Boeing plans to complete follow-on testing of the MD600N by the end of the year, to clear enhancements to the recently certificated light single-turbine helicopter.
Tests are under way at the former McDonnell Douglas Helicopter Systems in Mesa, Arizona, to expand the flight envelope and certificate additional equipment on the 600N, a stretched derivative of the tail-rotorless MD520N.
The helicopter was certificated earlier this year for take-off and landing at an 1,860kg maximum weight at altitudes up to 1,700ft (520m). Testing is under way to allow take-off and landing at altitudes up to 7,000ft, at weights of 1,720kg or greater, Boeing says.
Other planned enhancements include approval for external-lift operations with up to 970kg on the cargo hook, clearance for flight with doors off at speeds up to 115kt (215km/h) and for landing on slopes up to 10í, and increasing the temperature range for operations to -30í/+52íC.
Also being certificated are emergency floats, executive seats, air conditioning and wirestrike protection, Boeing says.
Source: Flight International