MD-500

Hughes MD-500E

Provided by: Beaufort County Mosquito Control

The MD Helicopters MD-500 series is an American family of light utility civilian and military helicopters. The MD-500 was developed from the Hughes 500, a civilian version of the US Army's OH-6A Cayuse/Loach. The series currently includes the MD-500E, MD-520N, and MD-530F.

The MD-500 was initially produced by Hughes Helicopters as the Hughes 500. Since being introduced in 1967, numerous models have been produced, often featuring a more powerful engine or a five-bladed main rotor in place of the original four-blade counterpart. The MD 500 has been commonly used for utility work, particularly the MD 530F; it has also proven to be popular with law enforcement agencies. Production of the type was continued into the twenty-first century by Hughes' successor companies, McDonnell Douglas Helicopter Systems, and subsequently MD Helicopters. While the MD-500 series has been largely operated by civil customers, it has occasionally seen military use, even to the extent of performing front line combat operations.