Interactive comparison
Compare ownership, not brochures
Purchase price is only one part of the decision. Figures are indicative estimates at the typical market year for each model.
| Decision factor | MD Helicopters MD 520NView aircraft profile | Enstrom 280FX SharkView aircraft profile | MD Helicopters MD 500ERView aircraft profile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Typical market year | 2010 | 2010 | 2015 |
| Estimated purchase | €873k | €450k | €1.57m |
| Annual cash cost at 80 h | €129k | €80k | €155k |
| Five-year cash outlay | €1.52m | €852k | €2.35m |
| Cruise speed | 137 kt | 90 kt | 135 kt |
| Advertised range | 135 nm | 230 nm | 170 nm |
| Seats | 4 | 3 | 4 |
| Realistic payload | 270 kg | 273 kg | 270 kg |
| Runway need | Vertical | Vertical | Vertical |
| Data confidence | Preliminary, verify source data before deciding | Preliminary, verify source data before deciding | Preliminary, verify source data before deciding |
| Main trade-off | The MD 520N combines 4-seat helicopter capability with about 135 NM reported range and about 137 kt reported cruise, while payload, runway and operating-cost figures remain indicative and should be verified for the specific aircraft before making a decision. | Stable, durable and hot-day capable for a piston helicopter, but three seats and specialist support limit utility. | The MD 500ER combines 4-seat helicopter capability with about 170 NM reported range and about 135 kt reported cruise, while payload, runway and operating-cost figures remain indicative and should be verified for the specific aircraft before making a decision. |
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