MD 600N
MD Helicopters · United States · first flew 1994 · helicopter
The MD 600N is a single turboshaft light helicopter that dispenses with a tail rotor, instead venting compressed air through a slotted boom to counter torque.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | High-mounted, rotary |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × turboshaft, fuselage-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 9.4 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- No tail rotor (NOTAR) slotted tailboom
- Six-blade main rotor
- Stretched eight-seat egg-shaped cabin
Look for the smooth tapered tailboom with no exposed tail rotor, ending in a small vertical fin and a direct-thrust jet nozzle. The rounded glazed cabin and skid landing gear complete the distinctive silhouette.
Specifications
- The MD 600N has a length of 9.4 m (31 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 8.38 m (27 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 250 km/h (155 mph).
- Typical crew: 1-2 pilots, up to 7 passengers.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Derived from the earlier five-seat MD 520N, the 600N stretched the fuselage for eight seats and added a six-blade main rotor. It first flew in late 1994 and reached certification in 1997, continuing the NOTAR concept McDonnell Douglas had pioneered a decade earlier.
Variants
The 600N is essentially the sole production model of the type, though it shares its dynamic lineage with the smaller 520N and the earlier piston-engined 500-series airframes. A number were fitted for law enforcement and utility roles with mission-specific equipment.
Where you'll see it
UK operators have been few, with the type more common in North American police and utility fleets, but its low external noise made it attractive to European law-enforcement evaluations. Its NOTAR system offers a genuine safety advantage in confined urban operations where tail rotors pose a hazard.
Related aircraft
- MD Explorer
- MD Helicopters MD 520N
- MD 500
- MD Helicopters MH-6 Little Bird
- Bell 430
- CHAIG Z-11
- H135
- IAI Panther
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