 | 341 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.85 | $ 0.68 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 3 | 5 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 1764 | 2000 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 2 | 5 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 416 | $ 545 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Gyro / Analog | Gyro / Analog |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 123 | 134 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $ 2,900,000 | $3,400,000 |
| Cabin | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 4 | 6 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 3 | 5 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 2 | 5 |
| Engine | ||
| FADEC | No | No |
| Model | 250-C20R | 250-C47 |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 3500 | 2000 |
| Horsepower | 450 | 715 |
| No. of Engines | 1 | 1 |
| Fuel Burn (gph) | 35 | 41 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 64 | 118 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length (ft) | 31.4 | 36.9 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 8.8 | 9.7 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 27.4 | 27.5 |