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The McDonnell-Douglas Model 500 Bubble Cover encloses the entire canopy including the windshield, skylights, front and rear door windows. The cover attaches at 6 points. The upper rear corners attach with a strap going around the rear of the doghouse. Straps at the lower rear corners attach to the rear struts, and two more straps attach at the front struts. Attachment buckles are made of non-metal Delrin™, designed for rugged outdoor use. Both the top and bottom hems of the cover have a special rope-hem feature in which they can be tightened to insure a perfect guarantee against wind-blown chaffing. A large bright red pocket is sewn into the cover for the temperature probe. For ease of installation, bubble covers are color-coded (red=left, green=right) with color swatches sewn into the corners. They are also available with alterations to cover the intake, and to accommodate Wire Strike brackets.

Bubble Covers are made of nylon Silver Laminate. Bruce's Custom Covers developed Silver Laminate especially for aircraft protection. The outer material is a medium weight nylon treated for ultraviolet resistance and anti-static buildup. The inner lining is brushed nylon tricot knit. Silver Laminate is extremely reflective. Tests show that the cabin interior temperature can be reduced by as much as 25 degrees. It is water, ice and snow repellent, yet it is breathable enough to allow moisture to escape from between the cover and the windshield surface. Silver Laminate contains no hydrocarbon compounds which can harm plexiglass windshields and acrylic finishes.

The Doghouse Cover encloses the intake, swash plate area and static air port. Installation of this cover requires the replacement of two 10-32 screws, located at the intake base, with snap-head screws which are provided with the cover. The doghouse cover is made of heavy weight nylon, available in a variety of colors.

The Exhaust Cover is also made of heavy weight nylon. An adjustable bungee cord is sewn into the hem to provide a snug fit.

Blade Covers are sewn of medium weight nylon pack cloth. Cut "full" to avoid trim tab damage, blade covers can be installed from the ground with the aid of lightweight rope which is attached to the open end. Covers are cinched tight at the blade root with straps and Delrin buckles. A small opening at the tip of the cover allows for some air circulation and drainage. For operations in extremely cold weather, blade covers are fitted with full length zippers and with "boots" designed to accept a pre-heater hose.

The Rotor Hub Cover overlaps with the blade covers to insure complete protection for the entire main rotor. It is made of heavy weight nylon and fastens securely with Delrin buckles.

Blade Tie-Downs are "socks" which fit over the blade tip with or without blade covers installed. Each tie-down is fitted with a generous length of rope. Made of Cordura nylon, tie-downs are available as a complete set, or individually.

The Tail Rotor/Gearbox Cover is a one-piece design which fits over the blades, hub and gearbox. It fastens with snaps along the bottom edge. Made of medium weight nylon, tabs have been sewn into the tips of the cover so that it may be tied down in high winds. A cover for the twin-blade rotor, a one-piece design, is also available.

The Horizontal Stabilizer Cover protects this area from ice and snow buildup. It attaches quickly with Delrin buckles and encloses the top of the two vertical stabilizers also. The stabilizer cover is made of medium weight nylon.

The Main Body Cover is designed to enclose the largest part of the helicopter airframe. It is a one-piece design, enclosing the fuselage down to the struts. It extends aft to cover the tail boom and vertical stabilizer. To allow easy access to the cockpit while the cover is installed, a Velcro closure is placed on the side of the cover near the left front door. Depending on customer preferences and climatic conditions, a variety of materials and colors are available to choose from. For use in extremely rugged conditions, a synthetic woven material such as UltraFab, a durable polyester/acrylic blend, is best. For the longest use in very hot and humid climates a dark color is preferable because it reflects ultraviolet rays much better. The Body Cover is lined in the location of the canopy plexiglass to prevent chafing. To aid in quick installation, it is color coded and marked in specific locations. The cover can be custom trimmed to allow for antennae, mirrors, brackets, engine or canopy heater ports, etc.

HeatShield Interior Reflectors are made of a special laminate of metallized polyester film and closed cell foam. Less than 1/8" thick, the Reflector is stiff enough when flat to stand up against the windshield using the sunvisors and window framing only. HeatShields roll up and store in a sleeve, yet retain a memory to be flat whenever they are needed. HeatShields are an excellent short-term remedy for cockpit overheating, but use the Canopy Cover for more effective and practical protection.