Download
One of the world's most successful and useful light turbine helicopters, the Hughes/McDonnell Douglas/Boeing 500 series began life in response to a US Army requirement for a light observation helicopter. Hughes won the US Army observation helicopter contest. They then announced they were developing a civil version, to be marketed as the Hughes 500 (Hughes Model 369). It was offered in basic five and seven seat configurations. The 500D, was an improved version with a more powerful engine, a Ttail, and new five blade main and optional four blade tail rotors. The D was followed by the 500E from 1982 with recontoured nose and various interior improvements including greater head and leg room. The 530F is a more powerful version optimised for hot and high work. McDonnell Douglas acquired Hughes Helicopters in January 1984, and from August 1985 the 500E and 530F were built as the MD500E and MD 530F Lifter.
