Back Revolution Helicopter Mini-500
1992

Revolution Helicopter Mini-500

In 1994 Revolution Helicopters of Excelsior Springs, Missouri announced their kit-built Mini-500. This single-seater could easily be mistaken for a scaled-down Hughes 500D with its egg-shaped fuselage pod, slim tailboom and T-tail. The Mini-500 is powered by a 67hp Rotax 582 engine and over 350 kits have been sold, with examples flying in Holland, South Africa and Brazil as well as substantial numbers in the United States.

R.Simpson "Airlife's Helicopter and Rotorcraft", 1998

Revolution Helicopter Mini-500

TYPE: Single-seat home-built helicopter.

PROGRAMME: Scale-replica design of McDonnell Douglas MD-500; first flown in 1992 and available in kit form until production ceased in October 1999. Assembly in 60-70 hours, excluding body work and painting.

VERSIONS:

Mini-500B Bravo: Initial production version.

Mini-500T Talon: Production version from 1999 incorporating latest improvements.

CUSTOMERS: More than 500 kits delivered by October 1999.

COSTS: Kit: US$32,000.

DESIGN FEATURES: Two-blade semi-rigid teetering main rotor, turning at 550 rpm, constructed using aluminium alloy spars and composite skins. Teetering two-blade tail rotor of aluminium alloy and steel construction, turning at 2,671 rpm. Rubber insulators, flex-packs and counterbalances for vibration damping.

STRUCTURE: Welded steel tube structure, with moulded glass fibre cabin enclosure. Twin skid landing gear.

POWER PLANT: One 50kW Rotax 582, with belt drive to transmission. Fuel capacity 55.6 litres. Transmission rating 40kW at take-off and 82kW capacity. Power enhancement package (PEP) with tuned exhaust system and special carburetion settings developed, producing 18% more power during take-off and landing phases.

Jane's Helicopter Markets and Systems

Technical data for Mini-500

Engine: 1 x Rotax 582 rated at 49.3kW, main rotor diameter: 5.84m, length: 6.85m, height: 2.51m, take-off weight: 379kg, empty weight: 219kg, max speed: 185km/h, cruising speed: 120km/h

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Cristiano RETT, e-mail, 23.03.2008reply

I like very much this chopper,do you now where can I find a new one or second hand in Italy ? I prefer with turbine and two seats, How much does it cost ? Thank for the moment !
Best regards
Cristiano

Michael J. Blaha, e-mail, 14.03.2008reply

Hello, would someone please contact me about these helicopters I would like to get some information on them.
Thank you MJB

jim parham, e-mail, 16.02.2008reply

ive owned 7 commerical helicopters,i love homebuilts,but the mini 500,is death waiting too happen,right now they sell for 15 to 20 thousand,funneything look at the hobbs,no more than 30 hours max,the builder,and pilot know she might fall apart at 100 feet, use your head,save your money, good luck,try a baby bell,its real

Joseph Olsen II, e-mail, 07.02.2008reply

I have seen many of the 500 models. 1 time I did see 1 that had a Turbin Convert. I have since read somewhere about haveing this done and it flew quite well. If anyone has any info on where I might find a 500 with the Turbin convert I would be interested. Looking to Buy 1. Thanks

CHARLES, e-mail, 23.01.2008reply

BONSOIR JE CHERCHE A ACHETER UN MINI 500 ??????

Lee, e-mail, 25.12.2007reply

What kind of qualifications are needed to fly a mini 500? I've heard you just need an ultrlight license but I dont know. Tell me please!!! thanks -Lee-

former employee, 21.12.2007reply

I used to work there.I could tell you some stories. The place went out of business but a fellow in town bought all the goods at the auction and is trying to get it up and going again. Watch out for those windshield t's cracking and the tail rotor blades flying off they had a bad rivet problem. They had a recall on them.

Enrique Martinez, e-mail, 14.12.2007reply

I have Serial # 220 completely assembled, yellow with black trims. Will sell cheap. Hey helicopters are not toys! Most accidents are due to improper assembly or lack of experience IN HELICOPTERS!. Helicopters and airplanes are DIFFERENT!!!!! Get instruction an do your pre-flights.

Andrea Rocca, e-mail, 29.09.2007reply

I want to know if you need a licent for drive this helicopter.
Who is the contact for Italy ?

brandon, e-mail, 25.09.2007reply

how much do the revolution helicopter mini-500 cost?

Kiwi Boy, e-mail, 04.07.2007reply

Mini 500s are crap they nearly killed me get a mosquito!

Todd in Tucson, e-mail, 03.07.2007reply

I have a mini 500 it has 9.8 hrs. I flew it. I'm going get a two seater. Its yellow, beautiful ship. 28k
You don't have to spend all those hours putting it together, its ready to go!

damiani giampaolo, 29.06.2007reply

I have had news that there are some miniums 500 with the structure in pressurized titanium, is true?

jason, e-mail, 22.06.2007reply

one of these 500's is for sale in this months rotorcraft magazine for 15k it is still in kit form. it is in OH. for his privacy I wont put his number in here . e-mail me if you are serious and Ill give you his number.

Jerry, e-mail, 14.06.2007reply

Check out Murphy Auction Kenmore, Washington. One of these is coming up for auction Saturday the 16th.

Mustafa Alsayyad, e-mail, 11.06.2007reply

is there is any way that the pouduct fit 2 seat and be more durable for over sized person.. i am 6'9 265 Lb or may be redisgen it..

joão plácido, e-mail, 10.06.2007reply

When I saw the advertising campaign for this copter I was very entusiastic, and later was able to see and sit inside one and it was INSTANT LOVE!!!. I know that this model was at the time the only one flying like the real thing (a former critic was amazed while flying it at Oshkosh). The problem is that there were many accidents. When I tried to do an overview of the problems, it seemed that over-confidence was an important issue: comercial airline and professional flyers would crash more than amateurs. If I´m wrong, I would like your opinion. But if you can´t buy a 500MD this is the best next think. Imagine someone improving the unit to a powerfull, composite materials, advanced avionics... it would a dream machine for surveillance, private fast transport, etc.. Thank´s!

Tom, e-mail, 24.05.2007reply

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Tom, e-mail, 24.05.2007reply

Hi, I would really like to know how much a Mini- Copter costs, I would like to advertise my website, Myspace.com, I will give the creators of the copter half of my profits and a copy of HALO 3 for X- BOX 360!

Tom, e-mail, 24.05.2007reply

How much do the Mini- Copters cost?

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