The Hughes 500 is a light utility helicopter developed from the Hughes 369, admired for its speed, maneuverability and versatility in roles ranging from executive transport to law enforcement and military operations. Discover Hughes 500 aircraft for sale worldwide on AvPay. Browse active Hughes 500 listings and find available aircraft across the USA, North America, UK, Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia and South America. Connect directly with aircraft brokers, private sellers, flying clubs, flight schools and manufacturers. Explore the full inventory of aircraft for sale on AvPay here!
Finding a Hughes 500 Helicopter for Sale on AvPay
AvPay lists Hughes 500 helicopters for sale worldwide. We connect buyers and sellers across the USA, North America, the UK, Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia and South America. Compare live Hughes 500/369 and MD 500 listings by asking price, total time, avionics and location.
Use AvPay’s filters to refine your Hughes 500 search quickly. Filter helicopters by condition, year, total time, location, price and seller to find the right light turbine helicopter for your mission.
AvPay is a leading aviation marketplace with a wide range of helicopters for sale, including the Hughes 500. Explore our full Hughes Helicopters selection, or browse all aircraft from various manufacturers here.
Found your ideal Hughes 500? Contact sellers on AvPay by WhatsApp, private message or phone. Confirm price, specification, logbooks and inspection status of the Hughes 500 Helicopter For Sale.
Interesting facts about the Hughes 500
✈ Hughes created the 500 as the civil derivative of the OH-6A Light Observation Helicopter program. The family later sold as the Hughes 500 and, after corporate changes, as the MD 500 series.
✈ The 500D introduced a five-blade main rotor, a T-tail and the Allison/Rolls-Royce 250-C20B engine for stronger hot-and-high performance.
✈ Typical seating is pilot plus four. Utility interiors accept cargo pod, cargo hook and float kits, which makes the 500 popular for utility lift and patrol.
✈ Civil operators use the type for flight training, aerial survey, law enforcement, news gathering, power-line work and private transport.
✈ Many airframes feature four-blade tail rotors and noise-reduction kits, which help operations near populated areas.
✈ Licensed production and global military use widened parts support, keeping legacy Hughes 500 helicopters attractive on the used market.
✈ The compact fuselage and quick control response make the 500 a favorite for aerial cinematography and police air support.
✈ Buyers value the type’s low direct operating costs for a turbine, especially on utility and training missions.
Hughes 500 Specifications
Information provided here is as a guide only. Do not use this data for flight planning or operations. Variants, modifications, optional equipment and age will affect the details below. Confirm exact specifications with the seller, manufacturer or the relevant aviation authority.
Overall Length (rotors turning): 9.40 m (30 ft 10 in)
Main Rotor Diameter: 8.03 m (26 ft 4 in)
Overall Height: 2.59 m (8 ft 6 in)
Empty Weight (typical): 598 kg (1,320 lb)
Max Take-Off Weight (MTOW): 1,361 kg (3,000 lb) internal / 1,610 kg (3,350 lb) external load
Fuel Capacity (usable): 232 L (61.5 US gal; ~403 lb Jet A)
Powerplant: 1 × Allison/Rolls-Royce 250-C20B turboshaft (derated to transmission limits)
Normal Cruise Speed: ~222–250 km/h (120–135 kt) depending on weight and altitude
Range (nominal): ~555–600 km (300–325 nm) with standard tanks and reserves
Service Ceiling: ~4,206 m (13,800 ft)
Initial Rate of Climb: ~9.7 m/s (1,900 ft/min)
Hover Ceiling IGE: ~2,560 m (8,400 ft) depending on temperature and weight
Hover Ceiling OGE: ~1,980 m (6,500 ft) depending on temperature and weight
FAQs About the Hughes 500
How much does a Hughes 500 cost?
As of August–September 2025, advertised prices for used Hughes 500/MD 500 series helicopters (notably 500C/500D/500E) often range from about US$400,000 to US$900,000, depending on variant, component times, avionics, upgrades and condition. Verify market data for the serial number you plan to buy.
Is the Hughes 500 good for flight training?
Yes. Schools value its responsive controls, stable autorotation traits and reliable Allison/Rolls-Royce 250 engines. Dual controls and a rear bench seat support instruction and observation.
What missions suit the Hughes 500?
The type excels at patrol, aerial photography, pipeline and power-line inspection, light external-load work and private or corporate transport. Utility kits and cargo hooks widen its role set.
Which engine does the Hughes 500D use?
Most 500D helicopters use the Allison/Rolls-Royce 250-C20B. Many aircraft feature drivetrain upgrades or noise-reduction kits. Check logbooks and any STCs.
What should I check before buying?
Review component lives on the main and tail rotor systems, belt-drive and clutch condition, engine hot-section status and compliance with service bulletins. Confirm parts sources and support for your region.
Get help buying a Hughes 500
Can’t find the Hughes 500 you want? Contact an Aircraft Broker via the Aircraft Broker Directory. You can also browse Aircraft Brokerage and Aircraft Acquisition Services on the marketplace to support your Hughes 500 purchase.
Sell your Hughes 500 on AvPay
Do you have a Hughes 500 Helicopter for Sale? List it on AvPay and reach buyers searching for Hughes light turbine helicopters around the world. AvPay is a Zero Workload Website, so our team completes your updates and features each listing on our Social Media Pages for extra visibility to our 190,000+ followers. With AvPay you will generate enquiries on your Aircraft Listings, your Aircraft Broker Profile and your Aviation Marketplace Service Listings. Let AvPay promote your Hughes 500 for sale.
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