MD 500E Product Spec
MD 500E Product Spec
MD 500E Product Spec
12 COMPONENT OVERHAUL................................................................................................................... 39
The MD 500E is certified for single pilot operation under visual flight rules / visual
meteorological conditions.
The MD 500E Helicopter is multi-faceted for many different missions and configurations.
The MD 500E is a less expensive option of the MD 500 series line that still packs a big punch
when it comes to versatility, speed, and ease of maintenance. Two engine options are
available depending on your needs: the Rolls-Royce Model 250 Series IV 250-C20B comes
standard but you can choose the C20R with an additional 25 shp, coupled with a proven fully
The MD 500E is certified for single pilot operations under visual flight rules (VFR)/visual
meteorological conditions (VMC) and capable of training instrument flight rules (IFR) in VMC
conditions. The MD 530F supports two crewmembers on the controls and two observers in the
aft cabin. An integrated communication system allows all crewmembers and observers to
communicate easily amongst themselves.
The MD 500E’s structural design, exceptional visibility, simple controls, and ruggedness are
characteristics well suited for a training aircraft. The visibility from the pilot and co-pilot seat is
through the large windscreen and side windows, which are made of tinted plexiglass. The
dual flight controls allow the pilot and co-pilot, or instructor and student complete,
simultaneous access to the aircraft controls and displays. The fuselage is a teardrop-shaped
semi-monocoque type construction manufactured primarily of aluminum alloy bulkheads and
stringers, with the outer skin of aluminum panels, providing clean aerodynamic lines. The
airframe structure is designed to be energy absorbing and fails progressively in the event of
impact. The A-frame fuselage design serves as a built-in roll cage to protect the pilot and
crew in case of a rollover situation.
Airframe
• Simple system design • Integrated landing gear dampers
• Mature, field-proven systems and • Fully articulated main rotor blades
components • Main rotor system removal independent from
• Separate cockpit and cabin main rotor transmission
• 2+2 seating capability • Main rotor transmission removal
• Speed, agility, and load-capable independent from main rotor system
• Certified to 14 CFR Part 27; VFR • Proven record of high dependability
• External power receptacle • High availability
Environmental Impact
• Lower noise profile possible with four-blade
tail rotor
CERTIFICATION
MD 500E is the commercial designation for the model 369E helicopter, currently in production
for numerous commercial and military customers. The MD 500E (369E) is originally certified by
the United States under Civil Air Regulations CAR 6. In addition the aircraft is also complaint
with Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR 27.952, 27.963 (27-30), 27.967, 27.973, & 27.975 (27-
35), and 14 CFR Part 27 Amendments 27-1 through 27-47, dated 30 January 2012 for glass
cockpit aircraft. Type Certificate number is H3WE with attendant Type Certificate Data Sheet.
Derated Power for Reliability and Transmission Rating 375 shp 280 kW
Safety Max Continuous 350 shp 261 kW
EXTERNAL DIMENSIONS
INTERNAL DIMENSIONS
• UTC Aerospace Systems Series 0129G Outside Air Temperature (OAT) Probe
• Two GSU 75 Air Data Attitude and Heading Reference Systems (ADAHRS)
The HDUs are high-resolution, portrait-oriented, 7” color LCD displays that contain user
controls. Each HDU has a normal display mode and a reversionary (REV) display mode.
The normal display mode contains two pages, Primary and Secondary. Warning and
caution indicators, located at the top of the Secondary page HDU, provide crew
alerting. The REV display mode combines all the instruments (except the outside air
temperature (OAT) digital value) and annunciations on one display. REV mode
provides redundancy if one display fails.
HDU normal display mode (primary and secondary pages) and reversionary display mode.
The DAU contains two processor cards called engine instrument units (EIUs). Each EIU
gathers engine and aircraft sensor data for display on the HDU. The EIUs (EIU 1 and EIU
— GTN™ 650Xi GPS/NAV/COMM Audio System: With GPS navigation, COMM and
NAV capabilities all built into the brand new Garmin GTN 650, pilots are finding the
GTN 650 cannot be beat for value, features, and quality. The GTN 650 is a compact
2.64 in. tall package. The new touchscreen of the GTN 650 offers many multi-
purpose functions and features, such as high-resolution landscape mapping,
graphical flight planning, satellite weather, targeted traffic display and more.
Aircraft pilots are embracing the new touchscreen and navigation found only on
the Garmin GTN 650.
— GMA™ 350Hc Audio Panel: The GMA 350H Audio Panel from Garmin provides the
traditional audio selector functions of microphone and receiver audio selection.
The audio panel includes an intercom system (ICS), a marker beacon receiver, and
a COMM clearance recorder. Ambient noise from the aircraft radios is reduced by
auto squelch (ASQ). When no audio is detected, ASQ processing further reduces
— GTX™ 345R ADS-B In/Out Transponder: With the introduction of the GTX 345R
remote-mounted Mode S Extended Squitter (ES) transponder, Garmin provides the
ideal upgrade path for aircraft operators looking to satisfy NextGen requirements
for ADS-B “Out” — while providing all the weather and traffic benefits of ADS-B “In”
with select G1000, GTN 750/650 and other third-party avionics. The GTX 345R is
also optionally available with a built-in Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS)
GPS position source, so everything needed to meet ADS-B equipage rules for
NextGen airspace can be provided with this all-in-one upgrade package
installation.
• Software Features:
• Garmin HSVT™
• Garmin HTAWS
• GTN 16W enablement card
• Night Vision Imaging System (NVIS) compatibility
CREW SEATING
The MD 500E cockpit accommodates the pilot and co-pilot or passenger. The minimum crew is
one pilot in the command position. Seats are constructed of padded upholstered material and
are attached to the forward bulkhead. A bulkhead behind the forward compartment
separates the cockpit and passenger/cargo compartment. Optional aluminum tube frame
and black mesh seats or leather seats are also available.
The airframe includes doors for the pilot, co-pilot, and passenger/cargo area on both sides
that can be removed quickly removed for flight.
The fuselage structure, shown in the figure below, is divided into three main sections:
B. Lower Fuselage: Divided by the center beam and provides the housing for the two fuel
cells. Provisions for the attachment of a cargo hook are located on the bottom of the
fuselage in line with the center beam. The lower fuselage structure extends beneath
the pilot floor and contains compartment space for the aircraft battery and provision
for small cargo storage or installation of
avionics equipment.
C. Aft Fuselage: Includes the structure for
the tail boom attachment and engine
compartment. The engine compartment
is accessible through two clamshell
doors contoured to the shape of the
fuselage.
Shoulder and seat belts are attached to the primary structure rather than to the seats. A deep
fuselage base structure, including a center beam, in combination with an integral energy
absorbing seat base structure provides sufficient yielding depth for maximum energy
absorption during a crash impact. This provision, for yielding collapse of the fuselage
substructure during a crash and without sudden failure of rigid members, provides
exceptional crash safety to the crew long after an initial structure failure resulting from a
severe impact.
The basic structure also forms a rugged truss protecting the crew from rotor and transmission
collapse or in the event of roll over. The fuel cells are protected in a crash by the double wall
bottom, with the closely spaced frames and by the deep center beam. The engine is mounted
at a 47-degree angle, and is below and to the rear of the passenger and fuel compartments,
thus reducing the possibility of a post-crash fire.
7 MISSION PROFILES
The MD 500E delivers the highest speed, payload and productivity in its class. With a five-
bladed main rotor and a 450-shp Rolls-Royce 250-C20R turbine engine, the MD 500E offers
unparalleled versatility for the broadest range of customer-defined missions.
UTILITY
The capability and sophistication of the MD 500E belies its low price and basic equipment
level. The large, flat floor provides plenty of room for cargo, and the useful internal load of
1,519 pounds (689 kg) is ideally suited for most utility operations. Delivering high speed,
The multi-mission capable MD 500E capitalizes on its ability to perform a wide range of utility
operations.
MD Helicopters helped pioneer the airborne law enforcement concept in the 1960’s. Today,
modern law enforcement requires proven capabilities in technically advanced helicopters
that serve and protect the public and provide increased levels of safety to its officers. The MD
500F delivers next generation capabilities in a fast, agile, helicopter that meets a wide range
AIRFRAME
Extended Landing Gear with Carbide Skid Shoes Heated Pitot
Engine Wash Kit, MD500-Series Rapid Door Removal Hinges (Cockpit Cabin and
Engine Bay)
Fuselage Hard Points Tinted Canopy Panels
Keyed Locks Tinted Door/Window Panels
Passenger Steps One Color Paint
Rain Gutter Set
INTEGRATED AVIONICS
(2x) Garmin G500 TXi™ Touchscreen EFIS Garmin GMA™ 350Hc Audio Panel
Howell Electronic Engine Instruments and Crew
Dual Redundant GSU 75H ADAHRS
Alert System
Garmin GTN™ 650Xi GPS/NAV/COMM Artex ME-406HM ELT
Garmin GTX™ 345R Transponder, ADSB In/Out PAI-700 Magnetic Compass, Vertical Card
Dual GMU 44 Magnetometers Master Avionics Switch
ELECTRICAL / LIGHTING
Cabin Convenience Light LED Position Lights
Cockpit Utility Light 150-amp Starter Generator
Landing Light, Nose Mounted Concorde Lead Acid Battery
LED Anti-Collision Lights External Power Receptacle
INTERIOR
Fly Away Kit Heater Defogger System
Cabin Soundproofing Logbook Compartment
Passenger Mesh Seats with 3-point Harness
Cargo Tie-Down Fittings
Restraint
Batiflex Flooring Painted Interior Trim Panels
Crew Mesh Seats with 4-Point Harness Restraint USB Charging Port
Dual LH Command Flight Controls Seat Pan Inspection Panels
Fire Extinguisher Slant Panel Pedestal
First Aid Kit Airframe Hobbs Meter
Fresh Air Ventilation System
POWERPLANT
60.5 Gallon (229 liter) Crash Resistant Fuel System Engine Anti-Ice
AFS Engine Inlet Barrier Filter Rolls Royce C20B, 420shp
Automatic Engine Re-ignition
AIRFRAME
Comfort Windows Side External Equipment Mount
Exterior Crew Handles Weight On Ground (WOG) Actuated ”Collective”
Hour Meter
LED Landing Light (Flashing and/or Steady) Crash Resistant Auxiliary Fuel Tank
High-visibility Main Rotor Blades Two or More Paint Colors (Aircraft Exterior)
Military Cyclic Grip Shwayder Surfacite Full-length Skid Shoes
Nose External Equipment Mount Wire Strike Protection Kit
Paravion Door Openers
AVIONICS / ELECTRONICS
Garmin GTN™ 750 GPS/NAV/COMM Shadin Fuel Flow Transducer
Garmin GTR 225 (A, B, & NVG) Radar Altimeter RA-4500
Remote Engine TRQ Indicator Blue Sky Networks SATCOM
L3Harris ESI-500, Electronic Standby Indicator Flight Cell DZMx Satellite Phone
Garmin Helicopter Synthetic Vison Technology Nightscanner Searchlight
(HSVT)
Cyclic Remote Frequency Switch Various Audio Systems Technisonic, Canyon
LED Landing Light Aeroconnect)
MISSION EQUIPMENT
Emergency Water Floats Trakka Beam A800 Searchlight
“Float Lamp” Landing Lights Spectrolab SX-5, SX-16 Searchlight
External Personnel Bench Onboard Cargo Hook Weighing System
INTERIOR
Vinyl or Leather Covered Interior Panels & Seats Right-hand Command Flight Controls
28-volt Receptacle Right-hand or Left- Hand Rotor Brake
Pilot/Co-pilot Gooseneck Lights Leather Covered Seats
Additional USB Charging Ports Cabin and or
Night Vision Goggle Compatible Cockpit
Cockpit
Tiltable or Foldable Monitor Mount LED Cockpit/Cabin Lighting
11 COST OF OPERATIONS
INTRODUCTION
The following topics enable review of variables involved in the MD 500E helicopter direct and
indirect costs of operation. This data can be applied to calculate a total life estimate for the
aircraft based upon how the aircraft is used. Direct operating costs provided below are an
average of inputs provided by MDH’s diverse set of customers:
• Engine maintenance
Indirect costs are not directly dependent upon the number of flights and include:
• Insurance
• Crew compensation
• Miscellaneous factors
DIRECT COSTS
Fuel and Lubricants An average value of fuel and lubricant costs is included in the calculated
data provided. Fuel consumption depends upon speed, temperature,
externally mounted accessories, sling loads, etc. A band of
approximately 10% value will cover these factors for normal operations.
Fuel pricing varies considerably based on where the fuel is purchased
geographically and whether it is purchased retail or in bulk. The sample
cases use average retail purchase prices prevalent at the time the
sample data are prepared.
Engine Maintenance The Rolls-Royce engine requires periodic inspection and overhauls. The
overhaul periods are based on the number of operating hours or on the
number of cycles, whichever is the first limit to be attained. Start cycles
are a factor because thermal cycles are important in the design of the
turbine engine’s rotating components. Overhauls are performed by the
engine manufacturer and/or at authorized facilities.
MD 500E Direct Operating Cost per Hour Using Model 250-C20B Turboshaft — Based upon year 2021
$US
Time to
Inspection Items Complete
INTRODUCTION
Hundreds of military and commercial customers around the world rely on MDH aircraft for
their superior reliability, low operating costs, ease of operation, and durability. MDH’s
extensive experience supporting a global fleet with OEM-quality parts and expert technical
advice ensures operators maintain the highest levels of operational readiness. MDH continues
to make significant investment in the development and integration of next generation
technologies and capabilities, as well as in the design and manufacturing processes
necessary to preserve an impeccable reputation and leadership status in the global rotorcraft
industry.
Building 610: Production Building 612: Paint Shop Building 614: Building 615:
Warehouse Administration
Building 620: Completions & Madison: Composite Mallory 101 - 105: Training and Aircraft
Distribution Center (CDC) Shop Maintenance
MyMD.aero™
MyMD.aero™ is a user-driven, web-based secure network portal designed to modernize and
improve maintenance planning, parts availability and communication for MDH helicopter
operators worldwide. MyMD.aero™ provides a single source for managing fleet data, aircraft
maintenance, locating global inventory, requesting quotations for service or upgrades, and
accessing technical publications. Membership based, the network portal is open to all MDH-
brand helicopter owners, operators, authorized service centers, and authorized distributors.
MyMD.aero™. Designed to reduce workload and increase efficiencies for global MD helicopter
operators.
All MDH warranty and exchange programs are supported by a comprehensive network of
factory-Authorized Service Centers. These locations provide factory inspected and approved
parts, as well as expert service, for all MDH products. The MD 500E commercial helicopters are
covered by a commercial warranty, which is administered by MD Helicopters, LLC. in Mesa,
Arizona. The limited commercial warranty (CSP-A-2) can be viewed from the
“Support/Warranty” page of the MDH website, mdhelicopters.com. Click on Warranty &
Exchange Program Information (CSP-A-2) to view.
The MDH Commercial Warranty is a materials and workmanship type warranty that begins
upon customer helicopter / spare parts acceptance / delivery. The customer will perform
prompt repair or replacement of helicopter-specific discrepant hardware. For warranty
claims pertaining to aftermarket spare parts and components, the customer, at their option
(with prior approval), either:
• Returns the non-conforming or defective part or component for credit or refund; or
All warranty claims begin with completion of an MDH Service and Operations Report (SOR)
document, which can be accessed via the MyMD.aero™ portal.
Supplier products (e.g., turboshaft engine, avionics, etc.) are warranted separately through
the product supplier. Visit the product OEM website, or contact the OEM directly, for details
on specific product warranties.
INTRODUCTION
MDH is committed to providing industry-leading maintenance and pilot familiarization training
to all customers in a professional learning environment. The MD 500E’s structural design,
exceptional visibility, simple controls, and fuel efficiency make it a fantastic training aircraft.
The MDH Training Academy provides industry-leading maintenance and pilot training to all
customers in a professional learning environment. Offerings include a comprehensive
portfolio focused on mission execution, effectiveness and safety. Training for one (1) pilot and
one (1) mechanic is included at no charge for each aircraft purchased. Training for additional
pilots and mechanics, as needed, is available.
TRAINING COURSES
Before transition or recurrent training begins, customers must provide proof of the following:
1. A valid helicopter rating (minimum of a private rotorcraft rating) and current medical
certificate.
Maintenance Test Flight Procedures: 8 hours of ground school & up to 3 hours of flight time
500/600 3 days
Explorer 3 days
Flight training hourly for additional flight time, or when not enrolled in an MDHI course
MD 500 Series hourly
MD 600N hourly
MD Explorer hourly
• Tuition is required to be paid in full before to the first day of the course.
• Only students who provide a purchase order or who have a current open account
with MD Helicopters, LLC. will be billed after training.