MD Helicopters 520N – Quiet, safe and versatile light class helicopter
MD Helicopters 520N is a state-of-the-art, five-seat multi-role helicopter with an innovative NOTAR® system that eliminates the classic tail rotor for exceptional safety and quiet operation. Equipped with a 450 hp Rolls-Royce 250-C20R/2 turbine engine, it achieves a cruising speed of 123 knots (229 km/h), a range of up to 210 nautical miles (389 km) and a useful load capacity of 800 kg. With simple operation, high reliability and low operating costs, the MD Helicopters 520N is an ideal choice for police, rescue, transport and commercial missions. The NOTAR® system significantly reduces noise levels and increases the safety of operations in urban areas.
Key features of MD Helicopters 520N
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NOTAR® system – no tail rotor, higher safety, quieter operation, less risk of damage
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Rolls-Royce 250-C20R/2 engine – 450 hp, proven reliability, low fuel consumption
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Five-blade main rotor – excellent maneuverability and stability in all conditions
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Cabin 2+3 – comfortable seats for the pilot and four passengers, wide configuration options
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Energy-intensive hull design – increased crew and passenger safety, overload resistance
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Low operating costs – simple operation, easy servicing, availability of spare parts
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Versatility – quickly reconfigurable for patrol, rescue, transport and special missions
Technical data and performance
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Engine | Rolls-Royce 250-C20R/2, 450 hp |
| Cruising speed | 123 kt (229 km/h) |
| Top speed | 152 kt (282 km/h) |
| Range | 210 NM (389 km) |
| Payload capacity (internal) | 800 kg |
| Maximum takeoff weight | 1,519 kg (internal), 1,746 kg (external). |
| Number of seats | 1 pilot + 4 passengers |
| Diameter of main rotor | 8,35 m |
| Operational ceiling | 6,100 m (20,000 ft) |
| Fuel tank | 229 l (403 lbs) |
| Total height | 2,68 m |
MD Helicopters 520N – technological advantages
MD Helicopters 520N sets new standards for safety and comfort. The NOTAR® (No Tail Rotor) system eliminates the risk of tail rotor impact, significantly reduces noise levels and improves maneuverability in tight spaces. The five-blade rotor ensures smooth flight and precise control, while the energy-efficient fuselage design with built-in crumple zones protects the crew during emergency landings. The cabin offers excellent visibility and ergonomics for the pilot and passengers.
Applications and configurations
MD Helicopters 520N is a helicopter with a wide range of applications:
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Police patrols and public safety – quiet operation, ability to hover over the city, quick response to incidents
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Emergency Medical Services (EMS) – quick reconfiguration of the cabin, transport of equipment and emergency personnel
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Transportation and specialized work – lifting capacity up to 800 kg, ability to suspend loads, inspection and service work
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Commercial applications – scenic flights, aerial photography, infrastructure inspections
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Forestry and agricultural work – crop monitoring, firefighting, inspection of hard-to-reach areas
MD Helicopters 520N comparison with competitors
| Model | Engine | Power (hp) | Cruising speed | Range | Payload capacity | Number of seats | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MD Helicopters 520N | Rolls-Royce 250-C20R/2 | 450 | 123 kt (229 km/h) | 210 NM | 800 kg | 5 | 2,900,000 |
| MD 500E | Rolls-Royce 250-C20R | 420 | 135 kt (250 km/h) | 258 NM | 673 kg | 5 | 2,750,000 |
| MD 530F | Rolls-Royce 250-C30 | 650 | 134 kt (248 km/h) | 216 NM | 685 kg | 5 | 3,400,000 |
MD Helicopters 520N is distinguished by its quiet operation, higher safety level and low operating costs, making it an excellent choice for operations in urban environments and wherever comfort and safety are important.
Frequently asked questions
What are the main advantages of MD Helicopters 520N?
Extremely quiet operation, elimination of the risk of tail rotor impact, low operating costs, ease of operation and wide configuration options for different missions.
Can MD Helicopters 520N be easily reconfigured?
Yes, the cabin allows for a quick transition from passenger to transport, patrol or rescue configurations.
What are the operating costs of MD Helicopters 520N?
Hourly costs are lower than most competing models, and the simplicity of the design ensures high reliability and spare parts availability.
Pricing, costs, sales, rentals
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Price of new MD Helicopters 520N: from $2,900,000 depending on configuration and equipment
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Price of a used unit: from $2,000,000 (depending on condition, vintage and airframe)
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Operating cost: $345 to $416 per flight hour, depending on operating intensity and region
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Lease or rental option: available from selected MD Helicopters operators and representatives
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Availability of parts and service: wide network of authorized service centers, quick availability of spare parts
Summary
The MD Helicopters 520N is a versatile, quiet and safe helicopter that will perform well in both police, rescue and commercial missions. With its innovative NOTAR® system, powerful engine and robust design, it is a leader in its class in terms of safety, comfort and low operating costs. If you’re looking for a helicopter for special missions or daily operations in demanding environments, the MD Helicopters 520N is the best choice in the lightweight multipurpose helicopter segment.
