MD Helicopters MD-500E Defender

Originally developed by Hughes, the McDonnel Douglas MD500 is a light utility helicopter which is an evolution of the Hughes 500 civil helicopter and OH-6A Loach observation helicopter. This helicopter has a reputation for being light and nimble featuring a pair of shock absorbing landing struts and a teardrop shaped fuselage. A military version has been developed known as the MD500 Defender which has been in production since 1971. The Defender has been used around the world in a variety of roles from training helicopter to a special forces light attack platform carrying a range of minigun pods, rockets and TOW anti-tank missiles. The type is particularly famous for its use by US Army special forces who use a variant known as the MH-6 Little Bird. The Defender/Little Bird has also appeared in movies, most notably in the 2001 all-star movie Black Hawk Down and the 1990 movie Wings of the Apache (Firebirds in the USA) where the Defender played the role of the enemy helicopter Tommy-Lee-Jones’ and Nicolas Cage’s characters were tasked to defeat.

The Finnish Army operates the MD500 Defender primarily in the training and SAR roles. However, the type is also used for variety of tactical missions, the details of which are not disclosed by the Finnish Army. The type was originally due to be retired in 2022 however they have now been modernised with new cockpit systems to allow them to remain in service and be utilised for special forces operations.

Making a very welcome appearance at RIAT25 will be an MD500E from the Finnish Army. The helicopter will be provided by the 2nd Helicopter Company.

Photo Credit: Tony Osborne