MD Helicopters, have secured FAA STC approval for Aviation Administration (FAA) for the Super D20R upgrade, the next step in the company’s Fielded Fleet Upgrade (FFU)programme. The latest upgrade takes the successful Super D airframe changes and adds a Rolls-Royce 250-C20R engine which the company says results in a helicopter with improved hot and high performance. Building mission capability while retaining the aerodynamic advantages of the the earlier upgrade.
The Super D20R includes:
• Extended main and tail rotor blades for increased lift
• Tail rotor gearbox extension for improved control authority
• Modified tailboom with updated empennage
• Redesigned vertical and horizontal stabilizers for enhanced stability
“These upgrades are focused on delivering real operational value,” said Ryan Weeks, President and CEO of MD Helicopters. “The Super D20R gives operators more power, better performance in demanding environments, and a clear path to modernise their aircraft without replacing them.”
The Super D20R is part of MD Helicopters’ modular upgrade strategy, which it says allows operators to enhance aircraft capability incrementally based on mission needs and budget. Consequently, aircraft already equipped with earlier Super D configurations can transition to the D20R through an engine upgrade, preserving prior investments while expanding performance.
Image: RHI Archive
