Breda-Nardi
NH 500E
The NH 500E, a light utility helicopter designed and produced by the Italian firm Breda‑Nardi in the 1960s, represented a pivotal step in post‑war European rotorcraft development. Originating from a joint venture with the American firm Nord Aviation, the project was initially designated the Nord 500 before Breda‑Nardi assumed full responsibility and renamed the prototype NH 500E. First flight took place on 12 June 1963 at the company’s Lido di Venezia test field, and the type entered limited series production in 1965.
Key features included a fully metal airframe, a three‑bladed fully articulated main rotor and a turboshaft powerplant—Lycoming T53‑A2, later replaced by the powerful Turbomeca Artouste II. The cabin accommodated up to five passengers or a combination of crew and cargo, with a spacious under‑carriage for external load sling operations. Advanced avionics for the era, such as dual VHF radios and a basic autopilot, gave the NH 500E superior navigation capabilities.
Although only 48 units were built, the NH 500E proved influential in shaping Italy’s indigenous helicopter industry, providing valuable experience that led to the later Agusta‑Bell AB 47J and the modern AW‑109 series. Its contribution to utility, search‑and‑rescue and liaison missions cemented its place in European aviation history.
Key features included a fully metal airframe, a three‑bladed fully articulated main rotor and a turboshaft powerplant—Lycoming T53‑A2, later replaced by the powerful Turbomeca Artouste II. The cabin accommodated up to five passengers or a combination of crew and cargo, with a spacious under‑carriage for external load sling operations. Advanced avionics for the era, such as dual VHF radios and a basic autopilot, gave the NH 500E superior navigation capabilities.
Although only 48 units were built, the NH 500E proved influential in shaping Italy’s indigenous helicopter industry, providing valuable experience that led to the later Agusta‑Bell AB 47J and the modern AW‑109 series. Its contribution to utility, search‑and‑rescue and liaison missions cemented its place in European aviation history.