Additional Information
"Flying egg" - this nickname was given to this light helicopter at the plant in CULVER city in California, where it was produced. The machine was developed by Hughes as a light civilian helicopter and had the designation Model 369.
In the us army, he appeared in 1961. The machine was intended to be used for training pilots and adjustment of artillery fire. The military version, which received the designation ON-6, made its first flight on February 27, 1963. The escalation of the war in Vietnam led to the fact that in may 1965. it was decided to urgently deliver to Vietnam a large number of ON-6. It was planned to produce 4,000 helicopters, however, until August 1970. it was delivered only 1417 pieces. The highest rate of production was achieved in 1968., when a month produced 70 cars. To a large extent, this was facilitated by minimal differences between military and civilian options. Only the doors, the windshield of the cabin and the height of the ski landing gear differed. Interesting was the design of the rotor, allowing for a few minutes to dismantle the blades for the transport of the helicopter aircraft. Among the pilots, HE-6 was popular because he had a very high maneuverability at extremely low altitudes and was one of the fastest. Suffice it to say that the helicopters of this type set 23 world records of speed, range and altitude in the period from March to April 1966. After the end of the war in Vietnam before designers successful machines embarked question about its further fate. As a result, there was a multi-purpose modification of the Model 500MD. The 500D prototype made its first flight in August 1974. The helicopter was equipped with new engines, new avionics and T-tail. Many countries found this inexpensive helicopter very attractive. So, Spain ordered for its Navy anti-submarine version of the helicopter. The new machine entered service in Israel and South Korea, which bought a license for the production of helicopters. Interestingly, North Korea illegally purchased 86 of the same machines. Work on new versions of the helicopter continues now.
| Flight data Model 500MD | |
| rotor Diameter, m | 8,03 |
| Area of swept surface, m | 50,89 |
| tail rotor Diameter, m | 1.4 |
| Length excluding screw, m | 7,29 |
| Height, m | 2,64 |
| Maximum speed, km/h | 221 |
| Maximum range, km | 389 |
| Practical ceiling, m | 4205 |
Adhesive and paint are not included.
Caution! Glue and paints are not included.
The configuration and appearance of the model are subject to change without notice.
Additionally, we recommend also purchasing
