MD Helicopters Receives FAA STC for MD 530N Engine Upgrade Package | Aviation International News

MD Helicopters Receives STC for Engine Upgrade Kit

Upgrade swaps C20B engine for more powerful C30

Upgrade swaps C20B engine for more powerful C30 — © Brent Bundy with Vertical Magazine

By Amy Wilder • Writer

May 5, 2026

MD Helicopters received FAA supplemental type certificate approval for an upgrade kit that replaces the Rolls-Royce 250-C20B engine with the -C30 engine on MD 500N helicopters.

According to the Mesa, Arizona-based OEM, the engine swap improves performance in hot-and-high environments while retaining the no tail rotor (Notar) system. Benefits include increased horsepower, enhanced hover performance, higher operational ceiling, and better safety margins in high-temperature and high-altitude conditions.

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