MD Helicopters (MDH) has achieved a significant milestone with the approval of a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for its MD 530N upgrade, delivering a substantial boost in power and performance for operators of the iconic NOTAR platform.

Announced from Mesa, Arizona on April 13 2026, the upgrade allows operators to replace the legacy Rolls-Royce 250-C20B engine with the more powerful 250-C30 variant. This enhancement translates directly into improved overall performance, particularly in demanding hot-and-high conditions where additional power and hover capability are essential for safe and effective operations.

Designed specifically for the global fleet of MD 500N helicopters, the upgrade answers long-standing calls from operators seeking greater performance without compromising the aircraft’s hallmark advantages. The NOTAR (No Tail Rotor) system remains central to the platform’s appeal, offering reduced noise levels and enhanced ground safety compared to conventional tail rotor configurations.

The improved MD 530N configuration delivers increased horsepower, enabling higher payload capacity and greater mission flexibility. Operators will benefit from enhanced hover performance and an increased operational ceiling along with improved safety margins in high-temperature and high-altitude environments. Importantly, these gains are achieved while retaining the simplicity and reliability that have defined the MD 500 series for decades.

Speaking on the development, MD Helicopters President and CEO Ryan Weeks emphasised the importance of the upgrade for existing customers, noting that it restores and elevates the performance standards expected from the NOTAR fleet while maintaining its unique operational benefits.

The certification forms part of MD Helicopters’ broader Fielded Fleet Upgrade initiative, a programme aimed at extending the operational relevance of legacy platforms through targeted, customer-driven enhancements. By focusing on performance, safety and lifecycle value, MDH continues to position its aircraft as competitive solutions in modern mission environments.

Now available through MD Helicopters’ Authorised Service Center network, the MD 530N upgrade carries a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $395,000 USD including labour, excluding the engine. Operators have the flexibility to procure the Rolls-Royce 250-C30 engine independently or through authorised channels. Additionally, removed components retain residual value, offering a potential offset to the overall upgrade cost.

With this latest certification, MD Helicopters reinforces its commitment to supporting its global operator base, ensuring that proven platforms like the MD 500N remain capable, efficient and mission-ready in an evolving aviation landscape.