Light Helicopters
MD 500E
ICAO: H500
Overview
The MD 530F is a high-performance variant of the MD 500 family. Designed for operations in hot and high conditions, it emphasizes power and agility. The aircraft serves military and civil operators.
Specifications
Units
- Engine
- 1 × Allison 250-C30 Turboshaft
- Engine type
- Turboshaft
- Power
- 650 shp · 485 kW
- Avionics
- Garmin Avionics
- Wing tips
- No winglets
- Seats
- 5
- Crew
- —
- Cabin width
- 4 ft 4 in · 1.31 m
- Cabin height
- 5 ft 0 in · 1.52 m
- Cabin length
- 8 ft 0 in · 2.44 m
- Exterior length
- 32 ft 7 in · 9.94 m
- Tail height
- 8 ft 9 in · 2.67 m
- Fuselage diameter
- —
- Wing span
- 27 ft 4 in · 8.33 m
- Baggage volume
- 11 ft³ · 0.3 m³
- Gross weight
- —
- Empty weight
- —
- Max takeoff weight
- 3,100 lb · 1,400 kg
- Max landing weight
- —
- Max payload
- 1,600 lb · 750 kg
- Fuel capacity
- 110 gal · 400 L · 300 kg (Jet A)
- Max cruise speed
- 135 kt · 155 mph · 250 km/h
- Maximum speed
- —
- Cruise speed
- —
- Approach speed
- —
- Range
- 232 nm · 270 mi · 430 km
- Fuel burn
- 4.19 nm/gal · 2.05 km/L
- Ceiling
- 18,700 ft · 5,700 m
- Rate of climb
- 2,070 ft/min · 11 m/s
- Takeoff distance
- —
- Landing distance
- —
Gallery
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Operational Context
MD 530F — light utility helicopter
The 530F entered service in the 1980s as an enhanced version of earlier MD 500 models. It features upgraded rotor systems and engine performance. The helicopter is optimized for mountainous operations.
A single turboshaft engine producing approximately 650 shaft horsepower powers the aircraft. Cruise speed approaches 135 knots (250 km/h). Maximum takeoff weight exceeds 3,100 pounds (1,406 kg).
The MD 530F has been widely exported and used in light attack and utility roles. Its agility and climb capability remain key strengths. The aircraft continues in production.
Sources and references used for research and fact-checking.
- https://www.globalair.com/aircraft-for-sale/Specifications?specid=350
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MD_Helicopters_MD_500
- https://www.bjtonline.com/aircraft/md-helicopters-md-530f
- https://www.aerospace-technology.com/projects/md_500e/
- https://www.airforce-technology.com/projects/md-530f-cayuse-warrior-helicopter/