MD Helicopters (MDH) is planning to offer a retrofit of the Rolls Royce 250-C30 engine in the MD 520N (Notar tail boom model) via an FAA supplemental type certificate (STC) being developed in partnership with Columbia Helicopters, the companies announced this week. The STC is expected to be received by year-end.
The engine upgrade installation is anticipated to take two months to complete, will be available to the fleet of 85 MD 520Ns from select MD Helicopters-authorized service centers worldwide, and is designed to improve the single-turbine engine helicopter’s hot-and-high performance. Performance improvements include 300 pounds more useful load, a 15 percent increase in available shaft horsepower and turbine operating temperature margins at 4,700 feet density altitude, and lower maintenance costs.
“MDH’s new leadership made a commitment to strengthen and support our proven line of highly revered helicopters and this is another delivery on that promise,” said president and CEO Brad Pedersen.
Separately, MDH is also offering a maximum gross takeoff weight increase from 3,100 to 3,350 pounds for the MD 530F turbine single via upgrade and entries into its rotorcraft flight manual and placard. The upgrade applies only to internal loads and restricts Vne to 150 knots. It does not change the restrictions for external load gross weight, minimum flying weight, and center of gravity.