MD Helicopters
MD 500E
The MD 500E is a light single-engine helicopter descended from the Hughes 500/OH-6, recognizable by its egg-shaped fuselage and pointed nose. Powered by a Rolls-Royce 250-C20 turboshaft, it is agile, fast, and compact, making it a favorite for law enforcement, electronic news gathering, utility, and private operations worldwide.
- Agile light single-engine helicopter (Hughes 500 lineage)
- Rolls-Royce 250-C20B turboshaft
- Compact footprint with five-blade main rotor
- Favored for police, ENG, and utility roles
- High cruise speed for its class
- Seats up to 5 including pilot
MD 500E key specifications
- Range
- 232 nm
- Cruise speed
- 134 kts
- Passengers
- up to 5
- Max take-off weight
- 3,000 lb
- Engines
- 1 × Turboshaft
About the MD 500E
Introduced in 1982 in the United States, the MD Helicopters MD 500E is a helicopter from the MD 500 family built for point-to-point access without the need for a runway. It is a long-serving design with a deep support and parts network.
On performance, it offers a maximum range of about 232 nautical miles and a cruise of roughly 134 knots. It seats up to 5 passengers and is powered by 1 Rolls-Royce 250-C20B engine.
Its 232 nm range makes it well matched to short-haul hops and local operations. It is certified for single-pilot operation.
Gallery
Performance
Full specifications
Operator and certification details for the MD 500E, plus the complete performance, dimensions, weights and powerplant sheet — free with an account.
20 more specifications — performance, dimensions, weights and powerplant — are free with an account.
Value & depreciation
How a helicopter like the MD 500E typically holds value — indicative, class-typical retention of a new example against age. Run your own year and hours in the valuation calculator for a specific estimate.
Indicative only — actual value depends on hours, maintenance-program status, avionics, condition and the current market.
Pricing & seller quotes
Aggregated market pricing and multi-seller quotes — shared with verified partners.
Pricing is shared with verified partners
We aggregate live market pricing and seller quotes for the MD 500E. Request a quote and our team will send tailored pricing and availability — or sign in if you’re an approved partner.
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Ownership & ROI calculator
Model the true economics of owning or chartering the MD 500E. Pre-filled with realistic defaults for this type — adjust any assumption and the results update instantly.
Model the economics of the MD 500E
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How the MD 500E compares
Side by side with the most similar helicopters.
6 more specs per aircraft — ceiling, climb, cabin, dimensions and more — are free with an account.
Beyond the spec sheet
Buying or operating the MD 500E? Get an independent acquisition recommendation, or see how fleet management keeps operations, maintenance, crew and compliance in one place.
