MD Helicopters Unveils 6-bladed MD 564 Utility Helicopter

MD Helicopters today took the wraps off its newest helicopter model, the MD 564, an iteration of the MD500 series with six main rotor blades, a four-bladed tail rotor, and improved performance. Entry into service is expected at the end of 2027 or early 2028.

The MD 564 is not a clean-sheet design but an update of the MD 500 series type certificate. It will be powered by the Rolls-Royce 250-C47E/3 engine with dual-channel Fadec, delivering 675 shp—up from the MD530F’s 650-shp 250-C30 (Series IV) engine. It will have a 400-nm range and 4-hour endurance with main and auxiliary fuel. The main rotor system has a diameter of 27 feet 6 inches.

Price will be $4 million, but the direct operating cost will be lower than that of other light singles, a spokesman for the company stated.

At mtow, hover out-of-ground-effect is “up to 14,500 feet,” according to MD Helicopters. Internal payload will be “up to 650 pounds” higher and external payload “up to 750 pounds” greater than legacy 500-series aircraft.

Like the 530F, the MD 564 features Garmin avionics, including the G500 TXi touchscreen display, and will be IFR-capable. MD Helicopters does not plan to equip the MD 564 with an autopilot but may consider doing so in the future. "What we’re doing now is seeking [voice of the customer input] to ensure we launch with the right total package," he explained.

According to MD Helicopters, “One of the defining advantages of the MD 564 is the ability to deliver long light-single [helicopter] performance in a short light-single footprint. For utility and aerial work operations, meaningful increases in lift typically require stepping into aircraft like the Bell 407 or Airbus H125, along with their higher acquisition and operating costs.”