MD Helicopters to Upgrade MD520N Engine

MD Helicopters, July 21, 2023 - ORLANDO, Florida – MD Helicopters (MDH) APSCON Booth #901 – has kicked off an STC project that will certify the use of a Rolls Royce 250-C30 engine in the MD 520N, which features MDH’s patented NOTAR tailboom.

STC certification is expected before the end of 2023 and MDH will license a select number of MDH Authorized Service Centers around the world to perform the upgrade, which will significantly boost the MD 520N’s hot-high performance while reducing maintenance costs. MDH is partnering with Columbia Helicopters Inc. to establish the STC.

MD Helicopter President and CEO Brad Pedersen said “MDH’s new leadership made a commitment to strengthen and support our proven line of highly revered helicopters and this is another delivery on that promise. There are 85 MD 520N helicopters flying today. This engine upgrade offers an improvement for those aircraft by significantly boosting power, performance, and cost savings for MD 520N NOTAR operators. We are grateful to Columbia Helicopters for their partnership in completing the STC process and look forward to providing upgrades before the end of the year.”

Benefits of the -C30 engine upgrade at 4,700 ft density altitude:

- Hover with 300 more lbs. on a hot day
- 15% increase of available SHP on a hot day
- 15% increase of TOT margins

Once the STC is approved later this year, upgrade kits will be made available to select MDH Authorized Service Centers, who will perform the upgrades. Each upgrade is expected to take one to two months to complete.

Complimentary Maximum Gross Take Off Weight Upgrade for all MD 530F Helicopters

MDH is also offering its MD 530F Maximum Gross Take Off Weight (MGTOW) Upgrade to operators of all MD 530F model helicopters as a part of the company’s continuing efforts to increase customer support and service. The upgrade increases MGTOW from 3,100 to 3,350 lb.

The MGTOW upgrade is an internal weight increase. VNE with the new MGTOW is 150 knots. Maximum external load gross weight, minimum flying weight, and the center of gravity remain unchanged.

The upgrade consists of a new rotorcraft flight manual (RFM) supplement assigned to the aircraft serial number and a VNE IAS (knots) placard reflecting the increased MGTOW for display in the aircraft. Any MDH Authorized Service Center can perform the upgrade. Depending on service center workload availability, MD 530F MGTOW upgrades could be performed in less than a month from request.

MDH continues to increase availability on all fielded parts for its aircraft, including NOTAR helicopters. These upgrades are in addition to a growing parts supply to support the aircraft.

MDH is attending APSCON July 19-21 in Orlando, Florida at booth #901.