military hellicopter 500MD

The Hughes OH-6 Cayuse scout helicopter was also produced as the Model 500 Utility civil helicopter, and this in turn spawned the Model 500Defender export military version. In 1984 Hughes Helicopter became a McDonnell Douglas subsidiary, and the series is now known as the MD500. The defender series entered service in 1986. The basic airframe has been refined and more powerful engine has been installed, while a diversity of sensor and armament fits provides maximum versatility.

Description	Specifications
Manufacturer: McDonnell Douglas	Height: 8 ft. 8 in.
First Flight:	Empty Weight: 1,976 lb.
Model: M	Max. Weight: 3,000 lb.
Crew: Two	Armament: Four BGM-71 TOW anti-tank missiles.
Nickname: Defender	Dimensions
Basic Role: Light anti tank.	Main Rotor Diameter: 26 ft. 4 in.
Other Versions: Model 500M initial version with 275-shp/207kW Allison 250C18A. Model 500MD definitive early version with 420-shp/313-kW Allison 250-C20B in role-dedicated scout anti-tank, anti-submarine, and upgraded Defender II form. Model 500MG more advanced electronics a more streamlined nose, and the Model 500E's rotor system. Model 530MG equivalent based on the MD530F lifter with large main rotor and Allison 250-C30. AH-6F and MH-6A upgraded version for the US Special Forces.	Length Overall Rotor Turning: 30 ft. 10 in.
Principal User: Argentina, Bolivia, Colombia, Costa Rica, Denmark, El Salvador, Finland, Greece, Haiti, Indonesia, Iraq, Israel, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Kenya, Mauritania, North Korea, South Korea, Spain, Taiwan, USA.	Main Rotor Disk Area: 544.63 sq. ft.
Performance	Propulsion
Range: 242 miles.	Power Plant: Allison 250-C20B turbofan.
Max. Speed: 137 mph.	Horsepower: 420-shp.
Ceiling: 13,800 ft.	No. Of Engines: One
Climb Rate: 1,650 ft.