MD Helicopters unveiled the new MD 564 at Verticon 2026, describing it as a civilian evolution of the famed US Army MH-6 Little Bird. The upgraded 500-series helicopter features a six-blade main rotor, four-blade tail rotor, and a more powerful Rolls-Royce C47 engine, delivering major performance gains over the MD 530F while retaining the aircraft’s compact footprint and agility.

The MD 564 increases internal payload capacity from 3,350 to 4,000 pounds and external lift capability from 3,750 to 4,500 pounds, placing it in the same performance class as larger helicopters like the Bell 407 and Airbus H125. MD says the aircraft can deliver similar lifting power with significantly lower operating costs — roughly $300 less per flight hour — while maintaining the ability to operate in tighter spaces thanks to its smaller rotor diameter.

Company executives said the helicopter is built entirely from proven, already-certified components that have been used on military Little Bird variants for years, allowing for a faster and lower-risk development process. MD Helicopters expects the MD 564 to enter production around 2028, with projected pricing in the low $4 million range.