MD 500E Light Utility Helicopter

MD 500E is a light utility helicopter manufactured by MD Helicopters. It is a member of the MD 500 series of light utility civilian and military helicopters. The MD 500E is widely operated by law enforcement agencies.

The MD 500E helicopter is used for airborne law enforcement, surveillance, search and rescue (SAR), homeland security and other public safety missions.

The MD 500E (Model 500E) made its first flight in January 1982. The first production helicopter was handed over to Germany in November 1982. MD Helicopters delivered more than 600 MD 500E helicopters to various customers across the world.

Light utility helicopter orders and deliveries

MD Helicopters received a contract from Kansas City Police in February 2012 to supply three MD 500E helicopters. The helicopters are used by the Police Patrol Support Unit for airborne law enforcement missions. The three new MD 500E helicopters were delivered to the Kansas City Police Department (KCPD) in the third quarter of 2012.

The Columbus Police placed a contract for one MD 500E helicopter, bringing the total orders of the MD 500E to 13. The contract, which was signed in February 2012, also includes an option for an additional helicopter.

In March 2013, MD Helicopters received an order from the Polk County Florida Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) for a MD 500E helicopter. The new helicopter is the first order of a programme to replace three ageing military surplus OH-58 helicopters.

MD 500E helicopter design details

The fail-safe design of the MD 500E incorporates a crash-worthy fuselage. The helicopter integrates a fuel tank cell under the floor and extended nose housing the battery.

The helicopter was designed to deliver greater headroom and visibility for rear passengers. It offers higher speed, payload and performance in its class.

The helicopter has an overall length of 9.4m, rotor diameter of 8.1m and a height of 2.6m. The maximum gross weight of the MD 500E is 1,361kg. The helicopter can carry four passengers. It is equipped with utility features such as a cargo hook, cargo tie-down fittings, rain gutter set, auxiliary fuel tank and wire strike protection kit.

The MD 500E helicopter can be optionally fitted with dual mounts for mounting a searchlight and forward looking infrared (FLIR) camera on one side of the fuselage. The maximum payload allowed for the installation is about 40kg.

Cockpit and avionics systems

The MD 500E is operated by one or two crew members. The T-shaped instrument panel fitted in the cockpit is integrated with a full complement of modern avionics. The avionics suite incorporates dual tachometer, engine oil pressure indicator, engine torque meter, fuel quantity indicator, digital chronometer, airspeed indicator, altimeter, DC ammeter, engine oil temp indicator, and outside air temperature indicator.

The annunciator panel houses warning lights for indicating the status of battery temperature, engine, fuel level, generator, transmission and rotors. The cockpit is also equipped with dual LH command flight controls, Night Vision Goggle (NVG) lighting, Garmin radios, magnetic compass, an Avalex monitor, and a tactical radio.

The optional communication systems include audio panel, dual audio control/intercom, and VHF Comm Transceiver.

MD 500E helicopter engine and landing gear

The MD 500E helicopter is powered by a Rolls-Royce 250-C20B turboshaft engine developing a power of 420shp (313kW). The fuel is provided by a 242 litre fuel system. The helicopter can be equipped with a more powerful Rolls-Royce 250-C20R turbine engine providing a power of 450shp.

The helicopter is fitted with skid type fixed landing gear. The skids are optionally equipped with Carbide skid shoes. The optional emergency floats allow the landings on water.

The MD 500E helicopter has a maximum cruise speed of 249km/h. It can operate at a maximum altitude of 4,877m. The rate of climb of the helicopter is 9m/sec. The MD 500E has a maximum range of 537km. It can endure airborne for a maximum time of 2.8 hours.

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