MD Helicopters has unveiled the MD 564, a high-performance light single-engine helicopter derived from the proven 500-series platform. The aircraft features a six-blade main rotor, four-blade tail rotor, and Rolls-Royce 250-C47E/3 engine with dual-channel FADEC, delivering 675 shaft horsepower.
Retaining the compact 500-series fuselage and 27-foot-6-inch main rotor diameter, the MD 564 achieves a 650-pound increase in internal payload and 750-pound gain in external payload compared to the MD 530F. It offers four-hour endurance with auxiliary fuel, exceeding 400 nautical miles of range, and hover-out-of-ground-effect capability at maximum takeoff weight up to 14,500 feet.
These enhancements represent nearly a 20 percent performance increase over the MD 530F and 33 percent over earlier 500-series variants, without requiring a new airframe. The helicopter includes a Garmin G500TXi avionics suite with IFR capability, targeting utility missions in confined areas inaccessible to larger competitors.
MD Helicopters positions the MD 564 as an evolution preserving light single operating economics while rivaling long-light singles in key categories. Certification will build on the MD 530F type certificate, with entry into service targeted for the first half of 2028 after a 16-to-18-month development. The prototype debuted at Verticon 2026 in Atlanta on March 10, 2026.