Hughes MD-500

Summary

Category	Helicopter
Origin country	🇺🇸 United States
First flight	28 January 1982
Year of introduction	1967
Number produced	4700 units

Description

The MD-500 is a series of light utility civilian and military helicopters originally developed by Hughes Helicopters. The design traces its roots back to the Hughes 369, which received FAA certification in 1965. After Hughes Helicopters was acquired by McDonnell Douglas in 1984, the helicopter series was renamed the MD-500.

The MD-500 features a classic teardrop-shaped fuselage with a five-blade main rotor and a two-blade tail rotor. One of the most recognizable elements of its design is the absence of a horizontal stabilizer, which contributes to its agility. The helicopter typically has skid-type landing gear, although some variants come with optional floats for water landings. The cockpit offers good visibility and is designed for single or dual pilot operations. The MD-500 series is powered by various models of the Allison 250 turbine engine, offering different power outputs to meet specific operational requirements. Its relatively small footprint and high degree of maneuverability make it well-suited for operations in confined spaces and challenging environments.

Operational history

The MD-500 has had a long and diverse operational history since its introduction in the 1960s, both in civilian and military roles.

In the civilian sector, the MD-500 has been used for various purposes including law enforcement, medical evacuation, and news gathering. Its agility and relatively low operating costs made it a popular choice for organizations that require quick response and versatility. It has also been used in agriculture, forestry, and various other utility roles.

In military service, the MD-500 has been used by various countries and has seen action in several conflicts. Perhaps the most famous military variant is the MH-6 Little Bird, used by the United States Army Special Operations. This variant has been heavily modified for reconnaissance, close air support, and troop transport, sometimes in extremely challenging conditions. The MD-500 was also used during the Korean DMZ Conflict, the Falklands War, and conflicts in the Middle East. It has been equipped with a variety of armaments, including machine guns, rockets, and anti-tank missiles depending on the requirements.

Foreign militaries have also utilized the MD-500 for similar roles, and the helicopter has been exported to numerous countries around the world.

Variants

MD-500E: This is an enhanced version of the original Hughes 369, featuring an elongated nose, improved avionics, and better engine options.
MD-530F: A high-altitude and hot weather variant, the MD-530F has an uprated engine and larger rotor blades to improve lift and overall performance.
MD-520N: This variant features a NOTAR (NO TAil Rotor) system, replacing the traditional tail rotor with a fan located inside the tail boom. This contributes to reduced noise levels and enhanced safety.
MH-6 Little Bird: Used by the United States Army Special Operations, this is a highly modified version that is configured for light attack or troop insertion/extraction. It features a range of hardpoints for weapons and other equipment.
MD-540A: This is an armed version of the MD-530F, developed for military and paramilitary use. It's designed for light attack roles and can be equipped with a full range of weapons.
OH-6 Cayuse: This is the original military scout version developed for the U.S. Army, which later led to the commercial Hughes 369 and eventually the MD-500 series.
MD-600N: Featuring a stretched fuselage and higher-powered engine, the MD-600N also uses the NOTAR system for enhanced safety and reduced noise. It offers more cabin space and payload capacity compared to other MD-500 variants.
TAH-6: This is a trainer version, mainly used for pilot training purposes. It's structurally similar to the OH-6 and has the flexibility for armament for training in weaponized operations.

Technical specifications

Version: MD-500
Crew	1 pilot
Maximum speed	282 km/h (175 mph)
Height	2.6 m (8.4 ft)
Length	9.4 m (30.8 ft)
Service ceiling	4877 m (16001 ft)
Empty weight	672 kg (1482 lbs)
Max. takeoff weight	1361 kg (3000 lbs)
Climb rate	9.0 m/s (29.5 ft/s)
Powerplant	1 × turbine Allison 250-C20B delivering 313 kW

Current operating countries

Country		Units
	South Korea	273
	North Korea	84
	United States	47 (+74)
	Kenya	45
	Italy	39
	Saudi Arabia	35 (+12)
	Philippines	24
	Mexico	13
	Argentina	9
	Chile	8
	El Salvador	7
	Finland	7
	Taiwan	7
	Lebanon	6
	Spain	6
	Colombia	4
	Afghanistan	1
	Panama	1
	Malaysia	0 (+6)