MD 500

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“The MD 500 is a compact and agile single-engine helicopter, offering excellent visibility, reliable performance and versatility for scenic flights, private transfers and short-distance journeys.”

MD 500 single-engine helicopter with distinctive teardrop fuselage, available for private helicopter charter with OdinJets
MD 500 helicopter cabin interior featuring beige leather seating, panoramic windows and cockpit controls.
MD 500 single-engine helicopter floor plan showing passenger seating configuration and compact cabin layout for private charter flights with OdinJets.

Introduction & Fun Facts

The MD 500 is one of the most recognizable light helicopters, famous for its distinctive teardrop-shaped fuselage, exceptional agility and compact design. Originally developed by Hughes Helicopters, it has become a popular choice for private flights, aerial sightseeing and specialized operations.

With its panoramic visibility, responsive handling and efficient performance, the MD 500 is particularly suited to short journeys, scenic flights and access to selected remote destinations.

Cabin & Comfort

  • Seats: Up to 4 passengers with 1 pilot, or 3 passengers with 2 pilots, depending on configuration

  • Cabin Dimensions: Rear passenger compartment approximately 1.13 m (3 ft 8 in) wide × 0.74 m (2 ft 5 in) deep

  • Luggage Capacity: Limited, suitable for small soft bags, subject to passenger load

  • Layout: Compact cabin with forward and rear seating, large windows and excellent visibility

  • Lavatory: None

The MD 500 offers a compact yet practical cabin, making it an attractive choice for short VIP transfers and scenic helicopter flights where agility and visibility take priority over cabin space.

Performance & Specs

  • Range: Approximately 435–494 km (235–267 nm), depending on operating conditions

  • Cruising Speed: Up to 249 km/h (155 mph)

  • Engine: Single-engine, Rolls-Royce 250 turboshaft

  • Take-off Distance: Vertical take-off and landing (VTOL), suitable landing area required

  • Maximum Operating Altitude: 4,877 m (16,000 ft) density altitude

  • Flight Endurance: Up to approximately 2.5 hours

Popular Routes & Prices

The MD 500 is particularly suited to short-distance helicopter transfers and scenic flights, providing an agile alternative for smaller groups.

  • Geneva to Lausanne: Price on request

  • Zurich to Lucerne: Price on request

  • Nice to Monaco: Price on request

Prices depend on helicopter availability, positioning, seasonality and operating conditions. Routes are illustrative and subject to operational approval.

Why Choose the MD 500

  • Compact and agile helicopter, ideal for shorter flights

  • Excellent panoramic visibility for scenic journeys

  • Efficient single-engine performance

  • Versatile option for private transfers and sightseeing

Technical Data

  • Aircraft Type: Single-engine light helicopter

  • Manufacturer: MD Helicopters

  • Range: 435–494 km (235–267 nm)

  • Cruise Speed: Up to 249 km/h (155 mph)

  • Seats: Up to 4 passengers with 1 pilot, depending on configuration

  • Cabin Dimensions: Rear compartment approximately 1.13 m wide × 0.74 m deep

  • Luggage Capacity: Limited, small soft bags

  • Lavatory: None

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