Volusia County Mosquito Control Orders New MD 520N Helicopter

MD 520N featuring NOTAR® technology will deliver safer, quieter, more efficient mosquito control capabilities

MD Helicopters, Inc. (MDHI) announced today a contract with Volusia County Mosquito Control, Volusia County, Florida, to manufacture and deliver a new MD 520N helicopter. The new MD 520N will join the Mosquito Control Unit’s two MD 500E helicopters to expand the department’s ability to inspect and treat the region’s wet and dry lands not serviceable by trucks or other ground methods.

In the mid-1960s, Volusia County Mosquito Control was one of the first mosquito control agencies in the nation to augment the use of fixed-wing aircraft with helicopters to improve both spraying and follow-up site assessment.

“Volusia County has been a valued member of the MD Helicopters family of operators for nearly 25 years. I am extremely proud they have chosen to enhance their mosquito control capabilities with the addition of a new 520N,” said Lynn Tilton, Chief Executive Officer for MD Helicopters, Inc. “The MD-exclusive NOTAR® system makes the 520N a perfect solution for utility missions like this; delivering safer, quieter operations over swampy or overgrown areas as well as in confined or heavily populated spaces. I’m sure the citizens of Volusia County will appreciate the lower noise profile as well!”

The Volusia County MD 520N will feature a 450-shp Rolls-Royce 250-C20R/2 turbine engine, a Garmin G500H EFIS all-glass avionics flight display, Garmin GTN 650H GPS, NVG compatible interior lighting, Super Nightscanner® Retractable Searchlight, a 2,000 lb. cargo hook, auxiliary fuel tank and wire strike protection system among other standard and custom features.

The MD 520N is one of just three helicopters – all manufactured by MD Helicopters, Inc. – that feature the exclusive NOTAR® system for anti-torque and directional control. By replacing conventional tail rotors with the NOTAR system, the margin of safety immediately increases for crew and aircraft, and the noise decreases; making it an exceptional choice for operation in confined and densely populated areas.