MD Helicopters Helicopters
12 used MD Helicopters helicopters listings · $650,000–$3,650,000 · last refreshed 1 hour ago
About MD Helicopters Helicopter Company
MD Helicopters builds the descendants of the legendary Hughes 500 — compact, fast, agile light turbine helicopters with a distinctive egg-shaped cabin and exceptional performance. The **MD 500** series (500D/500E, descended from the Hughes 369) is the agile light single beloved by utility, law-enforcement and private operators; the **MD 520N** and **MD 600N** use the anti-torque **NOTAR** (no tail rotor) system for quieter, safer operation; and the twin-engine **MD 900/902 Explorer** is the larger NOTAR twin for EMS and utility roles. There are currently 12 used MD Helicopters for sale.
MD Helicopters Helicopters for Sale
Price $650,000–$3,650,000
MD Helicopters Helicopters Price & Cost
How much does a MD Helicopters helicopter cost? Current pricing for used MD Helicopters helicopters (also known as MD Helicopters choppers or MD Helicopters helis) is broken down per model in the table below — covering acquisition price, hourly operating cost and overhaul cost.
| Type | Model | Used price range | Op cost / hr | Annual fixed | Overhaul cost | Listings for sale |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single Turbine Helicopter | — | — | — | — | 1 | |
| Single Turbine Helicopter | $650,000–$650,000 | — | — | — | 2 | |
| Single Turbine Helicopter | $3,200,000–$3,200,000 | — | — | — | 3 | |
| Single Turbine Helicopter | $1,250,000–$3,650,000 | $500 | $100,000/yr | $350,000 | 6 |
The cost of a MD Helicopters helicopter depends on model, year, hours flown, avionics and condition. See operating costs and pre-buy checklist in the About section, or open a specific model page for a detailed price guide.
MD Helicopters Models
Single Turbine Helicopter
MD Helicopters Models — Specifications
Model spec| Model | Years | Seats | Cruise | Range | Useful load | Listings for sale |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1980–1995 | 5 | 135 kts (250 km/h) | 232 nm (430 km) | 1,550 lbs (703 kg) | 21 | |
| 500 | — | 5 | 135 kts (250 km/h) | 232 nm (430 km) | 1,550 lbs (703 kg) | 20 |
| 500N | 1980–1995 | 1 | 135 kts (250 km/h) | 223 nm (413 km) | — | 1 |
| 1982–now | 5 | 125 kts (232 km/h) | 264 nm (489 km) | — | 2 | |
| — | — | 134 kts (248 km/h) | 260 nm (482 km) | — | 3 | |
| 1994–now | 1 | 135 kts (250 km/h) | 357 nm (661 km) | — | 7 |
Compare MD Helicopters Helicopters
vs. Competitors (6)
Showing the most-searched matchups. Open a model or family page for its full set of comparisons, or browse all comparisons.
Frequently Asked Questions — MD Helicopters
What happened to MD Helicopters and are they still supported?
MD Helicopters filed for bankruptcy in 2022 after years of underinvestment, but has since been restructured and is actively rebuilding production and support capacity. The company continues to invest in aftermarket support, though supply chain shortages still hamper parts availability. For the NOTAR MD902, finding qualified suppliers remains particularly challenging. Buyers should verify current parts availability for their specific model before purchasing.
Is the MD 500 series a good helicopter to buy?
The MD 500 series (originally Hughes 500) is beloved for its simplicity, agility, responsiveness, and safety record. The compact single-engine design seats up to four passengers and excels in law enforcement, utility work, and light transport. The 500E is the most popular civilian variant. Since 1967, thousands have been built, creating a massive parts ecosystem. Planned upgrades from 2025 will bring older D- and E-models closer to the latest F-model standard.
MD 500 vs Robinson R44 vs Bell 407 — which light helicopter?
The MD 500 offers superior speed and agility, with a turbine engine that outperforms the R44's piston. However, the R44 is dramatically cheaper to buy and operate, making it the default choice for private owners. The Bell 407 provides more cabin space and payload at higher cost. For operators who need a fast, maneuverable turbine single at reasonable acquisition cost, used MD 500E/F models occupy a unique niche.
MD Helicopters Inventory by Country
| United States | 27 |
| United Kingdom | 4 |
| Philippines | 4 |
| New Zealand | 2 |
| Australia | 2 |
| Kenya | 1 |
Recently Sold MD Helicopters
| 1985 500E | $850,000 |
| 1998 600N | $899,000 |
| 1996 MD900 | $565,747 |
| 1998 600N | $500,000 |
| 1996 MD900 | $550,000 |
| 1987 500E | $1,650,218 |