The MD Helicopters MD 500 is known for its low operating cost and low maintenance, combined with exceptional performance. It is a favorite of law enforcement, the military, and for utility civilian operations. The helicopter has been sold to the governments of over 60 countries around the world.

The MD 500 was originally produced by Hughes Helicopters which was sold to McDonnell Douglas. It was developed from a military observation helicopter. In addition to the United States, it has been manufactured in Argentina, Japan, and Korea. It first took to the sky in 1963 and is still being produced today.

Through the years newer models of the MD 500 have acquired additional streamlining, a larger cabin, more powerful engines, improved avionics, redesigned rotors, and a larger tail.

Over 1,400 military versions of the helicopter were produced for the U.S. Army. They served during the Vietnam war. Some are still being flown by Air National Guard units.

As would be expected from an observation helicopter, the MD 500 has excellent all around visibility. The windshield extends into the roof of the helicopter while the helicopter doors have extra large windows. The helicopter skids can be standard or elongated for additional fuselage clearance. Inflatable floats are optional for water operations.

The latest MD 500 versions have a less rounded nose, and five blade main rotors made from extruded aluminum spar hot bonded to a wraparound aluminum skin. They have a larger tail section for improved low speed stability. A four blade tail rotor is available for noise reduction.

A total of 4,724 MD Helicopters MD 500 series of all types have been produced.

MD 500E Specifications
Primary Function:     Seats:     Engines:     Horsepower:     Length:     Height:     Rotor Diameter:     Weight Empty:     Max. Weight:     Cruise Speed:     Max. Speed:     Climb Rate:     Ceiling:     Range:     First Flight:     Year Deployed:	utility pilot + four RR C20B 420 s.h.p. 30' 10" 8' 9" 26' 5" 1,480 lbs. 3,550 lbs. 138 mph 175 mph (VNE) 1,770 fpm 16,000 feet 300 miles 2/14/63 1966