Aircraft overview

The MD Helicopters MD 500 is a light, single-engine turbine helicopter descended from the Hughes 500 civil line and the OH-6 military program. The original Hughes 369 design first flew in the 1960s, with civil production continuing through Hughes, McDonnell Douglas and later MD Helicopters. In buyer terms, the MD 500 name most commonly refers to the compact, teardrop-cabin models such as the 500C, 500D and 500E, used for private flying, utility work, law enforcement, training, aerial survey and external-load missions. Its significance comes from a simple airframe, responsive handling, high power-to-weight ratio and a long global operating history.

Performance & specifications

Performance depends on variant, equipment and mission fit, but a typical MD 500E cruises at about 120 to 135 knots. Published range is commonly around 200 to 250 nautical miles with standard fuel and reserves. Maximum gross weight for the MD 500E is 3,000 lb, with useful load usually in the 1,400 lb range depending on configuration. Service ceiling is approximately 16,000 feet. The MD 500E is powered by a Rolls-Royce, formerly Allison, 250-C20B turboshaft rated at 420 shp, driving a five-blade main rotor and two-blade tail rotor. Earlier 500C and 500D aircraft use related Rolls-Royce 250 series engines and have different rotor, weight and performance figures.

Cabin & avionics

The MD 500 is normally configured for up to five occupants, with two front seats and a compact rear bench. The cabin is narrow compared with larger light turbines, but visibility is excellent because of the rounded windscreen and low instrument panel. Baggage capacity is limited, so buyers should assess mission equipment, rear-seat usability and any external provisions carefully. Avionics vary widely by age and role. Many aircraft retain conventional analog flight instruments with VHF communication, transponder and GPS upgrades. Modernized examples may include Garmin G500H or GI 275 displays, GTN or GNS navigators, digital engine monitoring and mission radios. Garmin Perspective and G1000 are not typical factory suites for the MD 500.

Buying & value

Pre-owned MD 500 evaluations should focus on total time, component life status, engine cycles, rotor blade condition, damage history, corrosion, logbook continuity and compliance with service bulletins and airworthiness directives. Utility and law enforcement aircraft may have higher mission wear, while privately operated aircraft may have lighter interiors but older avionics. Common market distinctions include the earlier 500C, the T-tail 500D and the more aerodynamic 500E, with value affected by engine status, paint, interior, avionics and equipment such as cargo hooks, wire-strike kits or emergency floats. On PlaneFox listing data, asking prices average about EUR 1,950,000, with observed listings from roughly EUR 731,000 to EUR 2,540,000, placing the MD 500 as a premium used light turbine when well equipped and current on components.