MD 600 – a challenge for any helicopter owner
If you are in the market for a luxury helicopter, maybe you should add the MD 600 to your list of options. This is a versatile helicopter that has many uses in both the military and civilian world. It can hold 8 people and has an innovative NOTAR (no tail rotor) technology. This is a single engine helicopter and will offer low operation costs. This helicopter has been known to be used for aerial tours, utility, law enforcement, medical evacuation, and of course for VIP transport.
MD Helicopters is the producer of this chopper. In operation since 1947, it was originally known as Hughes Aircraft. It underwent many name changes until its sale to McDonnell-Douglas in 1984. It became McDonnell Douglas Helicopter Company then and the next year the name changed once more to McDonnell Douglas Helicopter Systems. In 2005, the company was purchased by Patriarch Partners, LLC. They renamed it MD Helicopters, Inc. The company is based in Mesa, AZ.
The MD-600 has a 6 blade rotor which is powered by a Rolls Royce Allison 250-C47M turboshaft engine. It has a rating of 530 shp. There is a transmission driven variable pitch fan hidden in the NOTAR system in the tail of the chopper. An interesting thing about the NOTAR is that it rates as being safer than a traditional tail rotor. Traditional tail rotors are the cause of a lot of helicopter crashes.
The height of the MD 600 is 9.18 ft. The length is 35.76 ft. It has a weight of 2,099 lbs with a payload capacity of 2,599 lbs and a maximum weight of 4,700 lbs. This helo can cruise at a speed of 74 mph and up to 78 mph. It has a range of 380 miles and a ceiling of 20,003 feet.
