MD Helicopters MD 369 / Hughes 500 (likely MD 500E or 500D variant)

6h ago · © Unknown

A classic MD 500 (Hughes 369) helicopter seen on the ramp, an agile workhorse famous with law enforcement, military, and utility operators.

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MD Helicopters MD 500 (likely MD 500E or 530F)

Aircraft

MD 369 / Hughes 500 (likely MD 500E or 500D variant) H500

Dark green (possibly military-style or utility)

N369FC

Registration

Manufacturer

MD Helicopters

Gear

Canon EOS Rebel T7 EF75-300mm f/4-5.6

Achievements

Heli Hero, Vintage Voyager

2 badges earned

Photo grade

Score: 62.0

Registration is visible, but focus is soft and background clutter distracts from the helicopter.

Location

Falcon Field

MSC/KFFZ

33.4608, -111.7280

Open map

Falcon Field MSC

Airport

Insights

Aviation History

The Hughes/MD 500 series is an iconic light utility helicopter, used by both military (OH-6 Cayuse, Little Bird) and civilian operators worldwide since late 1960s.

Fleet Rarity

Still fairly common worldwide, especially among law enforcement and private operators. Not rare.

Record Flights

Utilized in both utility and military ops, known for hot/high performance and agility—no specific record flights.

Safety & Events

Famous for use by US Army, law enforcement, and special forces; robust safety record but noted for low-level maneuvering capability and some high-profile incidents, especially in combat.

Future Outlook

Remains in production in various forms, likely to continue operations for years due to versatility.

Specifications

Allison 250-C20B (typical for MD 500D/E)

Engine

Not applicable (rotor diameter approx. 8.38 m)

Wingspan

9.8 m (fuselage)

Length

425 km

Range

246 km/h

Speed

5 passengers (typical civil configuration)

Capacity

1,406 kg

MTOW

2.62 m

Height

Not applicable (helicopter - power rating: ~420 shp)

Thrust

Typically ICAO Stage 2/3, ~85 dB (varies by subvariant)

Noise