MD Helicopters, April 22, 2026 - Mesa, Arizona - MD Helicopters, LLC (MDH) announced that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has granted Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) approval for the Super D20R upgrade, marking a major milestone in the company’s Fielded Fleet Upgrade (FFU) program.
Building on the success of the Super D20B, the Super D20R integrates proven Super D airframe enhancements with the Rolls-Royce 250-C20R engine, delivering increased power and significantly improved hot-and-high performance. The upgrade enhances mission capability while retaining the aerodynamic and structural advantages of the Super D platform.
The Super D20R includes:
- Extended main and tail rotor blades for increased lift
- Tail rotor gearbox extension for improved control authority
- Modified tailboom with updated empennage
- Redesigned vertical and horizontal stabilizers for enhanced stability
Ryan Weeks, President and CEO of MD Helicopters, said “These upgrades are focused on delivering real operational value. The Super D20R gives operators more power, better performance in demanding environments, and a clear path to modernize their aircraft without replacing them.”
The Super D20R is part of MD Helicopters’ modular upgrade strategy, enabling operators to enhance aircraft capability incrementally based on mission needs and budget. Aircraft already equipped with earlier Super D configurations can transition to the D20R through an engine upgrade, preserving prior investments while expanding performance.
With more than 1,000 MD 500-series aircraft operating worldwide, the Super D20R reinforces MD Helicopters’ commitment to extending the lifecycle, safety, and operational capability of its global fleet.
The Super D20R upgrade is now available through MD Helicopters’ global network of Authorized Service Centers. The MSRP is $386,000 USD, including labor. This upgrade replaces several high-value components; the resale value of removed parts may be retained by the operator, effectively reducing the net cost of the upgrade.
About MD Helicopters : MD Helicopters, LLC (MDH) manufactures high-performance rotorcraft solutions that support operators flying military, commercial, law enforcement, utility, and VIP mission profiles. With thousands of aircraft in service worldwide, MDH has been designing and building aircraft known for their safety, versatility, responsiveness, speed, and reliability since 1947. Our commitment to product sustainment and customer success allows MDH to deliver aircraft unmatched in their performance and reliability. MD Helicopters, LLC is owned by an investment consortium comprised of MBIA Insurance, Bardin Hill Investment Partners LP, and MB Global Partners.
Building on the success of the Super D20B, the Super D20R integrates proven Super D airframe enhancements with the Rolls-Royce 250-C20R engine, delivering increased power and significantly improved hot-and-high performance. The upgrade enhances mission capability while retaining the aerodynamic and structural advantages of the Super D platform.
The Super D20R includes:
- Extended main and tail rotor blades for increased lift
- Tail rotor gearbox extension for improved control authority
- Modified tailboom with updated empennage
- Redesigned vertical and horizontal stabilizers for enhanced stability
Ryan Weeks, President and CEO of MD Helicopters, said “These upgrades are focused on delivering real operational value. The Super D20R gives operators more power, better performance in demanding environments, and a clear path to modernize their aircraft without replacing them.”
The Super D20R is part of MD Helicopters’ modular upgrade strategy, enabling operators to enhance aircraft capability incrementally based on mission needs and budget. Aircraft already equipped with earlier Super D configurations can transition to the D20R through an engine upgrade, preserving prior investments while expanding performance.
With more than 1,000 MD 500-series aircraft operating worldwide, the Super D20R reinforces MD Helicopters’ commitment to extending the lifecycle, safety, and operational capability of its global fleet.
The Super D20R upgrade is now available through MD Helicopters’ global network of Authorized Service Centers. The MSRP is $386,000 USD, including labor. This upgrade replaces several high-value components; the resale value of removed parts may be retained by the operator, effectively reducing the net cost of the upgrade.
About MD Helicopters : MD Helicopters, LLC (MDH) manufactures high-performance rotorcraft solutions that support operators flying military, commercial, law enforcement, utility, and VIP mission profiles. With thousands of aircraft in service worldwide, MDH has been designing and building aircraft known for their safety, versatility, responsiveness, speed, and reliability since 1947. Our commitment to product sustainment and customer success allows MDH to deliver aircraft unmatched in their performance and reliability. MD Helicopters, LLC is owned by an investment consortium comprised of MBIA Insurance, Bardin Hill Investment Partners LP, and MB Global Partners.
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MD500 in
MD Helicopters FAA Federal Aviation Administration Super D20B Upgrade Kit Reduces Fuel Burn and Extends MD500D Endurance
