Light Helicopters
MD 520N
ICAO: MD52
Overview
The MD 500E is a civil variant of the Hughes 500 series introduced in the 1980s. Known for its compact size and maneuverability, it supports utility and patrol missions. The aircraft remains popular worldwide.
Live Fleet Activity (H500)
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Specifications
Units
- Engine
- 1 × Allison 250-C20 Turboshaft
- Engine type
- Turboshaft
- Power
- 420 shp · 313 kW
- Avionics
- Garmin Avionics
- Wing tips
- No winglets
- Seats
- 5
- Crew
- —
- Cabin width
- 4 ft 5 in · 1.34 m
- Cabin height
- 5 ft 0 in · 1.52 m
- Cabin length
- 8 ft 0 in · 2.44 m
- Exterior length
- 30 ft 10 in · 9.40 m
- Tail height
- 8 ft 10 in · 2.70 m
- Fuselage diameter
- 4 ft 11 in · 1.50 m
- Wing span
- 26 ft 5 in · 8.06 m
- Baggage volume
- 35 ft³ · 1.0 m³
- Gross weight
- —
- Empty weight
- —
- Max takeoff weight
- 3,000 lb · 1,350 kg
- Max landing weight
- —
- Max payload
- 1,500 lb · 700 kg
- Fuel capacity
- 60 gal · 200 L · 200 kg (Jet A)
- Max cruise speed
- 135 kt · 155 mph · 250 km/h
- Maximum speed
- —
- Cruise speed
- —
- Approach speed
- —
- Range
- 290 nm · 330 mi · 540 km
- Fuel burn
- 5.90 nm/gal · 2.89 km/L
- Ceiling
- 16,000 ft · 4,900 m
- Rate of climb
- 1,700 ft/min · 9 m/s
- Takeoff distance
- —
- Landing distance
- —
Gallery
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Live fleet activity details
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Operational Context
MD 500E — light utility helicopter
The 500E entered service in the early 1980s as a development of earlier Hughes designs. It features a five-blade main rotor and skid landing gear. The helicopter was engineered for agility and reliability.
A single turboshaft engine producing approximately 420 shaft horsepower powers the aircraft. Cruise speed approaches 135 knots (250 km/h). Maximum takeoff weight exceeds 3,000 pounds (1,361 kg).
The 500E is widely used in law enforcement, training, and aerial observation roles. Its compact dimensions suit urban operations. Production continues in updated variants.
Sources and references used for research and fact-checking.