MD Helicopters Receives FAA Certification for Super D20R Upgrade, Expanding Performance for Legacy Fleet
Now Available: Enhanced Performance, Proven Reliability
Mesa, Arizona — April 21, 2026 — MD Helicopters, LLC (MDH) today announced that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has granted Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) approval for the Super D20R upgrade, marking a major milestone in the company’s Fielded Fleet Upgrade (FFU) program.
Building on the success of the Super D20B, the Super D20R integrates proven Super D airframe enhancements with the Rolls-Royce 250-C20R engine, delivering increased power and significantly improved hot-and-high performance. The upgrade enhances mission capability while retaining the aerodynamic and structural advantages of the Super D platform
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 modernize their aircraft without replacing them.”
The Super D20R is part of MD Helicopters’ modular upgrade strategy, enabling operators to enhance aircraft capability incrementally based on mission needs and budget. Aircraft already equipped with earlier Super D configurations can transition to the D20R through an engine upgrade, preserving prior investments while expanding performance.
With more than 1,000 MD 500-series aircraft operating worldwide, the Super D20R reinforces MD Helicopters’ commitment to extending the lifecycle, safety, and operational capability of its global fleet.
The Super D20R upgrade is now available through MD Helicopters’ global network of Authorized Service Centers. The MSRP is $386,000 USD, including labor. This upgrade replaces several high-value components; the resale value of removed parts may be retained by the operator, effectively reducing the net cost of the upgrade.
Watch this video from Vertical Plus about how this upgrade adds power to this platform
About MD Helicopters
MD Helicopters, LLC (MDH) manufactures high-performance rotorcraft solutions that support operators flying military, commercial, law enforcement, utility, and VIP mission profiles. With thousands of aircraft in service worldwide, MDH has been designing and building aircraft known for their safety, versatility, responsiveness, speed, and reliability since 1947. Our commitment to product sustainment and customer success allows MDH to deliver aircraft unmatched in their performance and reliability. MD Helicopters, LLC is owned by an investment consortium comprised of MBIA Insurance, Bardin Hill Investment Partners LP, and MB Global Partners. To learn more about MD Helicopters, visit us at mdhelicopters.com, or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
Photo credit: Brent Bundy with Vertical Magazine
