17 March 2026
After last week’s ‘teaser’ video, MD Helicopters has lifted the curtain on its latest aircraft, the MD 564, a new light single-engine helicopter with stunning performance.
It’s the next evolution of the long-running 500-series with a series of upgrades aimed at operators who need greater payload, endurance and high-altitude capability.
Central to the redesign is a six-blade main rotor, a four-blade tail rotor and a Rolls-Royce 250-C47E/3 engine equipped with dual-channel FADEC, delivering what the company describes as ‘meaningful power in reserve’.
MD 564 panel
Maximum gross weight has been increased by 650 lb internally and 750 lb externally, while endurance stretches to around four hours with a range exceeding 400 nautical miles. The aircraft is capable of hovering out of ground effect at maximum take-off weight up to 14,500ft, important for high and hot conditions.
The MD 564 also aims to trim costs. Direct operating costs are estimated at around $878 per hour, undercutting competitors such as the Bell 407 and Airbus H125 according to MD. Over a five-year period at 500 flight hours annually, MD claims potential savings of more than $1m.
Six blade main rotor of the MD 564
Beyond raw performance and economics, physical size plays a strategic role. With a rotor diameter of just 27ft 6in, the MD 564 is designed to access confined areas that larger helicopters cannot, opening up opportunities in utility, law enforcement and remote operations.
Target mission profiles include powerline inspection, firefighting, construction, offshore support and government roles, alongside high-altitude operations where performance margins are critical.
