MD Helicopters has received FAA certification to increase its MD 530F single engine helicopter's internal maximum gross take-off weight from 3,100 to 3,350 lbs. This increase allows the MD 530F to support extended range, increased mission versatility, more time on target and additional mission equipment options.

“We're pleased to provide our current and future MD 530F customers expanded versatility with a 250 pound increase in allowable weight,” says Nick Nenadovic, VP of aftermarket and customer support. “The MD 530F is a favourite among law enforcement agencies and utility operators around the world, thanks to its unrivalled manoeuvrability and hot-high capabilities. When our customers asked for more versatility in this workhorse, we listened. This best-in-class aircraft is now even more desirable, cementing it as the aircraft of choice well into the future.”

MD's experimental flight test engineering team conducted a comprehensive range of tests required to prove the aircraft meets or exceeds all FAA performance and safety requirements at the new maximum weight. These included performance and handling, acoustic, flight load and height velocity tests performed at different pressure altitudes, temperatures and wind conditions. Tests proved the aircraft met all requirements while still maintaining sufficient margins for safe autorotation at the higher MGTOW. MD submitted certification paperwork to the FAA for the increase in January 2020.