MD 500 Defender

The MD‑500 Defender is a light, armed utility helicopter derived from the successful civilian MD‑500 series originally developed by Hughes Helicopters in the 1960s. After Hughes was acquired by McDonnell Douglas in 1984, the aircraft continued production under the MD designation, becoming a mainstay for military and law‑enforcement users worldwide. First introduced in the early 1980s as a dedicated gunship, the Defender incorporates a rigid, all‑composite rotor system that provides high maneuverability and low vibration, while its compact airframe allows operation from confined sites and ship decks. Power is supplied by a single Allison 250‑C20 turboshaft delivering roughly 420 shaft horsepower, giving a maximum speed near 180 kt and a service ceiling above 15 000 ft. Typical mission equipment includes forward‑looking infrared cameras, laser designators, night‑vision goggles, and a configurable weapons bundle of machine guns, rockets, or anti‑armor missiles. Over 800 Defenders have been sold to more than 30 nations, proving the platform’s versatility in reconnaissance, close‑air support, and counter‑insurgency roles. Its enduring presence highlights the MD‑500 family’s influence on modern light‑attack rotorcraft and its contribution to the evolution of cost‑effective armed helicopter tactics.

Hughes Helicopters

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