MD540F
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 411
Likes: 14
From: Ireland
Are there any diagrams or photos of a mock-up model of the MD540F floating around? Is it an MD600N fuselage with an MELB tail-rotor or an MD530F with an even bigger engine and six-blade main rotor? It sounds like it might be a development of the proposed AH-6S Phoenix. Thanks.
500 Fan.
500 Fan.
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 411
Likes: 14
From: Ireland
Your drawing might not be too far from the truth. Here is what Lynn Tilton has to say about the MD540F.
""Tilton said the company’s next innovation will be a glass cockpit for the MD902, and she added that Garmin is among the companies working on the upgrade. MDH will also introduce a new aircraft, the MD540F, a hybrid of the MD530F and the MD600, which will occupy a sweet spot in power and performance between the two models and is expected to have more appeal in the marketplace.
The MD540F will be aimed at the foreign military market and at domestic EMS helicopter operators. “The cabin is perfect [for EMS] and it’s a little more easy to handle” than the MD600, Tilton said. “It’s something we can do in the short term, because they’ll be made from pieces of our [current] aircraft.”"
Will a conventional tailboom and possibly longer main rotor blades turn the MD600 into a successful design?
500 Fan.
""Tilton said the company’s next innovation will be a glass cockpit for the MD902, and she added that Garmin is among the companies working on the upgrade. MDH will also introduce a new aircraft, the MD540F, a hybrid of the MD530F and the MD600, which will occupy a sweet spot in power and performance between the two models and is expected to have more appeal in the marketplace.
The MD540F will be aimed at the foreign military market and at domestic EMS helicopter operators. “The cabin is perfect [for EMS] and it’s a little more easy to handle” than the MD600, Tilton said. “It’s something we can do in the short term, because they’ll be made from pieces of our [current] aircraft.”"
Will a conventional tailboom and possibly longer main rotor blades turn the MD600 into a successful design?
500 Fan.
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 917
Likes: 11
From: Tax-land.
Yes, I can definitively see how a 500 series fuselage could do well in EMS.
The 600 series yes, it may the same as it is done in the 206L/407 series. And by the way, the "40" in 540 is likely referring to the same engine with FADEC as used in the Bell407.
The 600 series yes, it may the same as it is done in the 206L/407 series. And by the way, the "40" in 540 is likely referring to the same engine with FADEC as used in the Bell407.
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
From: Las Vegas, NV
MD540F
I think the MD600N is a sleek, sexy, intense machine. Have read a lot about the pros and cons of the 600 in blogs, pilots opinions, and hear say (from both those who have flown and others who have just seen pictures of one). Who is to say if this will be a breakthrough from MDHELIPCOPTER. Would love to see them chalk up a win with this one though. Also mentioned was a R&D search for some solutions on the short comings identified with the 600, and a glass cockpit for the 902. Wish them the best at MDHELIPCOPTER , and Look forward to their new machine.
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 411
Likes: 14
From: Ireland
Here is a photo of the new MD540F.
QuadA2012: MD540 makes its debut - News - Shephard
It looks like it is an MD530FF airframe with a new engine, six-blade main rotor head and a beefed-up set of skids. It doesn't seem to have a four-blade tail rotor, yet. MDHI still haven't decided if it will be certified for civilian use or if it will remain a military aircraft only. In the military configuration shown here, it seems to be packing a similar weapons load to the AH-6i with Hellfire and DAGR rockets so it seems it will be a capable light attack helicopter for a price that might be cheaper than the Boeing product. It will be interesting to see its lifting ability if it does go on sale to commercial operators.
500 Fan.
QuadA2012: MD540 makes its debut - News - Shephard
It looks like it is an MD530FF airframe with a new engine, six-blade main rotor head and a beefed-up set of skids. It doesn't seem to have a four-blade tail rotor, yet. MDHI still haven't decided if it will be certified for civilian use or if it will remain a military aircraft only. In the military configuration shown here, it seems to be packing a similar weapons load to the AH-6i with Hellfire and DAGR rockets so it seems it will be a capable light attack helicopter for a price that might be cheaper than the Boeing product. It will be interesting to see its lifting ability if it does go on sale to commercial operators.
500 Fan.
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 3,536
Likes: 293
From: The Alps
Unfortunately I can't see where it has any MD600N attributes in the photo let alone detailed look at the cabin because as far as I can see, I can't see the room for a stretcher and defib equipment. UNLESS the EMS role is more of a flying doctor service / fast responder such as what the Robbo 44 does with certain volunteer organisations such as the Virginia Airborne Search and Rescue.
Though great to see the Little Bird/Defender is going strong.
Though great to see the Little Bird/Defender is going strong.
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 411
Likes: 14
From: Ireland
More information here;
Aviation Today :: MD Uncovers ‘Lethal’ 540F
It looks like they are pursuing the military version first and foremost. No mention from Ms. Tilton about any civilian version in the offing.
500 Fan.
Aviation Today :: MD Uncovers ‘Lethal’ 540F
It looks like they are pursuing the military version first and foremost. No mention from Ms. Tilton about any civilian version in the offing.
500 Fan.
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 217
Likes: 0
From: USA
Civil cert might be cost prohibitive for now, too expensive of a gamble. Maybe they plan to get some sold to foreign military and be able to afford civil certification.
We could see lots of them in the next A-Team movie along with plenty of mini-14s and Jeep Wranglers! That would be three cool items!
We could see lots of them in the next A-Team movie along with plenty of mini-14s and Jeep Wranglers! That would be three cool items!
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
From: Las Vegas, NV
MD540F, from MD's web page
Last edited by Senior Pilot; 9th April 2012 at 18:30. Reason: Image too big for Rotorheads page!
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 2,111
Likes: 118
cant see that an e models tail rotor even on an "F model boom" would be powerful enough in comparision to the 6 bladed lift capability and torque reaction. Why cant they make something useful like a tailrotored 600 which would be an absolute winner and would overcome the 500's major shortfall, a lack of pax space. Come on Lynn stop clutching at straws
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,022
Likes: 2
From: In the air with luck
Hughes 500
I think it requires a few owners to explain the facts to the lady in person there is a problem within as you & I know, the product could be great, but every time they seem to drop the ball, spares, QC on parts & ships
Perhaps Grandpa to give education to a few at the top of the tree.
Start weeding the dead wood there appears to be to many along for the ride with no clear way forward.
Having vented now feeling better, expect you heard about GB
I note the VH blades appear to have erosion strips virtually the full length of the blade, lets hope they fair them in not like some we know.
I think it requires a few owners to explain the facts to the lady in person there is a problem within as you & I know, the product could be great, but every time they seem to drop the ball, spares, QC on parts & ships
Perhaps Grandpa to give education to a few at the top of the tree.
Start weeding the dead wood there appears to be to many along for the ride with no clear way forward.
Having vented now feeling better, expect you heard about GB
I note the VH blades appear to have erosion strips virtually the full length of the blade, lets hope they fair them in not like some we know.
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 900
Likes: 26
From: The Wild West... and Oz
another pic.... see: MD Helicopters Enters Armed Scout Contest with MD 540F | Aviation International News
Interesting weapon wing with intergral fuel tank.
Interesting weapon wing with intergral fuel tank.
