Aircraft Is Latest In Company's Line Of Armed Aerial Scout Helicopters

MD Helicopters Inc. (MDHI) has released details of its new MD 530G armed aerial scout helicopter. The MD 530G is the latest in a lineage that spans more than 50 years of scout attack evolution.

The journey began in 1963 with the introduction of the legendary OH-6A by Hughes Aircraft Division. In 1985, the performance continued with the certification of the heralded MD 530F, the world’s most proven scout for “hot and high” performance. Born from the combat-proven MD 530F airframe, the MD 530G is the next model in a line of purpose driven scout attack helicopters. “Just as the evolution of the modern day warrior advances by way of technology, materials and innovation, so, too, does the progression of the armed aerial scout,” said Ms. Lynn Tilton, Chief Executive Officer of MDHI. “The 530G builds on the combat proven success of the 530F, adding heightened gross take-off weight capacity, modern weapons control and an extensive selection of weapons configurations. The result of such innovation is an incarnation that delivers combat mission versatility, extreme firepower and agile performance beyond any armed scout in the market.”

The MD 530G platform provides growth in capabilities for the battle-proven airframe that will enable military customers to meet mission requirements in austere environments.  With cruise speeds in excess of 130kts, the MD 530G is designed for agile deployment with any rotary wing unit, such as UH-60 Blackhawk assault force.  The aircraft features increased capacity landing gear supporting the 3,750 MGTOW (max gross takeoff weight).  This allows the operator to utilize the increased useful load for additional range, endurance and weapons. 

“This impressive aircraft will continue the OH-6A legacy of a reliable, low cost, quick response armed aerial scout, equipped with modern weapons capabilities,” said Ms. Tilton. “The MD 530G will provide the operator the ability to find, fix and finish enemy targets on the ever evolving battlefield.”

The MD 530G will provide expanded armed aerial mission capabilities for military markets.  The aircraft will be built upon the MD 530-series airframe, the demonstrated leader with the highest mission availability rates in Afghanistan and Saudi Arabia. This airframe maintains reliability, low operating cost, quick response and a modern stores management system (SMS) with extreme firepower.

With completion of the new aircraft projected for the 2nd quarter of 2014, MDHI is already taking orders for the MD 530G.  MDHI is expected to deliver the first aircraft during the 3rd quarter of 2014.

(Images provided by MD Helicopters)

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