|
|
 |
One of the world's most successful and useful light turbine helicopters, the Hughes/McDonnell Douglas/Boeing 500 series began life in response to a US Army requirement for a light observation helicopter. Prior to that Hughes announced it was developing a civil version, to be marketed as the Hughes 500 (Hughes Model 369). It was offered in basic five and seven seat configurations, and a 500U, later 500C, utility version with a more powerful engine.
From 1976 deliveries were of the 500D, an improved version with a more powerful engine, a Ttail, and new five blade main and optional four blade tail rotors. The 500D was followed by the 500E from 1982 with recontoured nose and various interior improvements including greater head and leg room. The 530F is a more powerful version optimised for hot and high work.
McDonnell Douglas acquired Hughes Helicopters in January 1984, and from August 1985 the 500E and 530F were built as the MD 500E and MD 530F Lifter. From the 1997 merger with Boeing they were Boeing products and since 1999, the Boeing Company?s commercial light helicopter product lines, were purchased by MDHI.
Military variants are marketed under the MD 500 Defender name. |
 |
|
|
|
| Seating (normal) |
3 |
Max Takeoff (lbs) |
3,000 |
| Seating (maximum) |
4 |
Certified Ceiling (ft) |
16,500 |
|
| Engines |
Rolls Royce 250 C20B |
To (Sealevel, ISA Temp) (ft) |
- |
| Output lbs ea. Flat Rating |
400shp |
Landing Distance (ft) |
- |
| Maximum Mach No. |
- |
Max Range (fuel) (nm) |
275 |
| High Speed Cruise (Kts) |
136 |
Max Range (payload) (nm) |
275 |
|
| Flight Time 300nm |
- |
Flight Time 1000nm |
- |
| Flight Time 600nm |
- |
|
|
|
| External |
|
Internal |
|
| Length (ft) |
24.50 |
Length (ft) |
9.00 |
| Height (ft) |
9.60 |
Height (ft) |
5.00 |
| Span (ft) |
6.20 |
Width: Max floor (ft) |
4.40 |
|
|
|
