MD Helicopters (MDHI) has unveiled upgrades for its aircraft, with the improvements to be incorporated as standard on new-production helicopters by year end.
The hot-and-high and single-engine performance of the MD Explorer light twin-turbine helicopter will be increased with the switch to uprated Pratt &Whitney Canada PW207E turboshafts. The first 207E-powered Explorer is earmarked for delivery to the UK's Police Aviation Services, says Mesa, Arizona-based MDHI.
The tailrotorless MD 520N light single-turbine helicopter has also been uprated, with the switch to a more powerful Rolls-Royce 250-C20R+ turboshaft.
The MD 600N, a larger single-turbine helicopter derived from the MD 520N, is receiving a stability augmentation system to reduce pilot workload.
The final improvement applies to the conventional-tailrotor MD 500E and MD 530F, as well as the 520N and 600N, and involves use of thicker airframe skins to improve appearance by eliminating "oil canning", the rippling sometimes visible on helicopter exteriors.
Source: Flight International
