MD Helicopters is introducing the MD 564, the next evolution of its 500-series light single, and opening the MD 564 early production position reservation programme to operators worldwide.

The MD 564 is a 530F-derived airframe carrying a six-blade fully articulated main rotor, a four-blade tail rotor and the 600-shp Rolls-Royce 250-C47. Initial performance calculations include a 4,750lb maximum gross weight with external load, a 2,500lb cargo hook capacity, 414nm range with four-hour endurance on main and auxiliary fuel, hover out of ground effect at maximum take off weight up to 14,500ft, a 27.5ft main rotor diameter and an operating cost of less than $900 per flight.

“Operators told us what they wanted: the 500-series they already trust, with more lift and more margin,” comments Ryan Weeks, chief executive officer of MD Helicopters. “The MD 564 is that aircraft, and the early response to the reservation book tells us we’re building the right machine.”

The aircraft is aimed at the work operators currently split across two fleets: utility line construction and patrol, wildland fire support, law enforcement, SAR and remote cargo.

Under the reservation programme, production positions are assigned in the order signed agreements and cleared deposits are received. Deposits are fully refundable until a purchase agreement is executed. Following FAA certification, position holders convert their reservations to purchase agreements in sequence.

“Every operator conversation starts with the same math,” states Luis Trejo, senior director of business development. “Long-light performance at short-light operating cost changes what one airframe can cover on a certificate. Reserving a production position is how operators hold their place in that line.”