Military Helicopters
Overview
The MD 500 MG Defender is a militarized variant of the MD 500 series tailored for light attack and reconnaissance roles. Compact and maneuverable, it has been used by military and security forces worldwide. The aircraft combines simplicity with effective weapon integration.
Live Fleet Activity (H500)
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Specifications
Units
- Engine
- 1 × One Allison 250-C20B
- Engine type
- Turboshaft
- Power
- 420 shp · 313 kW
- Avionics
- —
- Wing tips
- No winglets
- Seats
- 5
- Crew
- —
- Cabin width
- —
- Cabin height
- —
- Cabin length
- —
- Exterior length
- 30 ft 9 in · 9.38 m
- Tail height
- 8 ft 11 in · 2.71 m
- Fuselage diameter
- —
- Wing span
- 26 ft 5 in · 8.05 m
- Baggage volume
- —
- Gross weight
- —
- Empty weight
- —
- Max takeoff weight
- 3,000 lb · 1,350 kg
- Max landing weight
- —
- Max payload
- 1,000 lb · 450 kg
- Fuel capacity
- 60 gal · 200 L · 200 kg (Jet A)
- Max cruise speed
- 117 kt · 135 mph · 217 km/h
- Maximum speed
- —
- Cruise speed
- —
- Approach speed
- —
- Range
- 318 nm · 370 mi · 590 km
- Fuel burn
- 3.62 nm/gal · 1.77 km/L
- Ceiling
- 13,800 ft · 4,200 m
- Rate of climb
- 1,700 ft/min · 9 m/s
- Takeoff distance
- —
- Landing distance
- —
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Live fleet activity details
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Operational Context
MD 500 MG Defender — light armed reconnaissance helicopter
The MD 500 series originated from the Hughes 369 of the 1960s, a design known for its compact size and agility. The Defender variant introduced weapons integration for military customers, transforming the platform into a light attack helicopter. It entered service in the 1970s and has since seen export use.
Powered by an Allison 250 series turboshaft engine producing roughly 420 shaft horsepower, the MD 500 MG cruises at about 130 knots (240 km/h). Maximum takeoff weight is approximately 3,000 pounds (1,360 kg). Armament options include machine guns, rocket pods, and guided missiles depending on configuration.
The aircraft’s small size and responsive handling make it well suited for reconnaissance and close support missions. It has served in various regional conflicts and security operations. The MD 500 MG Defender remains a notable example of a lightweight helicopter adapted for combat roles.
Sources and references used for research and fact-checking.