List of Rotorcraft models

MD Helicopters MD 500

The MD Helicopters MD 500 (ICAO model code H500) is a family of several closely-related models of single-engine rotorcraft, originally designed by Hughes Helicopters. The base model, Hughes 500, is the civil version of the military variant, Hughes 369. The numbers 500 or 369 are often used interchangeably, sometimes with no particular relation to the military. The McDonnell Douglas Helicopter Systems acquired the Hughes Helicopters in 1984. Latter, when McDonnell Douglas and Boeing merged in 1999, the helicopter department was renamed as MD Helicopters. Therefore, the original Hughes 500/369 was rebranded as MD 500.

Technical specifications (MD 500C)

• Crew: 2
• Capacity: 2 PAX
• Length: 9.25 m (30 ft 3.75 in)
• Height: 2.50 m (8ft 1.5 in)
• Empty weight: 557 kg (1,229 lb)
• Max takeoff weight: 1,225 kg (2,700 lb)
• Fuel capacity: 233 L (51 imp gal; 61.5 US gal)
• Powerplant: 1 × Allison T63-A-5A turboshaft engine, 317 shp (236 kW)
• Main rotor diameter: 8.03 m (26 ft 4 in)
• Main rotor area: 50.598 m² (544.63 sq ft) * Blade section: - NACA 0012

• Maximum speed: 240 km/h (130 kn, 150 mph)
• Cruise speed: 240 km/h (130 kn, 150 mph)
• Range: 610 km (330 nmi, 610 km) at 1,524 m (5,000 ft)
• Ferry range: 2,508 km (1,354 nmi, 1,558 mi) with 590 kg (1,300 lb) of fuel
• Service ceiling: 4,800 m (15,800 ft) * Hover ceiling OGE: 2,225 m (7,300 ft)
• Hover ceiling IGE: 3,597 m (11,800 ft)
• Rate of climb: 10.5 m/s (2,070 ft/min)

H500 — SE-JVM, opperated by Visimind AB.

The history of Hughes 500 starts with a public tender for a light observation helicopter, requested by the United States Army. The model Hughes 369 was the selected winner and soon after that, on 27^th of February 1963, Hughes 369 flew for the first time. The US Army designation of the variant is Hughes OH-6 Cayuse, still on active military duty.

The same basic design was used for the civil version, known as Hughes 500. The very first civil helicopter, with tail registration N9000F, was just refurnished Hughes OH-6. A model with more powerful engine was known as Hughes 500U (latter renamed as Hughes 500C).

In 1976 the primary model was the improved Hughes 500D, fit with Allison 250-C20B delivering maximum take-off power of 309 shp (420 kW) and five-blade main rotor. The Hughes 500D was much quieter than the 500C variant. In 1982 the design was further enhanced to give rise to the Hughes 500E model. Another version, known as Hughes 530F aimed to deliver improved performance in "hot and high" work with the Allison 250-C30 engine. The current line-up of MD Helicopters rebranded the existing productions to MD 500E and MD 530F.

There is an additional variant, known as MD 520N, which harbours the NOTAR system instead of anti-torque rotor on the tail. This variant flew its maiden flight on 1^st of May 1990.

The models in the MD500 family are popular solutions for light utility helicopters in civil aviation space. Some variants can be seen in the law enforcement agencies, others as corporate transport aircraft. The Hughes OH-6 Cayuse and MD 500 Defender are in use of the US military. North Korea imported under cover a whole fleet of some 87 helicopters MD 500.

Variants

369 : Military prototype designated YOH-6A.
369A : Military production designated OH-6.
MD 500C / 369H : Commercial variant (5 seats), fit with Allison 250-C18B engine, certified in 1966.
Kawasaki-Hughes 369HS : Under license by Kawasaki Heavy Industries in Japan alongside OH-6J.
MD 500M Defender / 369HM : Military export version, certified in 1968.
MD 500C / 369HS : Commercial variant (4 seats), fit with Allison 250-C20 engine, certified in 1969.
MD 500C / 369HE : A 369HS with better interior fittings, certified in 1969.
MD 500D / 369D : Commercial version, fit with Allison 250-C20B engine, certified in 1976.
MD 500E / 369E : Executive version with recontoured nose, certified in 1982.
NH-500E : Italian-built version of the 500E, produced under license.
MD 520N : O TAil Rotor (NOTAR) version of the 500E, fit with Rolls-Royce 250-C20R/2 engine, certified in 1991.
MD 530F / 369F : Hot and high version of the 500E, fit with Rolls-Royce 250-C30HU engine, certified in 1984.
Unmanned Little Bird Demonstrator or AH-6 : Civilian 530F modified to develop UAV technologies.