Tag Archives: MD Helicopters

Air

Combat helicopter

MD Helicopters’ booth, C1228, at the 2019 HAI Heli-Expo in Atlanta, Georgia, reflects the company’s commitment to manufacturing and delivering the most effective and efficient single-engine and light twin-engine helicopters available. At the 2019 HAI Heli-Expo, MD Helicopters, Inc. (MDHI) will proudly display two of its most iconic helicopter models, the MD 530F and the MD 969, an upgraded variant of the proven MD 900/902 Explorer series. Each of these aircraft features an advanced all-glass cockpit, combining engineering and manufacturing excellence with next-generation technology and a design aesthetic that is both functional and beautiful.

An evolution of MDHI's iconic MD 900/902 series helicopters, the MD 969 Combat Aircraft represents the future assault and attack capabilities of this proven and powerful light twin-engine aircraft
An evolution of MDHI’s iconic MD 900/902 series helicopters, the MD 969 Combat Aircraft represents the future assault and attack capabilities of this proven and powerful light twin-engine aircraft

«I am proud and honored to display these two beautiful aircraft at Heli-Expo», said Lynn Tilton, Chief Executive Officer of MD Helicopters. «The proven and powerful MD 530F and the next generation MD 969 Combat Helicopter are emblematic of the MD Helicopters brand, and exemplify my team’s commitment to delivering technologically advanced aircraft that are unmatched in design aesthetic and performance».

 

Feature Aircraft Displays

The cornerstones of MDHI’s HAI booth will be a new MD 530F, currently operated by Tennessee Valley Authority, and a combat-configured MD 969 Explorer. Both aircraft feature advanced all-glass cockpits.

 

Tennessee Valley Authority MD 530F

This recently delivered MD 530F is the third F-Model to join the TVA fleet. Welcomed in September 2018, the MD 530F is used to support powerline utility, inspection, and construction operations throughout TVA’s multi-state service area.

«The multi-mission capability of the MD 530F is one of the hallmark features of this iconic airframe», Tilton continues. «We are excited to feature this beautiful aircraft in our booth this year as a celebration of our valued Utilities operators worldwide».

 

MD 969 Combat Helicopter

The MD 969 represents the next evolution of MDHI’s MD 900/902 series aircraft and is featured in the MDHI booth this year in a weaponized configuration, depicting the future assault and attack capabilities of this light twin-engine airframe.

Anchored by an all-glass cockpit built on the Genesys Aerosystems’ next-generation Integrated Display Units (IDUs) along with a Macro-Blue tactical display for weapons and mission management, the up-to-8-seat MD 969 Combat Helicopter is single-pilot Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) certified, and safely and effectively executes a broad range of military, paramilitary and utility missions including Fast Attack, Combat Search & Rescue, CASualty EVACuation / MEDical-EVACuation (CASEVAC/MEDEVAC), Command & Control, and Personnel Transport.

«I remain inspired by the capability enhancements delivered by the Genesys Aerosystems Display Units», commented Tilton. «We are excited about the advanced systems and improved capabilities this open architecture system delivers, and we look forward to expanding its use within both our MD 969 and MD 530G Attack Helicopter platforms».

In addition to advanced avionics, the MD 969 Combat Helicopter also features a proprietary, MDHI-designed integrated composite weapons plank that allows for up to 6-station, fixed-forward weapons operation and unimpeded cabin access to support simultaneous forward fire, crew-served weapons, and personnel transport capabilities.

«MD Helicopters is proud of our diverse customer base and growing number of military and paramilitary operators worldwide», continues Tilton. «The MD 969 Combat Helicopter will deliver a new level of multi-mission capabilities, and provide the foundation for worldwide future attack and reconnaissance airborne operations».

 

Aftermarket and Customer Support Programs

At the 2019 show, MD Helicopters will also provide additional updates on its Aftermarket and Customer Support operations, including continued enhancements to its innovative MyMD.aero customer portal. Operators interested in learning more about MyMD.aero and other Customer Support programs can attend an interactive Information session at the MDHI Booth on Tuesday, March 5 at 1:30pm.

«As always, I am incredibly proud of my team and our accomplishments», Tilton concludes. «We remain united in purpose, focused on growth, and committed to delivering next generation aircraft to an ever-expanding family of global operators».

MD 969 Combat Helicopter

Air Force

Proof-of-Concept Phase

MD Helicopters, Inc. (MDHI) participated in the 2017 Airborne Law Enforcement Association (ALEA) Expo, July 26 – 28, 2017 at the Reno Sparks Convention Center, Reno, Nevada. The MD Helicopters booth, #600, was feature the MD 6XX Concept helicopter custom-configured for execution of a range of law-enforcement missions.

MDHI’s new MD-6XX concept helicopter is based on a stretched Hughes 500 airframe, and is currently in proof-of-concept development for operations including scout attack and special operations, utility and VIP transport (MDHI photo)
MDHI’s new MD-6XX concept helicopter is based on a stretched Hughes 500 airframe, and is currently in proof-of-concept development for operations including scout attack and special operations, utility and VIP transport (MDHI photo)

«We are always excited and honored to attend ALEA as an affirmation of our support for and commitment to this country’s law enforcement community», said Craig Kitchen, Chief Commercial Officer for MD Helicopters, «this year especially as we celebrate both our legacy of support for the law enforcement aviators and the future of law enforcement aviation in our MD 6XX Concept helicopter».

The MD 6XX Concept Helicopter will offer next generation technology and true multi-mission capability in a design that is underpinned by the performance, value and exceptional customer support that is inherent in the MD brand and is currently in proof-of-concept development for operations that range from law enforcement and Emergency Medical Service (EMS) to scout attack/special operations, utility and VIP transport.

MDHI debuted the MD 6XX Concept Aircraft at the 2017 Helicopter Association International conference configured with a certified single-patient EMS/Air Medical interior from Air Ambulance Technology.

 

Law Enforcement Configuration

In addition to the core components and enhancements highlighted at its HAI Heli-Expo debut:

  • Genesys Aerosystems IDU-680 all-glass primary displays;
  • Macro-Blue Tactical Displays featuring TekFusion Global, Inc.’s Mission Management System;
  • All-new Main Rotor Blades to deliver more efficient, more aerodynamic operation, reduced noise profile and better auto-rotation;
  • 4-Bladed Tail Rotor for enhanced performance and reduced noise signature;
  • Extended Composite Boom;
  • Boosted flight controls, providing reduced pilot work-load;
  • Digital 3-Axis Auto Pilot;
  • Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) Capability.

The MD 6XX Concept aircraft also features mission equipment specifically selected for effective execution of law enforcement missions including:

  • Forward Looking InfraRed (FLIR) Star SAFIRE 380-HDc single Line-Replaceable Unit (LRU) Electro-Optical/InfraRed (EO/IR) Imaging System;
  • Spectrolab Nightsun XP Searchlight;
  • Little Bird Auxiliary Tank System (LBATS) by Robertson Fuel Systems;
  • Raptor Long Gun Mounting System.

«Our company is committed to ensuring law enforcement and military tactical teams are provided versatile, durable and high-quality equipment that provides both security and ease of access to their firearms when required», said Raptor President Nathan Wasankari. «Working with MD Helicopters to integrate our proven, modular, fast-access weapon mounting system into their law enforcement options package has been a seamless process. We look forward to ongoing collaborations and opportunities to reach new markets».

MD Helicopters manufactures class-leading helicopters that offer agility, versatility, unparalleled safety and economic value. Operators worldwide turn to MD Helicopters for high-performance rotorcraft backed by a passion for service and support.

«Air Units play a critical role in keeping communities safe. They provide an invaluable force multiplication that “We will forever stand strong with American law enforcement”», Kitchen concludes. «We have been dedicated to the airborne law enforcement community for more than 40 years now, and we look forward to serving and supporting this community for decades still to come».

In addition to showcasing the MD 6XX concept aircraft, MDHI will also be celebrating:

  • new aircraft sales specifically to law enforcement operators;
  • the growth of our E-to-F conversion program;
  • development milestones in the integration of all glass cockpits and MDHI’s full fleet of single and light twin-engine helicopters;
  • improving customer support performance and enhancements to the MyMD.aero customer support portal;
  • MDHI’s internal R&D and aircraft enhancement programs.
Air Force

American Scout

MD Helicopters Inc. (MDHI) announced the MD 530G Scout Attack Helicopter at the 2015 Langkawi International Maritime & Aerospace (LIMA) Exhibition at the Mashuri International Exhibition Centre, 17-21 March 2015. The MD 530G has been conceived from the start as a purpose-built gunship that is based on the combat-proven OH-6A airframe.

The MD 530G Scout Attack helicopter is a fully integrated gunship with a highly capable, customizable mission equipment package
The MD 530G Scout Attack helicopter is a fully integrated gunship with a highly capable, customizable mission equipment package

«MD Helicopters has delivered the safest, most reliable rotorcraft to global civil, military and paramilitary customers for more than five decades», says Craig Kitchen, Chief Commercial Officer for MD Helicopters. «We are excited for our first appearance at Langkawi, and the opportunity to introduce the region’s commercial, government, military and maritime defence delegations to MD’s fleet of armed single-engine 500-Series helicopters».

MD Helicopters will welcome LIMA 2015 attendees at a 2,700 square meter chalet that will highlight the company’s scout attack helicopter capabilities and the contributions of the industry-leading organizations whose technologies, systems and products played an integral role in bringing the MD 530G to market.

«As the mid-range model in our scout attack family», Kitchen continues, «the MD 530G is a hot and high performer capable of delivering both suppressive fire and precision strike capabilities in support of a range of mission profiles. With integrated on-board systems that include the MOOG Stores Management System, forward looking infrared sensors from L3-Wescam and an advanced communications suite from Harris, this proven platform delivers comprehensive battlefield command and control coordination».

The Moog Third Generation Weapon Stores Management System (SMS) provides the aviator with best-in-class weapons management on the MD 530G Armed Scout/Attack platform
The Moog Third Generation Weapon Stores Management System (SMS) provides the aviator with best-in-class weapons management on the MD 530G Armed Scout/Attack platform

The complete range of MD Scout Attack Helicopters delivers superior hot-high performance along with proven lethality in a range of air-to-ground support and close-air-combat scenarios by integrating the best in advanced avionics, communications and weapons management systems, a choice of multistation weapons platforms, and customizable armaments that include:

  • the Dillon Aero M134 Machine Gun;
  • the 12.7-mm .50 caliber FN Herstal Heavy Machine Gun Pod (HMP) and Rocket Machine Gun Pod (RMP);
  • Raytheon’s laser-guided TALON 2.75 inch/70-mm rockets and Griffin Missile System;
  • Lockheed Martin’s anti-armor Hellfire Missiles.
The MX-10D EO/IR sensor
The MX-10D EO/IR sensor

The MD 530G on display at LIMA will feature the 650 shp/485 kW Rolls Royce 250-C30 engine, longer main-rotor blades, high-capacity landing gear, the Moog Stores Management System (SMS), Harris Corporation’s RF-7850A-UA tactical radio, the Mace Aviation Extended Range Weapons Wing (ER2W), FN Herstal Machine Gun Pods and Rocket Machine Pods, Dillon Aero M134D-H Mini-Gun, the L-3 Wescam MX-10, and M260 rocket pod with TALON 2.75 inch/70-mm laser-guided rockets.

Powered by the Rolls-Royce 250-C30 turbine engine, the aircraft has a top cruising speed of 110 knots/127 mph/204 km/h indicated air-speed and can carry a useful load of 1,900 lbs/862 kg over a range of 280 NM/519 km.

«With global threat levels on the rise, our ability to respond to the emergent requirements of the United States and our Allies is more important than ever before», Kitchen concludes. «MD Helicopters has a capability unmatched by other OEMs in our space to deliver purpose-built solutions faster and with more reliability for virtually any mission requirement».

General characteristics
General characteristics

 

Technical Specifications

Length:                                                               32.14 feet/9.40 m

Rotor diameter:                                             27.50 feet/8.38 m

Height:                                                                 8.65 feet/2.64 m

Powerplant:              1 × Allison 250-C30 Turboshaft, 650 shp/485 kW

Max Cruise Speed:                                        110 knots/127 mph/204 km/h

Max Permitted Speed:                                152 knots/175 mph/282 km/h

Range:                                                                   230 NM/265 miles/426 km

Endurance w/aux fuel tank:                     2.5 hours

The gun is accurate up to 1,850 meters and remains effective up to 3,000 meters. Its high rate of fire - up to 1,100 rounds per minute - provides lethal fire concentration
The gun is accurate up to 1,850 meters and remains effective up to 3,000 meters. Its high rate of fire – up to 1,100 rounds per minute – provides lethal fire concentration

Empty Weight:                                                 1,850 lbs/839 kg

Useful Load:                                                       1,900 lbs/862 kg

Maximum Internal Gross Weight:        3,350 lbs/1,520 kg

Maximum Takeoff Gross Weight:         3,750 lbs/1,701 kg