The McDonnell Douglas MD 500 is a light utility helicopter known for its speed, agility and reliability, making it a popular choice for law enforcement, military, corporate and utility operations worldwide. Discover McDonnell Douglas MD 500 aircraft for sale worldwide on AvPay. Browse active McDonnell Douglas MD 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 McDonnell Douglas MD 500 Helicopter for Sale on AvPay
AvPay offers a global marketplace for McDonnell Douglas MD 500 helicopters, connecting buyers and sellers across the USA, North America, UK, Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, South America, and beyond. Discover your ideal new or used MD 500 in our aircraft listings.
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Interesting facts about the McDonnell Douglas MD 500
✈ The MD 500 series descends from the Hughes 500, the civil version of the OH-6A. It entered civil service in 1967 and evolved through several variants.
✈ McDonnell Douglas produced the type before MD Helicopters took over. Today, MD builds the MD 500E in Mesa, Arizona, supporting a global fleet.
✈ The MD 500E uses a five-blade fully articulated main rotor. Operators choose either a Rolls-Royce 250-C20B (420 shp) or 250-C20R (450 shp) engine.
✈ FAA certification identifies the MD 500E as Model 369E on Type Certificate H3WE. The helicopter is certified in the normal category under Part 27.
✈ The MD 500 excels in law enforcement, utility, tourism, training, wildlife work, and aerial survey. Its agility and small footprint help in confined areas.
✈ A flat cabin floor and five-place seating allow quick role changes. The airframe accepts cargo hooks, cameras, searchlights, and litter kits.
✈ A modern slimline glass cockpit with Garmin G500H TXi and EICAS is available and widely adopted. It improves visibility and reduces pilot workload.
✈ The MD 500E offers strong hot-and-high performance. Operators can also upgrade some MD 500Es to MD 530F spec for demanding altitudes and temperatures.
McDonnell Douglas MD 500E Specifications
Information provided here is as a guide only. Do not use it for flight planning or operations. Equipment, modifications, and age will affect the details below. Confirm precise specifications with the seller, manufacturer, or aviation authority.
Overall Length (rotors turning): 9.39 m (30 ft 10 in)
Main Rotor Diameter: 8.05 m (26 ft 4 in)
Tail Rotor Diameter: 1.40 m (4 ft 7.6 in)
Overall Height: 2.64 m (8 ft 7.8 in)
Empty Weight (typical): 672 kg (1,481 lb)
Max Take Off Weight (Internal): 1,361 kg (3,000 lb)
Max Gross Weight (External load capable): 1,610 kg (3,550 lb)
Fuel Capacity: 242 L (64 US gal; ~403 lb)
Maximum Cruise Speed: 135 kt (249 km/h)
Maximum Range (sea level): 235 nm (435 km)
Maximum Range (5,000 ft): 267 nm (494 km)
Service Ceiling (max operating density altitude): 4,877 m (16,000 ft)
Rate of Climb: 1,770 ft/min (9.0 m/s)
Hover Ceiling HIGE (ISA+20°C): 8,500 ft (C20B) / 11,300 ft (C20R)
Hover Ceiling HOGE (ISA+20°C): 6,000 ft (C20B) / 9,500 ft (C20R)
Maximum Hook Capacity (external): 907 kg (2,000 lb)
FAQs About the McDonnell Douglas MD 500
How much does a McDonnell Douglas MD 500 cost?
Used MD 500D/E asking prices on major marketplaces during 2025 typically range from about $850,000 to $1,500,000. Several low-time or upgraded examples list as high as roughly $2,300,000 in 2025. For new-build or factory-fresh pricing references, industry guides placed an MD 500E list price near $1,900,000 in Q2 2024. All figures are in USD and reflect the noted periods.
Which MD 500 variant suits law enforcement, utility, or hot-and-high work?
The MD 500E provides balanced performance for patrol, training, and tourism. Operators pick the MD 530F for hot-and-high lift. The MD 520N uses NOTAR for low noise and reduced tail rotor risk. Match the variant to mission altitude, temperature, and payload.
What engines power the MD 500E?
Most MD 500Es use a Rolls-Royce 250-C20B (420 shp) or 250-C20R (450 shp). The C20R improves hover ceilings and climb. Both engines have extensive support networks and proven reliability.
What avionics options are common on the MD 500E?
Many airframes feature MD’s slimline glass cockpit with Garmin G500H TXi and EICAS. Common STCs add mission gear such as cargo hooks, camera mounts, searchlights, wire-strike protection, and modern radios.
How does the MD 500E perform on range and speed?
Typical maximum cruise speed is about 135 kt. With standard tanks, plan roughly 235 nm at sea level or about 267 nm at 5,000 ft under brochure conditions. Always confirm performance against the flight manual and your configuration.
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