MD Helicopters Unveils Six-Bladed MD 564 Utility Helicopter

MD Helicopters has revealed the latest evolution of its long-running light utility helicopter family with the introduction of the MD 564, a significantly upgraded variant of the iconic 500-series. The new aircraft introduces a six-bladed main rotor system, a redesigned four-bladed tail rotor and enhanced performance figures aimed squarely at demanding utility and aerial work missions.

While the MD 564 represents a major step forward in capability, the aircraft is not an entirely new design. Instead, it builds on the proven type certificate of the series, a platform that has served operators worldwide for decades. By retaining the fundamental airframe architecture while integrating modern rotor technology and systems upgrades, the manufacturer aims to deliver improved performance without sacrificing the reliability and familiarity operators expect from the family.

 MD 500

Entry into service for the MD 564 is targeted for late 2027 or early 2028, giving the company time to complete development and certification of the new rotor system and associated upgrades.

The most visible change to the aircraft is its six-blade main rotor. This new rotor system, measuring 27 feet 6 inches in diameter, replaces the traditional five-blade configuration seen on current production variants such as the MD 530F. The additional blade and refined aerodynamic design are intended to increase lift capability while also smoothing ride quality and improving overall efficiency.

Complementing the main rotor is a new four-blade tail rotor, which contributes to better directional control and stability, particularly during demanding hover and high-power operations. Together, the revised rotor systems are expected to deliver a noticeable performance boost compared with legacy 500-series helicopters.

Powering the MD 564 will be the Rolls-Royce 250-C47E/3 turbine engine, equipped with dual-channel FADEC. The engine produces 675 shaft horsepower, representing an increase over the 650-shp Rolls-Royce 250-C30 Series IV engine used in the MD 530F.

This additional power translates directly into improved payload and high-altitude performance. According to the manufacturer, the helicopter will be capable of hovering out of ground effect at up to 14,500 feet at maximum takeoff weight, an important advantage for operators working in mountainous or high-density-altitude environments.

Payload improvements are also significant. Internal load capacity is expected to increase by as much as 650 pounds, while external lifting capability could rise by up to 750 pounds compared with earlier 500-series aircraft. These improvements position the MD 564 as a highly capable platform for utility work such as firefighting support, powerline construction, aerial surveying and external sling operations.

Despite its improved performance, the MD 564 retains the efficiency expected of a light single-engine helicopter. The aircraft is projected to offer a range of approximately 400 nautical miles and an endurance of up to four hours when equipped with both main and auxiliary fuel tanks.

MD Helicopters has set a projected price of around $4 million per aircraft. While that places the helicopter competitively within the light utility segment, the company emphasises that operating costs will remain lower than many comparable aircraft in the category. This cost advantage is expected to be a key selling point for operators seeking enhanced lifting capability without stepping into the larger and more expensive intermediate helicopter class.

The cockpit will incorporate modern Garmin avionics, including the G500 TXi touchscreen flight display. The aircraft is expected to be IFR capable, expanding its operational flexibility in a variety of weather conditions.

Interestingly, the MD 564 will not initially be fitted with an autopilot system. Company representatives say the manufacturer is currently gathering customer feedback to determine whether such a feature should be incorporated later.

According to MD Helicopters, the MD 564 is designed to address a long-standing gap in the light utility helicopter market. Operators who require significantly more lifting capability often find themselves forced to upgrade to larger aircraft such as the Bell 407 or Airbus H125, both of which carry substantially higher acquisition and operating costs.

The MD 564 aims to bridge that gap by delivering “long light-single performance in a short light-single footprint.” In practical terms, that means offering greater payload capability while maintaining the compact size, agility and lower operating expenses that have made the MD 500 series popular for decades.

If the aircraft performs as projected, the MD 564 could represent the most significant upgrade to the legendary MD 500 lineage in years, giving operators a powerful new option in the increasingly competitive light utility helicopter sector.