
MD Helicopters, Inc. (MDHI) has received FAA certification to increase its MD 530F single engine helicopter’s internal max gross take-off weight (MGTOW) from 3,100 to 3,350 lb. This increase allows the MD 530F to support extended range, increased mission versatility, more time on target, and additional mission equipment options.
“We’re pleased to provide our current and future MD 530F customers expanded versatility with a 250-pound increase in allowable weight,” says Nick Nenadovic, Vice President, Aftermarket and Customer Support. “The MD 530F is a favorite among law enforcement agencies and utility operators around the world thanks to its unrivaled maneuverability and hot-high capabilities. When our customers asked for more versatility in this workhorse, we listened. This best-in-class aircraft is now even more desirable, cementing it as the aircraft of choice well into the future.”
MD Helicopters’ Experimental Flight Test Engineering team conducted a comprehensive range of tests required to prove the aircraft meets or exceeds all FAA performance and safety requirements at the new max weight. These included performance and handling, acoustic, flight load, and height velocity tests performed at different pressure altitudes, temperatures, and wind conditions. Tests proved the aircraft met all requirements while still maintaining sufficient margins for safe autorotation at the higher MGTOW. MD submitted certification paperwork to the FAA for the increase in January 2020.
The MGTOW affects only internal weight. MGTOW with external loads remains at 3,750 lb.
To take advantage of the increased MGTOW, customers can order the upgrade kit, which includes 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. To order the upgrade kit, contact MDHI’s Aftermarket Operations (AMO) Spares Sales Department at www.mymd.aero or 888.388.3378.
Related Posts
- Airbus unveils Flightlab testbed for new technologies
- Bristow renews service with Navblue
- Rheinmetall to supply digital classroom for German Navy NH90 training
- Garmin honored with consecutive On-Time Delivery Awards from Airbus
- Kaman Announces New Order for the K-MAX®
- Bell Evaluates Unique APT Configuration in Canada
- Eye In The Sky – Flight Data Recorder – achieves NZ certification
- Most US Helicopter Accident Indicators Pointed in Right Direction During 2020
- FAA Accepting Applications for Workforce Development Grants
- Bell marks 40 years of the 412
- NHV achieves ISO 9001:2015 Re-Certification
- Aero Asset report on Q4 pre-owned twin turbine market
- US helicopters conduct unique training with Greek military
- Devon Air Ambulance flies 1101 missions in 2020
- HAI caves in and cancels Heli-Expo 2021
- 21-Jan-21 ZT-RRT Bell 430 Bergville, South Africa (5F)
- NATA Supports New FAA Online Tool Easing Access to Aviation Safety Guidance
- Bid deadline for Pawan Hans extended by a month
- Air traffic controller saves CV-22 and six crew
- HeliOffshore 2021 Conferences goes virtual