View source for McDonnell Douglas MD 500 Defender

{{short description|Light utility and scout helicopter}}
<!-- This article is a part of [[Wikipedia:WikiProject Aircraft]]. Please see [[Wikipedia:WikiProject Aircraft/page content]] for recommended layout. -->
{{Infobox aircraft
 |name= MD 500 Defender
 |image=File:Hughes 530MG, PROLOG '85.JPEG
 |caption= Hughes 530MG, on display at PROLOG '85
 |type= Light multi-role [[military helicopter]]
 |national_origin= United States
 |manufacturer= [[Hughes Helicopters]]<br />[[McDonnell Douglas Helicopter Systems]]<br />[[MD Helicopters]]
 |first_flight= 1976
 |introduction=
 |retired=
 |status= In service
 |primary_user = [[Republic of Korea Army]]
 |more_users= [[Iraqi Air Force]]<br />[[Israeli Air Force]]<br />[[Philippine Air Force]] <!-- three users only in this section please -->
 |produced= 1976–present
 |number_built= 471
 |unit cost=
 |developed_from= [[Hughes OH-6 Cayuse]]<br />[[MD Helicopters MD 500]]
 |variants= 
}}

The '''McDonnell Douglas Helicopter Systems MD 500 Defender''' is a light multi-role [[military helicopter]] based on the [[MD Helicopters MD 500|MD 500]] light utility helicopter and [[Hughes OH-6 Cayuse|OH-6 Cayuse]] [[Light Observation Helicopter]].

==Design and development==
During the [[Vietnam War]], the original [[OH-6 Cayuse]] helicopter performed admirably as a light helicopter. A market for light multi-mission helicopters with better equipment fit than OH-6 and Model 500M was identified by the designers at [[Hughes Helicopters|Hughes]]. The resulting design was the ''Model 500MD Defender'' which first flew in 1976. It was tailored for specific roles including unarmed observation and an armed scout helicopter equipped with [[BGM-71 TOW|TOW]] anti-tank missiles. An [[Anti-submarine warfare|anti-submarine]] version was developed with a search [[radar]], [[magnetic anomaly detector]] and the capability to carry lightweight [[aerial torpedo]]es.

Customers like [[Kenya Air Force|Kenya]], who could purchase a functional anti-armor helicopter for less than half the price of a [[gunship]] such as the [[AH-1 Cobra]] or the [[AH-64 Apache]], were drawn to the helicopter. [[Israeli Air Force|Israel]] used the Defender extensively during the conflicts of the late 1970s and 1980s against Syrian armored forces.

The Defender was later built as an improved version as the ''MD530MG'', with increased engine power, handling, [[avionics]], and a redesigned forward fuselage. Later developments included a mast mounted sight (MMS).
[[File:2015.10.26 2015 아덱스(ADEX) Seoul International Aerospace & Defense Exhibition 2015 (22374836878).jpg|thumb|Korean Air Unmanned System-Vertical Helicopter (KUS-VH)]]

In December 2012, [[Boeing]] demonstrated their [[Boeing AH-6|Unmanned Little Bird]] to the [[South Korean Army]].  The pilotless aircraft flew autonomously in a 25-minute demonstration for the purpose of showing unmanned capabilities technologies, such as enhanced [[ISTAR#ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance)|ISR]] and resupply, in the system that could be integrated into Army MD 500 helicopters.<ref>[http://www.suasnews.com/2012/12/20196/little-bird-demo-for-the-republic-of-korea/ Little Bird demo for the Republic of Korea] - SUASNews.com, December 14, 2012</ref> In October 2015, [[Korean Air|Korean Air Aerospace Division (KAL-ASD)]] unveiled a mock-up of their unmanned MD 500, designated the Korean Air Unmanned System-Vertical Helicopter (KUS-VH), featuring blacked out windows, a large fuel tank where the rear seats would be that extends endurance to four hours, and an armament of two Hellfire missiles and a 2.75 in (70&nbsp;mm) rocket pod; unlike Boeing's optionally manned and unarmed ULB, the KUS-VH is completely unmanned and armed as well as having an EO/IR sensor.  The KUS-VH is envisioned to perform missions including ISR, attack, aerial delivery, coast guard, amphibious landing support, and emergency reinforcement to back up manned helicopter units.  A KUS-VH unit would consist of two to four aircraft and sensor packages, a ground control system and ground support system, and it could operate alone or in conjunction with manned attack helicopters.  A request for proposals for an unmanned scout helicopter is expected in 2016–2017, for which the company says making the up to 175 MD 500s unmanned would be a cheap way of reusing them after retirement<ref>[https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/pictures-kal-asd-to-test-unmanned-md500-417967/ PICTURES: KAL-ASD to test unmanned MD500] - Flightglobal.com, 20 October 2015</ref> from service over the next 10 years for safely performing dangerous attack missions.{{cn|date=October 2022|reason=unreliable or copyvio source removed}}

MD Helicopters had submitted a version called the ''MD 540F'' in the [[U.S. Army]]'s [[Armed Aerial Scout]] program. This caused [[Boeing]] to try to block MD Helicopters from participating, citing agreements the companies struck in 2005 to offer the [[Boeing AH-6|Mission Enhanced Little Bird]] in the [[Bell ARH-70 Arapaho|Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter]] program.  As part of the venture, MD Helicopters sold intellectual property related to the aircraft's design. The two companies lost the bid and the program was ultimately cancelled. When MD Helicopters disclosed plans to offer the MD 540F in the AAS program in April 2012, Boeing claimed that they could not sell any "similarly configured" aircraft to any U.S. or foreign military organization. Boeing offered their [[Boeing AH-6|AH-6]] in the competition.  MD Helicopters said Boeing did not object to previous sales to armed forces and governments in Japan, Jordan, and Italy, as well as to U.S. special operations, and local U.S. police forces. Restrictions on selling aircraft similar to the Little Bird, domestically or to foreign users, would have put the company out of business. In July 2013, a federal court ruled that MD Helicopters could not be blocked from offering their aircraft.<ref>[https://archive.today/20130814001243/http://www.justhelicopters.com/HELINEWS/tabid/434/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/14294/Lynn-Tilton-Bests-Boeing-in-Helicopter-Arbitration.aspx Lynn Tilton Bests Boeing in Helicopter Arbitration] - Justhelicopters.com, 25 July 2013</ref> The Army ended the AAS program in late 2013.<ref>[http://webarchive.loc.gov/all/20140117033719/http%3A//www.defensenews.com/article/20140114/DEFREG02/301140036/Outgoing%2DGeneral%2DUS%2DArmy%2DMust%2DContinue%2DFund%2DResearch%2DDevelopment Outgoing General: US Army Must Continue To Fund Research and Development] - Defensenews.com, 14 January 2014</ref>

==Variants==
[[File:ROCN Hughes 500 6910 Carried on Lan Yang (FFG-935) Helicopter Deck Rear Right View 20141123.jpg|thumb|ROCN Hughes 500MD/ASW Defender 6910 carried on ''Lan Yang'' (FFG-935)]]
[[File:MD-520MG choppers in PAF.jpg|thumb|Philippine Air Force MD 520MG light attack helicopters]]
[[File:2012년 6월 통합화력전투훈련 (58) (7459137070).jpg|thumb|MD500 Defender in Korea]]
;500D Scout Defender
:Armed reconnaissance version
;500M Defender
:Military export version of the 500 and 500C, built under license by [[Kawasaki Heavy Industries|Kawasaki]] in Japan (as the OH-6J)<ref name="Frawley">Frawley, Gerard: ''The International Directory of Military Aircraft'', page 97. Aerospace Publications Pty Ltd, 2002. {{ISBN|1-875671-55-2}}</ref> and [[Breda Nardi]] in Italy.
;500M/ASW Defender
:Export version for the [[Spanish Navy]].
;NH-500E 
:Built under license by Breda Nardi (Agusta) since 1990<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aeronautica.difesa.it/Mezzi/velivoliDotazione/Pagine/NH-500E.aspx|title=Official website Aeronautica Militare}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.giorgiociarini.com/72%C2%B0stormo_000003.htm|title=nh 500e 72°stormo|last=Giorgio|website=www.giorgiociarini.com|access-date=2014-12-12|archive-date=2016-03-03|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303213731/http://www.giorgiociarini.com/72%C2%B0stormo_000003.htm|url-status=dead}}</ref>
;NH-500M Defender
:Italian-built version of the 500M Defender. Licensed by Breda Nardi before merge with [[Agusta]].<ref>[http://www.airliners.net/info/stats.main?id=113 The MD Helicopters MD-500/530.] Retrieved on January 16, 2008.</ref>
;500MD Defender
:Military version of the 500D. Korean Air's aerospace division from 1976 to 1984 with 200 choppers made.<ref name="Defender">[http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/aircraft/oh-6-specs.htm OH-6A Cayuse, AH-6J Little Bird and Defender 500 specs.] Retrieved on January 9, 2008.</ref> 50 were armed with TOW anti-tank missiles and 150 choppers used for transportation and support duties.<ref name="Defender"/> Retired 500MDs donated to Kenya for Kenyan-led peacekeeping operations.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.military.africa/2024/01/south-korea-donates-md500-defenders-helicopters-to-kenya-for-u-n-peacekeeping/ | title=South Korea donates MD500 Defenders helicopters to Kenya for U.N. Peacekeeping | date=31 January 2024 }}</ref>
;500MD/ASW Defender
:Maritime version of the 500MD Defender. Equipped with a [[Bendix Aviation|Bendix]] RDR-1300 search radar in a nose cone offset to the port side, and a towed ASQ-81C(V)2 [[magnetic anomaly detector]] (MAD) at the starboard fuselage. Up to two [[Mark 44 torpedo|Mk 44]] or [[Mk 46 torpedo]]es are carried underneath the fuselage, which can be replaced by smoke markers.<ref name=ASWdefender>[http://www.taiwanairpower.org/navy/500md.html 500MD/ASW Defender]</ref>
;500MD/TOW Defender
:[[Anti-tank warfare|Anti-tank]] version of the 500MD Defender, armed with [[BGM-71 TOW|TOW anti-tank missiles]].
;500MD/MMS-TOW Defender
:Anti-tank version, fitted with a mast-mounted sight, armed with TOW anti-tank missiles.
;500MD Quiet Advanced Scout Defender
:Fitted with noise suppression equipment.
;500MD Defender II
:Improved version.
;500MG Defender
:Military version of the 500E.
;520MG Defender
:[[Philippine Air Force]] version built 32 Brand New units delivered in 1990. Modified 500MG Defender that carries .50 (12.7 mm) caliber machine guns and 7-tube rocket pods and operates as a light attack aircraft.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/philippines/15-sw.htm |title=15th Strike Wing |publisher=GlobalSecurity.org |access-date=June 19, 2014}}</ref>
;520MK Black Tiger
:South Korean-built military version, built by [[Korean Air#Aerospace research and manufacturing|Korean Air Aerospace Division]]<ref>[http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/rok/kal.htm Korean Air Aerospace Division (KAA)] Retrieved on January 9, 2008.</ref>
[[File:Afghan Air Force MD-530 - Kandahar Air Wing, Afghanistan.jpg|thumb|MD-530F Cayuse Warrior]]
;MD 530F Cayuse Warrior
:It is a military light scout attack helicopter developed from [[Hughes OH-6 Cayuse|OH-6 Cayuse]].<ref name="MD 530F mdhelicopters">{{cite web| url=https://www.mdhelicopters.com/md-530f-armed.html| title=MD 530F CAYUSE WARRIOR| access-date=2021-07-10| archive-date=2021-08-09| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210809235633/https://www.mdhelicopters.com/md-530f-armed.html| url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="MD 530F mdhelicopters pdf">{{cite web| url=https://www.mdhelicopters.com/files/Brochures/MD%2520530F%2520Cayuse%2520Warrior_Horizontal-SML.pdf| title=MD 530F CAYUSE WARRIOR| access-date=2021-07-11| archive-date=2018-08-28| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180828235951/https://www.mdhelicopters.com/files/Brochures/MD%20530F%20Cayuse%20Warrior_Horizontal-SML.pdf| url-status=dead}}</ref> It incorporating simple fixed-forward sighting system, [[FN Herstal]] weapons management system, [[Rohde & Schwarz]] M3AR tactical mission radio and [[Dillon Aero]] mission configurable armament system (MCAS) weapons plank.<ref>{{cite web |title=MD 530F Cayuse Warrior Helicopter
|url=https://www.airforce-technology.com/projects/md-530f-cayuse-warrior-helicopter/ |website=Air Force Technoloyy  |access-date=11 July 2021}}</ref><ref name="MD 530F mdhelicopters pdf"/>   
:''Performance'': Service ceiling {{convert|16000|ft|m}}, range {{convert|235|nmi|km}}, cruising speed {{convert|135|nmi|km}} per hour.<ref name="MD 530F mdhelicopters"/>
:''Weapons'': Two hardpoints for FN HMP400 [[gun pod]] with FN M3P [[.50 BMG]] (12.7 mm) [[heavy machine gun]] (1100 rpm firing rate, carries 400 rounds ammo, effective firing range nearly 1,850 m, maximum firing range 6500 m) and/or M260 [[Rocket launcher#Rocket pod|rocket pod]] with 7 unguided [[Hydra 70]] rockets (effective firing range 8 km).<ref name="MD 530F mdhelicopters pdf"/><ref>{{cite web| url=https://fnamerica.com/products/fn-airborne-pod-systems/fn-hmp400-pod/| title=FN® HMP400 Pod}}</ref><ref>{{cite web| url=https://fnamerica.com/products/weapon-systems/fn-m3p/?referrer=military| title=FN® M3P}}</ref>
:[[Afghanistan Air Force]] is the largest operator of MD 530F Cayuse Warrior.<ref>{{cite web |title=Afghanistan's Air Force Receives Five More MD-530F Helicopters
|url=https://thediplomat.com/2019/11/afghanistans-air-force-receives-five-more-md-530-helicopters/ |website=The Diplomat |date= 18 September 2021|access-date=11 July 2021}}</ref>
On September 26, 2023 the Nigerian Government approved the purchase of 12 MD 530F helicopters for the Nigerian Army which currently does not have a functional aviation unit.
;MD 530M 
:Military version.
;MD 530MG Defender
:Military version.
;MD530 Nightfox
:Night attack version.
;MD530MG Paramilitary Defender
:Police or border patrol version.
;MD540F
:Upgraded MD530F, incorporating a 6-bladed, fully articulated rotor blade system made of composite material, a more rugged landing skid for heavier take-off and landing weights, a fully integrated digital glass cockpit with multi-function color displays and a pilot Helmet Display and Tracking System (HDTS), which couples together a targeting [[FLIR]] and laser designator.<ref>[https://archive.today/20130808004242/http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/04/03/idUS222307+03-Apr-2012+BW20120403 MD Helicopters Announces New MD 540F] - Reuters.com, 3 April 2012</ref>
;MD530G
:Designed based on the MD530F airframe and is engineered with advanced technology to deliver enhanced combat capabilities.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.army-technology.com/projects/md-530g-scout-attack-helicopter/|title=MD 530G Scout Attack Helicopter - Army Technology}}</ref>
;MD 530G BII
:Improved military version

==Operators==
''For civilian operators, see [[MD Helicopters MD 500|MD 500 series]]''.

===Military operators===
[[File:Breda Nardi NH-500E, Italy - Air Force JP6869869.jpg|thumb|An Italian Air Force NH-500E]]

;{{ARG}}
* [[Argentine Air Force]]<ref name="World Air Forces 2023">{{cite news |last = |first = |url= https://www.flightglobal.com/download?ac=90688|title = World Air Forces 2023|newspaper = Flight Global|publisher= Flightglobal Insight |year= 2022 |doi = |access-date= 12 January 2023}}</ref>
;{{CHL}}
* [[Chilean Army]]<ref name="World Air Forces 2023"/>
;{{COL}}
* [[Colombian Aerospace Force]]<ref name="World Air Forces 2023"/>
;{{ESA}}
* [[Air Force of El Salvador]]<ref name="World Air Forces 2023"/>
;{{FIN}}
* [[Finnish Army]]<ref name="World Air Forces 2023"/>
;{{ITA}}
*[[Italian Air Force]]<ref name="World Air Forces 2023"/>
;{{JPN}}
:See [[Hughes OH-6 Cayuse|Hughes OH-6]]
;{{KEN}}
*[[Kenya Defence Forces]]<ref name="World Air Forces 2023"/>
[[File:MD 500D Finnish Army (cropped).jpg|thumb|A MD500E of the Finnish Army]]
[[File:2012. 12 '탑 헬리건'을 향한 무한질주, 육군항공 사격대회 현장을 가다 (2) (8246228744).jpg|thumb|MD 500 Defenders in Korea]]
;{{KOR}}
*[[Republic of Korea Air Force]]<ref name="World Air Forces 2023"/>
*[[Republic of Korea Army]]<ref name="World Air Forces 2023"/>
;{{LBN}}
* [[Lebanese Air Force]]<ref name="World Air Forces 2023"/>
;{{MAS}}
* [[Malaysian Army]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/malaysia-receives-md-530g-light-attack-helos|title= Janes - Malaysia Receives MD 530G Light Attack Helos|date= 14 January 2022}}</ref>
;{{MEX}}
* [[Mexican Air Force]]<ref name="World Air Forces 2023"/>
;{{PAN}}
* [[Panamanian Public Forces|Servicio Nacional Aeronaval]]<ref name="World Air Forces 2023"/>
;{{PHI}}
* [[Philippine Air Force]] - 24 units active in 2024<ref>https://www.flightglobal.com/download?ac=106507</ref> out of 32 units MD 520MG delivered in 1990.<ref name="World Air Forces 2023"/>
;{{TWN-ROC}}
* [[Republic of China Naval Aviation Command]]<ref name="World Air Forces 2023"/>
;{{USA}}
*[[United States Army Aviation]] (See [[MD Helicopters MH-6 Little Bird|A/MH-6]])
[[File:Afghan Air Force MD-530F helicopter fires machine guns.jpg|thumb|A former Afghan MD 530F firing off its [[gun pod]]s]]

===Former operators===
;{{AFG}}
*[[Afghan Air Force]]<ref name="helicoptersmagazine.com">{{cite web |title=MDHI secures US$43.9M in army contracts
|url=https://www.helicoptersmagazine.com/mdhi-secures-us43-9m-in-army-contracts/ |website=Helicopters Magazine |date=14 June 2021 |access-date=11 July 2021}}</ref><ref name="mdhelicopters.com">{{cite web| url=https://www.mdhelicopters.com/afghan-air-force-to-expand-fleet-of-md-530f-cayuse-warrior-helicopters.html| title=AFGHAN AIR FORCE TO EXPAND FLEET OF MD 530F CAYUSE WARRIOR HELICOPTERS}}</ref><ref name="Afghan Newest Attack Helicopter">{{cite web |title=Afghanistan's Newest Attack Helicopter a 'Total Mess'?
|url=https://thediplomat.com/2015/09/afghanistans-newest-attack-helicopter-a-total-mess/ |website=The Diplomat |date= 18 September 2021|access-date=11 July 2021}}</ref><ref name="World Air Forces 2018">{{cite web |url= https://www.flightglobal.com/asset/21905/waf/|title = World Air Forces 2018 |publisher= Flightglobal Insight |year= 2018 |access-date= 25 August 2018}}</ref>
;{{ARG}}
* [[Prefectura Naval Argentina|Argentine Coast Guard]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.helis.com/database/modelorg/617/|title=Prefectura Naval Argentina H-6 (369) |access-date=26 February 2013}}</ref>
;{{CRO}}
*[[Croatian Air Force]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aeroflight.co.uk/waf/croatia/af2/types/misc.htm |title= Croatia Air Force Aircraft Types|publisher= aeroflight.co.uk |access-date=26 February 2013}}</ref>
;{{flag|Guinea}}
*[[Republic of Guinea Armed Forces|Guinean Air Force]]<ref>{{cite book |last1=Cooper |first1=Tom |last2=Weinert |first2=Peter |last3=Hinz |first3=Fabian |last4=Lepko |first4=Mark |title=African MiGs, Volume 2: Madagascar to Zimbabwe |date=2011 |publisher=Harpia Publishing |location=Houston |isbn=978-0-9825539-8-5 |page=224}}</ref>
;{{ISR}}
* [[Israeli Air Force]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aeroflight.co.uk/waf/aa-mideast/israel/af/israel-af-all-time.htm|title= Israel Air Force Aircraft Types|publisher= aeroflight.co.uk |access-date=26 February 2013}}</ref>

==Specifications (500M) ==
[[File:McDonnell Douglas MD 500 orthographical image.svg|thumb]]
{{Aircraft specs
|ref=Jane's All the World's Aircraft 1981-82<ref name=JAWA81-82>{{cite book |title=Jane's All the World's Aircraft 1981-82 |editor1-last=Taylor |editor1-first=John W.R. |edition=72nd |year=1981 |publisher=Jane's Publishing Co. |location=London |isbn=978-0710607294 |pages=380–383}}</ref>
|prime units?=kts
<!--
        General characteristics
-->
|crew=2
|capacity=
|length ft=30
|length in=9.5
|length note=rotors running
|width ft=<!-- if applicable -->
|width in=<!-- if applicable -->
|width note=
|height ft=8
|height in=8.5
|height note=to top of rotor hub
::::{{cvt|8|ft|10.75|in|2}} to top of tail fin
|empty weight lb=1512
|empty weight note=
|gross weight lb=
|gross weight note=
|max takeoff weight lb=2550
|max takeoff weight note=normal MTOW
::::{{cvt|3000|lb|0}} overload MTOW
|fuel capacity=
|more general=
<!--
        Powerplant
-->
|eng1 number=1
|eng1 name=[[Allison Model 250-C20B]]
|eng1 type=[[turboshaft]] engine
|eng1 shp=420
|eng1 note=

|rot number=1
|rot dia ft=26
|rot dia in=4.75
|rot area sqft=<!-- helicopters -->
|rot area note=<br />
*'''Blade section:''' - [[NACA airfoil|NACA 0012]]<ref name="Selig">{{cite web |last1=Lednicer |first1=David |title=The Incomplete Guide to Airfoil Usage |url=https://m-selig.ae.illinois.edu/ads/aircraft.html |website=m-selig.ae.illinois.edu |access-date=16 April 2019}}</ref>
<!--
        Performance
-->
|max speed kts=132
|max speed note=at {{cvt|1000|ft}}
|cruise speed kts=117
|cruise speed note=at sea level
|never exceed speed kts=
|never exceed speed note=
|range nmi=318
|range note=at {{cvt|4000|ft}}
|ferry range nmi=
|ferry range note=
|endurance=<!-- if range unknown -->
|ceiling ft=4390
|ceiling note=<br />
*'''Hover ceiling IGE:''' {{cvt|8200|ft}}
*'''Hover ceiling OGE:''' {{cvt|5300|ft}}
|climb rate ftmin=1700
|climb rate note=
|time to altitude=
|disk loading lb/sqft=
|disk loading note=
|fuel consumption lb/mi=
|power/mass=
|more performance=
|avionics=
|armament= 
* four [[BGM-71 TOW|TOW]] anti-tank missiles, or
* two 7.62mm General Electric M134 [[Minigun]]s plus ammunition, or
* four General Dynamics [[FIM-92 Stinger|Stinger]] air-to-air missile, or
* [[Mark 44 torpedo|Mk 44]] or [[Mark 46 torpedo|Mk 46]] lightweight torpedoes (ASW Version), or
* two seven-shot [[Rocket launcher|rocket pods]] 
}}

==See also==
{{Aircontent
|see also=
|related=
* [[Boeing AH-6]]
* [[Hughes OH-6 Cayuse]] 
* [[MD Helicopters MD 500]]
* [[MD Helicopters MH-6 Little Bird]]
|similar aircraft=
* {{lwc|Aérospatiale Gazelle|Aérospatiale Gazelle AH.1/SA 341F/SA 342M}}
* {{lwc|MBB Bo 105|MBB Bo 105P PAH}}
|lists=
}}

==References==
 {{reflist|35em}}

*{{cite magazine|last=Rivas|first=Santiago|title=Fighting d Drug War | journal=[[Air International]]|date = October 2015| volume=89| issue=4 | pages= 118–121|issn=0306-5634}}

==External links==
{{Commons category}}
*[https://archive.today/20150128151649/http://www.mdhelicopters.com/v2/md_530g.php MD Helicopters - MD530G]
* [http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/aircraft/defender-500.htm MD 500 Defender page on GlobalSecurity.org]
* [http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/Society_&_Culture/defender.html IDF Defenders in action] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161018212221/http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/Society_%26_Culture/defender.html |date=2016-10-18 }}

{{Hughes aircraft}}
{{MD Helicopters}}
{{McDonnell Douglas aircraft}}
{{Korean Air aircraft}}
{{Italian military aircraft}}

[[Category:1970s United States helicopters]]
[[Category:United States military helicopters]]
[[Category:Single-turbine helicopters]]
[[Category:Aircraft first flown in 1976]]
[[Category:MD Helicopters aircraft|500 Defender]]
[[Category:Single-rotor helicopters]]
[[Category:Aircraft with skid landing gear]]
[[Category:Hughes aircraft|500 Defender]]