©MD Helicopters (MDH).
ORLANDO, Florida, July 19, 2023 – MD Helicopters (MDH) announces an upgrade for increase MGTOW for all MD530F helicopters and an STC project for use the Rolls Royce 250-C30 engine in the MD520N.
MD520N helicopter
MDH has kicked off the STC project that will certify the use of a Rolls Royce 250-C30 engine in the MD520N, which features MDH’s patented NOTAR tailboom. This STC certification is expected before the end of 2023 and MD Helicopters will license a select number of MDH Authorized Service Centers around the world to perform the upgrade, which will significantly boost the MD520N helicopters hot and high performance while reducing maintenance costs.
MD Helicopters is partnering with Columbia Helicopters Inc. to establish the STC.
“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,” says MD Helicopters President and CEO Brad Pedersen. “There are 85 MD520N helicopters flying today. This engine upgrade offers an improvement for those aircraft by significantly boosting power, performance, and cost savings for MD520N 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 Rolls Royce 250-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 (MGTOW) Upgrade for all MD530F Helicopters
MDH is also offering its MD530F Maximum Gross Take Off Weight (MGTOW) Upgrade to operators of all MD530F 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, MD530F 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 (NO TAil Rotor) helicopters. These upgrades are in addition to a growing parts supply to support the aircraft.
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