MSPO 2021: Works 11 from Poland presents US MD 500 reconnaissance and attack helicopter

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The American-made MD 500 reconnaissance/attack helicopter is exhibited for the first time in Poland during the International Defense Industry Exhibition MSPO 2021, at the booth of 11 Works, a Polish company involved in the trade of products for military and police purposes since 2005.

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American-made MD 500 reconnaissance and attack helicopter at MSPO 2021, International Defense Industry Exhibition in Kielce, Poland. (Picture source Army Recognition)

The MD 500 series is an American family of light utility civilian and military helicopters. The MD 500 was developed from the Hughes 500, a civilian version of the US Army's OH-6A Cayuse/Loach. The military variant, the MD 500 Defender is a light multi-role military helicopter based on the MD 500 light utility helicopter and OH-6 Cayuse Light Observation Helicopter.

Citing Global Security website, the Defender 500 foreign military sales helicopter is offered with either a four- or five-blade main rotor, depending on the model, with a weapons platform mounted on the lower rear body. This light utility commercial helicopter could seat five passengers in comfort and is used mainly by the military, being very flexible and offering good all round capabilities. Other missions include: direct air support, antitank, reconnaissance, observation, and light utility.

The MD 500 Defender is powered by an Allison Model 250-C20B turboshaft engine developing 420 shp (310 kW).The helicopter has a fully articulated, five-bladed rotor.

The MD 500 Defender has a crew of two. The pilot’s seat is on the left rather than on the normal right-hand side of the cockpit. The bench-type seat at the front of the fuselage pod accommodates the pilot and two passengers. The rear of the cabin is fitted with individual seats for two or four passengers with baggage space allocated under the rear seats.

The MD 500 Defender is fitted with two hardpoints that can be equipped with FN HMP400 gun pod with FN M3P .50 BMG (12.7 mm) heavy machine gun which has a maximum firing range of 6,500 m and/or M260 rocket pod with 7 unguided Hydra 70 rockets which has an effective firing range 8 km.