View source for MD Helicopters MD 500

{{short description|Light utility helicopter family}}
<!-- This article is a part of [[Wikipedia:WikiProject Aircraft]]. Please see [[Wikipedia:WikiProject Aircraft/page content]] for recommended layout, and guidelines. -->
{|{{Infobox aircraft begin
 |name= MD 500 
 |image= File:Md helicopters md-500e g-sscl arp.jpg
 |caption= An MD 500E
}}{{Infobox aircraft type
 |type= Light utility helicopter
 |national origin= United States
 |manufacturer= [[Hughes Helicopters]]<br />[[McDonnell Douglas Helicopter Systems]]<br />[[MD Helicopters]]
 |first flight= 27 February 1963
 |introduced= 1967<ref name="all-aero.com">{{cite web |title=Hughes 369 / 500 / OH-6 |url=http://all-aero.com/index.php/home2/5034-hughes-369-500 |website=all-aero.com |access-date=4 June 2018}}</ref>
 |retired=
 |status= In service
 |primary user= [[Police aviation|Various police agencies]]<br />[[Korean People's Air Force]] 
 |more users= 
 |produced= 1967–present
 |number built= 4,700<ref name="Airliners.net">{{cite web |url=http://www.airliners.net/info/stats.main?id=113 |title=The MD Helicopters MD-500/530 |access-date=2008-01-16}}</ref>
 |unit cost=
 |developed from= [[Hughes OH-6 Cayuse]]
 |variants with their own articles= [[McDonnell Douglas MD 500 Defender]]<br />[[Boeing AH-6]] 
 |developed into= [[MD Helicopters MD 600]]
}}
|}

The '''MD Helicopters MD 500''' series is an American family of light utility civilian and military [[helicopter]]s. The MD 500 was developed from the '''Hughes 500''', a civilian version of the US Army's [[Hughes OH-6 Cayuse|OH-6A Cayuse/Loach]]. The series currently includes the '''MD 500E''', '''MD 520N''', and '''MD 530F'''.

==Design and development==
[[File:hughes500.g-orrr.arp.jpg|thumb|right|A Hughes 500C (Model 369HS)]]
[[File:hughes500.g-bioa.arp.jpg|thumb|right|A Hughes 500D]]

The successful Hughes 500/MD 500 series began life in response to a U.S. Army requirement for a [[Light Observation Helicopter]] (LOH).<ref name="Frawley Civil">{{cite book|last=Frawley|first=Gerard|title=The International Directory of Civil Aircraft, 2003-2004|page=155|publisher=Aerospace Publications Pty Ltd|year=2003|isbn=1-875671-58-7}}</ref> Hughes' Model 369 won the contest against competition from [[Bell Helicopter|Bell]] and [[Hiller Aircraft|Hiller]]. The subsequent [[Hughes OH-6 Cayuse|OH-6 Cayuse]] first flew in February 1963.

The 500 series design features shock-absorbing landing skid struts, a turboshaft engine mounted at a 45-degree angle toward the rear of the cabin pod, a fuel tank cell under the floor and the battery in the nose. The engine exhaust port is located at the end of the cabin pod underneath the tailboom. It has a short-diameter main rotor system and a short tail, giving it agile control response and is less susceptible to weather-cocking.

Hughes won the U.S. Army's LOH contest with its OH-6 helicopter by submitting a very low and aggressive price per airframe (without an engine). Due to rising prices, the U.S. Army later re-opened the contest, where Hughes offered the machine at a more realistic price, but was undercut by the redesigned Bell OH-58 Kiowa (military [[Bell 206|JetRanger]]). OH-6 helicopters were still ordered by the U.S. Army, though at a much reduced number.

===Hughes/MD 500===
Prior to the OH-6's first flight, Hughes announced it was developing a civilian version, to be marketed as the Hughes 500, available in basic five- and seven-seat configurations.<ref name="Frawley Civil"/> A utility version with a more powerful engine was offered as the 500U (later called the 500C).

The improved Hughes 500D became the primary model in 1976, with a more powerful engine, a T-tail, and a new five-blade main rotor; a four-blade tail rotor was optional.<ref name="Frawley Civil"/> The 500D was replaced by the 500E from 1982 with a pointed nose and various interior improvements, such as greater head- and legroom. The 530F was a more powerful version of the 500E optimized for [[hot and high]] work.

McDonnell Douglas acquired [[Hughes Helicopters]] in January 1984, and from August 1985 the 500E and 530F were built as the MD 500E and MD 530F Lifter.<ref name="Frawley Civil"/> Following the 1997 Boeing-McDonnell Douglas merger, [[Boeing]] sold the former MD civil helicopter lines to [[MD Helicopters]] in early 1999. Military variants are marketed under the ''[[MD 500 Defender]]'' name.

===MD 520N===
[[File:md500n.g-smac.arp.jpg|thumb|right|A NOTAR MD 520N]]

The MD 520N introduced a revolutionary advance in helicopter design, dispensing with a conventional anti-torque tail rotor in favor of the Hughes/McDonnell-Douglas-developed [[NOTAR]] system.<ref name="Frawley Civil"/> Exhaust from a fan is directed through slots in the tailboom, using the [[Coandă effect]] to counteract the [[torque]] of the main rotor, and a controllable thruster at the end of the tailboom is used for yaw control. Because the fan is enclosed in the tailboom, tail rotor noise—the major source of noise from most conventional helicopters—was significantly reduced. It also eliminated the vulnerable exposed tail rotor blades, eliminating the possibility of persons being injured or killed on the ground and the cause for many confined area maneuvering accidents.

McDonnell Douglas originally intended to develop the standard MD 520N alongside the more powerful hot-and-high optimized MD 530N; both were launched in January 1989 and were based on the conventional MD 500E. The MD 530N was the first to fly, on December 29, 1989, and the MD 520N first flew on May 1, 1990. Development of the MD 530N was suspended when McDonnell Douglas decided that the MD 520N met most customer requirements for the 530N. Certification for the MD 520N was awarded on September 13, 1991, and the first was delivered on December 31 that year.

In 2000, MD Helicopters announced enhancements to the MD 520N, including an improved Rolls-Royce 250-C20R+ engine with 3% to 5% more power for better performance on warm days, and changes to the diffuser and fan rigging, also increased range.

==Operational history==

===El Salvador===
During the [[Salvadoran Civil War]], the [[Salvadoran Air Force]] operated six MD 500Ds, which were supplemented later by nine MD 500Es supplied by the United States in 1983. These were used as gunships, armed with 7.62&nbsp;mm [[Minigun]]s and unguided rockets, as well as being used for reconnaissance and liaison duties. One MD 500D and two MD 500Es were lost to [[SA-7]] missiles in 1989 and 1990. By the end of the conflict, only one MD 500D and six MD 500Es were in operational condition.<ref>{{cite web|last=Cooper|first=Tom|title=El Salvador, 1980-1992|url=http://www.acig.info/CMS/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=89&Itemid=47|publisher=ACIG.org|access-date=2013-01-30}}</ref>

===North Korea===
In 1985, North Korea managed to circumvent US export-control barriers by covertly purchasing 87 civilian-type Hughes MD 500s from a West German export firm, before the US government learned of the illegal action by North Korea and moved to stop further deliveries to the country. There are reports indicating that at least sixty of the helicopters delivered to North Korea were modified to serve as helicopter-gunships. As South Korea produces the MD 500 domestically (under license) for use by its own armed forces, the modified helicopters operated by North Korea were deemed useful in conducting covert or deceptive operations against South Korea (such as incursions past the border).<ref>{{cite web|author=David Cenciotti , The Aviationist |url=http://www.businessinsider.com/north-koreas-illegal-helicopters-emerge-2013-7 |title=North Korea’s Illegal Helicopters Emerge |publisher=Businessinsider.com |date= |accessdate=2021-12-03}}</ref>

The modified MD 500 helicopters were finally revealed by North Korea and seen by the US and European countries during North Korea's Victory Parade held on 27 July 2013 in [[Pyongyang]], to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the end of the [[Korean War]] in 1953. Images and analyses done regarding North Korea's MD 500 helicopters show that they have been modified significantly to serve as light attack helicopters, such as modification work on the helicopters for them to be mounted with Soviet-designed [[AT-3 Sagger]] anti-tank wire-guided missiles.<ref>{{cite web| url = http://theaviationist.com/2013/07/30/dprk-h500e/| title = North Korea's (illegally supplied) armed Hughes 500E helicopters emerge after 30 years in the dark - The Aviationist}} </ref>

==Variants==
;369
:Military prototype designated [[Hughes H-6|YOH-6A]].
;369A
:Military production designated [[Hughes H-6|OH-6]].
;MD 500C (369H)
:Improved five-seat commercial variant powered by an Allison 250-C18B rated at 317 shp (236 kW); certified in 1966.
;Kawasaki-Hughes 369HS
:Built under license by [[Kawasaki Heavy Industries]] in Japan alongside OH-6J.
;MD 500M Defender (369HM)
:Military export version as the [[MD 500 Defender]]; certified in 1968.
;MD 500C (369HS)
:Improved four-seat commercial variant by an Allison 250-C20 rated at 400 shp (298 kW); certified in 1969.
;MD 500C (369HE)
:A 369HS with higher standard interior fittings, certified in 1969.
;{{visible anchor|MD 500D (369D)}}
:New commercial version from 1976 powered by an Allison 250-C20B rated at 420 shp (313 kW); certified in 1976.
;MD 500E (369E)
:Executive version of the 500D with recontoured nose; certified in 1982.
;NH-500E
:Italian-built version of the 500E. License-produced by [[Breda Nardi]] before merging with [[Agusta]].<ref name="Airliners.net"/>
;MD 520N
:NOTAR (NO TAil Rotor) version of the 500E, certified in 1991. Powered by Rolls Royce (formerly Allison) 250-C20R/2 rated at 450 shp.
;MD 530F (369F)
:Hot and high version of the 500E powered by a Rolls Royce (formerly Allison) 250-C30HU rated at 650 shp (485 kW), certified in 1984.

;[[Boeing AH-6|Unmanned Little Bird Demonstrator and AH-6]]
:A civilian 530F modified by Boeing Rotorcraft Systems to develop UAV technologies for both civilian and military applications.<ref name=boeing061009>{{cite press release|url=http://www.boeing.com/news/releases/2006/q4/061009b_nr.html|title=Boeing Manned/Unmanned Light Helicopter Makes First Flight|date=9 October 2006|publisher=Boeing|access-date=29 April 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121014034455/http://www.boeing.com/news/releases/2006/q4/061009b_nr.html|archive-date=14 October 2012}}</ref>

===Military===
:For military variants, see ''[[McDonnell Douglas MD 500 Defender]] and [[Hughes OH-6 Cayuse]]''.

==Operators==
[[File:Kcsd-md500-N197E-040621-02-16.jpg|thumb|right|[[Kern County]] Sheriff's MD 500E]]

The MD 500 is widely operated by private individuals, companies and law enforcement agencies around the world.
; {{BEL}}
* [[Federal Police (Belgium)|Federal Police]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.belgian-wings.be/webpages/navigator/Photos/MilltaryPics/post_ww2/McDonnell%20Douglas%20MD520N/md520n.htm |title=Archived copy |website=www.belgian-wings.be |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110202150835/http://www.belgian-wings.be/Webpages/Navigator/Photos/MilltaryPics/post_ww2/McDonnell%20Douglas%20MD520N/md520n.htm |archive-date=2011-02-02}} </ref>
;{{COL}}
*[[National Police of Colombia]]<ref>Rivas 2015, p. 121.</ref>
;{{CRC}}
*[[Air Vigilance Service]]<ref name="Aerial Surveillance Service">{{cite web|url=http://www.au.af.mil/au/afri/aspj/airchronicles/apj/apj07/fal07/overall.html|title=Overlook of the SVA|access-date=2017-05-19}}</ref>
;{{ECU}}
*[[National Police of Ecuador]]<ref>[http://www.eltiempo.com.ec/noticias-cuenca/31178-la-polica-a-del-azuay-recibe-hoy-helica-ptero/ El Tiempo: La Policía del Azuay recibe hoy helicóptero] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161018213131/http://www.eltiempo.com.ec/noticias-cuenca/31178-la-polica-a-del-azuay-recibe-hoy-helica-ptero/ |date=2016-10-18 }} (Spanish)</ref>
;{{FIN}}
*[[Utti Jaeger Regiment]]<ref>[http://maavoimat.fi/utin-jaakarirykmentti/tietoa-meista Finnish Defence Forces] (Finnish)</ref>
;{{HON}}
*[[Honduran Air Force]]<ref>{{cite web|author=Erich |url=http://www.aeroflight.co.uk/user/fleet/honduras-af-hughes-500-369d.htm |title=Hughes 500 (369D) – Aeroflight |publisher=Aeroflight.co.uk |date=2014-10-05 |accessdate=2021-12-03}}</ref>
;{{HUN}}
*[[Law enforcement in Hungary|Hungarian Police]]<ref>[http://iho.hu/hir/amerikai-helikopterek-magyarorszagon Amerikai helikopterek Magyarországon ("American helicopters in Hungary")] (Hungarian)</ref>
;{{IDN}}
*[[Pelita Air]]
*[[Indonesian Air Force]] - 12 ex-Pelita Air Hughes 500C were given to the Air Force in 1982. Retired from service.<ref>{{cite web|date=31 May 2016|title=Hughes 500C TNI AU: Sempat Jadi Helikopter Latih Lanjut, Cikal Bakal Heli Serbu Ringan MD530G|url=https://www.indomiliter.com/hughes-500c-tni-au-sempat-jadi-helikopter-latih-lanjut-cikal-bakal-heli-serbu-ringan-md530g/|access-date=11 December 2020|website=indomiliter.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|date=16 January 2010|title=Skadron Udara 7|url=https://tni-au.mil.id/skadron-udara-7/|access-date=11 December 2020|website=tni-au.mil.id|archive-date=11 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201211023244/https://tni-au.mil.id/skadron-udara-7/|url-status=live}}</ref>
;{{ITA}}
*[[State Forestry Corps]]<ref>{{cite magazine|last= Roelofs |first = Erik |title= Italy's Flying Foresters | magazine= [[Air International]] |date= April 2012 |volume=82| issue=4 | pages=78–81| issn=0306-5634}}</ref>
;{{KEN}}
* [[Kenya Air Force]] 
;{{PRK}}	
*[[Korean People's Air Force]]<ref name="WORLD AIR FORCES 2013">{{cite web|url= http://www.flightglobal.com/airspace/media/reports_pdf/emptys/101015/world-air-forces-2013.pdf|title=World Air Forces 2013|publisher=Flightglobal Insight|date=2013|access-date=28 February 2013}}</ref> -  Total 87 were smuggled to North Korea.
;{{USA}}
*[[Academi]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://defense.aol.com/2012/06/08/academi-ex-blackwater-boosts-state-dept-business-eyes-acq/|title=ACADEMI -- ex-Blackwater -- Boosts State Dept Business, Eyes Acquisitions|publisher=defense.aol.com|access-date=2013-02-28|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130412035341/http://defense.aol.com/2012/06/08/academi-ex-blackwater-boosts-state-dept-business-eyes-acq|archive-date=2013-04-12}}</ref>
*[[Columbus Division of Police]]<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.columbuspolice.org/AboutCPD/Highlights/highlights.html |title= Columbus Police Helicopter Unit |publisher= columbuspolice.org |access-date= 31 May 2016 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160601152255/http://www.columbuspolice.org/AboutCPD/Highlights/highlights.html |archive-date= 1 June 2016 |url-status= dead }}</ref>
*[[Government of Fresno County, California|Fresno County Sheriff's Department]]<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://kmph.com/news/local/fresno-county-sheriffs-office-receives-new-helicopter|title=Fresno County Sheriff's Office receives new helicopter|last=News|first=FOX26|work=KMPH|access-date=2018-02-26|language=en-US}}</ref>
*[[Glendale, California#Law enforcement and services|Glendale Police Department]]<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.ci.glendale.ca.us/police/PDFs/newsletters/GPD_Newsletter_Winter2010.pdf|title=Glendale Police Newsletter|publisher=ci.glendale.ca.us|access-date=2013-10-16}}</ref>
*Hawaii County Fire Department<ref>{{cite web|url=http://helihub.com/2010/07/29/hawaii-county-fire-dept-replaces-500d-with-new-500e/|title=Hawaii County Fire Dept replaces 500D with new 500E|publisher=helihub.com|access-date=2013-02-28}}</ref>
*[[Houston Police Department]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://helihub.com/2010/11/18/houston-police-dept-celebrates-40-years-of-air-support/|title=Houston Police Dept celebrates 40 years of air support|publisher=helihub.com|access-date=2013-02-28}}</ref>
*[[Kansas City Police Department (Missouri)|Kansas City Police Department]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://helihub.com/2012/02/20/kansas-city-police-orders-three-new-md500es/ |title=Kansas City Police orders three new MD500Es |publisher=HeliHub.com |date=2012-02-20 |accessdate=2021-12-03}}</ref>
*[[Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.helis.com/database/news/md530_lvmpd/|title=MD Helicopters Delivers New MD 530F to Las Vegas Metro Police Department|access-date=2013-02-28}}</ref>
*[[Pasadena Police Department (California)|Pasadena Police Department]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://helihub.com/2010/03/22/pasadena-police-hold-public-launch-of-new-500e/|title=Pasadena Police hold public launch of new 500E|publisher=helihub.com|access-date=2013-02-28}}</ref>
*[[Prince George's County Police Department]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mdhelicopters.com/prince-george%E2%80%99s-county-police-department-to-expand-aviation-section-with-new-md-520n.html|title=Prince George's County Police Department to Expand Aviation Section with new MD 520N - MD Helicopters|website=www.mdhelicopters.com|access-date=2019-11-05}}</ref>
*[[Riverside Police Department]]<ref name="Riverside Police Department">{{cite web |url=http://www.riversideca.gov/rpd/aviation/Aviation.htm |title=Aviation Division |access-date=2011-02-28 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110721061715/http://www.riversideca.gov/rpd/aviation/Aviation.htm |archive-date=2011-07-21 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
*[[San Diego County Sheriff's Department]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sdsheriff.net/astrea/aircraft.html|title=ASTREA - Aerial Support to Regional Enforcement Agencies|publisher=sdsheriff.net|access-date=2013-02-28}}</ref>
*[[Metropolitan Police Department, City of St. Louis|St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.slmpd.org/|title=Official Website of the Metropolitan Police Department, City of St. Louis|website=www.slmpd.org|access-date=2017-07-06}}</ref>
*[[St. Louis County Police Department]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.stlouisco.com/LawandPublicSafety/PoliceDepartment|title=Police Department {{!}} Law & Public Safety {{!}} St. Louis County|last=Government|first=St. Louis County|website=www.stlouisco.com|language=en-US|access-date=2017-07-06}}</ref>
*[[Oakland Police Department]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/oaklandpoliceca/status/1393750751084613634|title=Oakland Police Helicopter ARGUS is assisting patrol officers on our city streets. This is one of many enforcement actions OPD is taking to deter and enforce illegal Sideshow activity|access-date=2021-05-15}}</ref>

==Specifications (MD 530F)==
[[File:MD500E orthographical image.svg|right|450px]]
{{Aircraft specs
|ref=MD500E PERFORMANCE SPECIFICATIONS,<ref name=mdh>{{cite web |url=http://www.mdhelicopters.com/helicopters/pdf/500E/performance_specifications.pdf |format=PDF |title=MD500E PERFORMANCE SPECIFICATIONS |url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120122063745/http://www.mdhelicopters.com/helicopters/pdf/500E/performance_specifications.pdf |archive-date=2012-01-22 }}</ref> The International Directory of Civil Aircraft<ref name="Frawley Civil"/>
|prime units?=kts
<!--
        General characteristics
-->
|crew=2
|capacity=3 passengers
|length ft=32
|length in=7
|length note=
|width ft=<!-- if applicable -->
|width in=<!-- if applicable -->
|width note=
|height ft=8
|height in=9
|height note=
|empty weight lb=1591
|empty weight note=
|gross weight lb=
|gross weight note=
|max takeoff weight lb=3550
|max takeoff weight note=
|fuel capacity=
|more general=
<!--
        Powerplant
-->
|eng1 number=1
|eng1 name=[[Allison 250-C30]]
|eng1 type=[[turboshaft]] engine
|eng1 shp=650
|eng1 note=

|rot number=1
|rot dia ft=27
|rot dia in=4
|rot area sqft=587.5
|rot area note=
*'''Blade section:''' - [[NACA airfoil|NACA 0012]]<ref name="Selig">{{cite web |last1=Lednicer |first1=David |title=The Incomplete Guide to Airfoil Usage |url=https://m-selig.ae.illinois.edu/ads/aircraft.html |website=m-selig.ae.illinois.edu |access-date=16 April 2019}}</ref>
<!--
        Performance
-->
|max speed kts=152
|max speed note=
|cruise speed kts=135
|cruise speed note=
|never exceed speed kts=
|never exceed speed note=
|range nmi=232
|range note=
|combat range nmi=
|combat range note=
|ferry range nmi=
|ferry range note=
|endurance=<!-- if range unknown -->
|ceiling ft=18700
|ceiling note=
|climb rate ftmin=2070
|climb rate note=
|time to altitude=
|disk loading lb/sqft=
|disk loading note=
|fuel consumption lb/mi=
|power/mass=
|more performance=
|avionics=
}}

==Specifications (MD 500C)==
[[File:Hughes OH-6 orthographical image.svg|right|450px]]
{{Aircraft specs
|ref=<ref name=JAWA71-72>{{cite book |title=Jane's All the World's Aircraft 1971-72 |year=1971 |publisher=Sampson Low, Marston & Company |location=London |isbn=9780354000949 |editor1-last=Taylor |editor1-first=John W.R. |edition=62nd |pages=322–323}}</ref>
|prime units?=kts<!--
        General characteristics
-->
|crew=2
|capacity=2
|length ft=30
|length in=3.75
|length note=
|width ft=<!-- if applicable -->
|width in=<!-- if applicable -->
|width note=
|height ft=8
|height in=1.5
|height note=
|empty weight lb=1229
|empty weight note=
|gross weight lb=
|gross weight note=2400
|max takeoff weight lb=2700
|max takeoff weight note=
|fuel capacity={{cvt|61.5|USgal|impgal l|0}} in two 50% self-sealing bladder tanks under rear cabin floor
|more general=
<!--
        Powerplant
-->
|eng1 number=1
|eng1 name=[[Allison T63-A-5A]]
|eng1 type=[[turboshaft]] engine
|eng1 shp=317
|eng1 note=

|rot number=1
|rot dia ft=26
|rot dia in=4
|rot area sqft=544.63
|rot area note=
*'''Blade section:''' - [[NACA airfoil|NACA 0012]]<ref name="Selig">{{cite web |last1=Lednicer |first1=David |title=The Incomplete Guide to Airfoil Usage |url=https://m-selig.ae.illinois.edu/ads/aircraft.html |website=m-selig.ae.illinois.edu |access-date=16 April 2019}}</ref>
<!--
        Performance
-->
|max speed kts=130
|max speed note=
|cruise speed kts=130
|cruise speed note=
|never exceed speed kts=
|never exceed speed note=
|range nmi=330
|range note=at {{cvt|5000|ft|0}}
|combat range nmi=
|combat range note=
|ferry range nmi=1354
|ferry range note=with {{cvt|1300|lb|0}} of fuel
|endurance=<!-- if range unknown -->
|ceiling ft=15800
|ceiling note=
* '''Hover ceiling OGE:''' {{cvt|7300|ft|0}}
* '''Hover ceiling IGE:''' {{cvt|11800|ft|0}}|climb rate ftmin=2070
|climb rate note=
|time to altitude=
|disk loading lb/sqft=
|disk loading note=
|fuel consumption lb/mi=
|power/mass=
|more performance=
|avionics=
}}

==See also==
{{Aircontent
|see also=
*{{section link|Aircraft in fiction|Hughes_500_/_OH-6_/_MH-6_/_MD_500}}
|related=
*[[Boeing AH-6]]
*[[Hughes OH-6 Cayuse]]
*[[McDonnell Douglas MD 500 Defender]]
*[[MD Helicopters MD 600]]
|similar aircraft=
*[[Bell 206]]
*[[Bell 407]]
*[[Aérospatiale Gazelle]]
*[[Eurocopter EC120 Colibri]]
*[[HAL Dhruv]]
*[[PZL SW-4]]
*[[Robinson R66]]
|lists=
*[[List of military aircraft of the United States]]
}}

==References==
{{reflist|colwidth=30em}}

==Bibliography==
*{{cite magazine|last=Elliot|first=Bryn|title=Bears in the Air: The US Air Police Perspective |magazine=[[Air Enthusiast]]|date=March–April 1997|issue=68|pages=46–51 |issn=0143-5450}} *{{cite magazine|last=Rivas|first=Santiago|title=Fighting d Drug War | journal=[[Air International]]|date = October 2015| volume=89| issue=4 | pages= 118–121|issn=0306-5634}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|MD Helicopters MD 500}}
*{{official|https://www.mdhelicopters.com/md-500e.html}}

{{Hughes aircraft}}
{{MD Helicopters}}

[[Category:1960s United States helicopters]]
[[Category:1960s United States civil utility aircraft]]
[[Category:MD Helicopters aircraft|MD 500]]
[[Category:Single-turbine helicopters]]
[[Category:Aircraft first flown in 1963]]