Two FAA STCs have been approved for MD Helicopters. The first is the Super D20R upgrade, and the second is a 530N upgrade. In both cases, the modifications increase performance and stability.
MD Helicopters has been granted FAA STC approval for the Super D20R upgrade, marking a major milestone in the company's Fielded Fleet Upgrade (FFU) programme.
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; and redesigned vertical and horizontal stabilisers for enhanced stability.
“These upgrades are focused on delivering real operational value,” says Ryan Weeks, president and CEO of MD Helicopters. “The Super D20R gives operators more power, better performance in demanding environments and a clear path to modernise their aircraft without replacing them.”
The Super D20R is part of MD Helicopters' modular upgrade strategy, enabling MD 500D 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 authorised service centres. The MSRP is $386,000 USD, including labour. 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.
The FAA has also approved an MD STC for its 530N upgrade, providing a significant performance enhancement for NOTAR operators.
The upgrade enables operators to replace the Rolls-Royce 250-C20B engine with the more powerful Rolls-Royce 250-C30 engine, significantly improving aircraft performance, particularly in hot-and-high environments where increased power and hover capability are critical.
Designed specifically for the global fleet of MD 500N aircraft, the upgrade addresses long-standing operator demand for improved performance while preserving the safety, simplicity and low acoustic signature of the NOTAR (No Tail Rotor) system.
Key benefits of the MD 530N upgrade include: increased horsepower for improved payload and mission flexibility; enhanced hover performance and operational ceiling; improved safety margins in high-temperature and high-altitude conditions; and retention of the NOTAR system's reduced noise and improved ground safety characteristics.
“The MD 530N upgrade represents a major step forward for our NOTAR operators,” states Weeks. “This STC restores and enhances the performance operators expect, while preserving the unique advantages of the NOTAR system.”
As part of MD Helicopters' broader Fielded Fleet Upgrade initiative, the MD 530N upgrade reflects a continued focus on customer-driven innovation, ensuring legacy aircraft remain capable, relevant and mission-ready.
The MD 530N upgrade is available immediately through MD Helicopters' authorised service centre network. The MSRP is $395,000 USD, including labour, and excludes the Rolls-Royce 250-C30 engine.
Operators may procure an engine through an authorised service centre or supply their own eligible engine.
Removed components retain residual value, which may be recovered by the operator and can significantly offset the effective cost of the upgrade.
