Hughes/MD 500

Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 550
Likes: 12
From: Africa
VNE differences between 250-C20B and C20R/2 engine
Could somebody explain why the VNE is differs between the two engines, for the same type?
For example, at >2,500 lbs, 30 deg C OAT, and a pressure ALT of 6,000' the VNE for the 500D equipped with a B engine is 103 KTS. With the (more powerful) R/2 engine it is 96 KTS.
On the 500E the respective VNE's are: 102 KTS (B engine) vs 96 KTS (R/2 engine).
(Source: VNE placards from the MD Rotorcraft Flights Manuals: 500D revision 9; 500E revision 14)
For example, at >2,500 lbs, 30 deg C OAT, and a pressure ALT of 6,000' the VNE for the 500D equipped with a B engine is 103 KTS. With the (more powerful) R/2 engine it is 96 KTS.
On the 500E the respective VNE's are: 102 KTS (B engine) vs 96 KTS (R/2 engine).
(Source: VNE placards from the MD Rotorcraft Flights Manuals: 500D revision 9; 500E revision 14)
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 217
Likes: 0
From: USA
It could be a number of things.
1. Different test pilot getting the test points for a very subjective test point.
2. Different rotor blades, possibly a difference in abraision strips from C20B testing to C20R2 testing.
3. A less smooth track on the acft that set the C20R2 test points.
4. Rougher air when they flew the C20R2 test points.
1. Different test pilot getting the test points for a very subjective test point.
2. Different rotor blades, possibly a difference in abraision strips from C20B testing to C20R2 testing.
3. A less smooth track on the acft that set the C20R2 test points.
4. Rougher air when they flew the C20R2 test points.
Could somebody explain why the VNE is differs between the two engines, for the same type?
For example, at >2,500 lbs, 30 deg C OAT, and a pressure ALT of 6,000' the VNE for the 500D equipped with a B engine is 103 KTS. With the (more powerful) R/2 engine it is 96 KTS.
On the 500E the respective VNE's are: 102 KTS (B engine) vs 96 KTS (R/2 engine).
(Source: VNE placards from the MD Rotorcraft Flights Manuals: 500D revision 9; 500E revision 14)
For example, at >2,500 lbs, 30 deg C OAT, and a pressure ALT of 6,000' the VNE for the 500D equipped with a B engine is 103 KTS. With the (more powerful) R/2 engine it is 96 KTS.
On the 500E the respective VNE's are: 102 KTS (B engine) vs 96 KTS (R/2 engine).
(Source: VNE placards from the MD Rotorcraft Flights Manuals: 500D revision 9; 500E revision 14)

Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 411
Likes: 14
From: Ireland
MD have started the flight test programme for the upgraded MD530N NOTAR fitted with the C-30 engine.
The Super D with the C-20B engine testing is also complete. Next up is the Super D with the C-20R engine then the C-30.
500 Fan.
The Super D with the C-20B engine testing is also complete. Next up is the Super D with the C-20R engine then the C-30.
500 Fan.



Joined: Apr 2017
Aviation Qualifications: ATPL
Posts: 32
Likes: 4
From: Earth
that's true....but still tons of fun to fly & amazingly manoeuvrable
Autos like a greased anvil but nice at the bottom for a full down
Last edited by T28B; 29th September 2025 at 13:18. Reason: doxing risk removed







