MD Helicopters introduces the MD 564

MD Helicopters, LLC today introduced the MD 564, the next evolution of its 500-series light single, and opened 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 4,750 lb. maximum gross weight with external load, a 2,500 lb. cargo hook capacity, 414 NM range with 4-hour endurance on main and auxiliary fuel, hover out of ground effect at maximum takeoff weight up to 14,500 ft, a 27.5 ft 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," said 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, search and rescue, 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," said 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."