MDHI will deliver the launch helicopters to PUTD, beginning in the fourth quarter of 2016, with the full fleet to deliver by the end of Q1 2017. Dan Megna Photo
MD Helicopters, Inc. (MDHI) has announced that it succeeded in its bid to supply six MD 530G scout attack helicopters to Malaysia’s Ministry of Defense. MDHI will deliver the launch helicopters to Malaysian Army Aviation, Pasukan Udara Tentera Darat (PUTD), beginning in the fourth quarter of 2016, with the full fleet to deliver by the end of Q1 2017.
With this installation, MD Helicopters becomes the only rotorcraft original equipment manufacturer (OEM) to introduce and field two new Scout Attack Helicopter Programs, each within 12-months from award.
“Our legacy is firmly rooted in service of the warfighter; delivering fast, agile, highly-capable scout attack helicopters for the protection of the United States and our partner nations,” said Lynn Tilton, chief executive officer for MD Helicopters. “Perfectly suited for Malaysia’s operational environment, we are honored that the MD 530G—our next generation light scout attack helicopter—was selected by the Malaysian prime minister, minister of defense and the chief of defense force (CDF) to be the newest addition to the Malaysian Armed Forces.”
MD 530G development
As the latest in a lineage that spans more than 50 years of industry-leading scout attack helicopter evolution, the MD 530G light scout attack helicopter made its debut flight in 2013. With a top speed in excess of 130 knots, the MD 530G is designed for agile deployment with any rotary wing unit.
The aircraft features increased capacity landing gear to support the 3,750 max gross takeoff weight; allowing increased useful load for additional range, endurance, and weapons.
Successful live-fire testing of the MD 530G took place in mid-2014. The result of considerable internal investment and strategic industry partnerships, the aircraft—configured to include advanced avionics, an integrated on-board stores management system, forward looking infrared sensor, guided and unguided rockets, and inboard .50 caliber machine guns—demonstrated extreme firepower and bold performance capabilities, reinforcing the versatility, reliability and combat utility of MD Helicopters’ scout attack helicopter offering.
The Malaysian Army’s fleet of MD 530G helicopters will include a custom weapons package, advanced communications capabilities, and state of the art EO/IR to detect, identify, and engage a wide range of threats.
It is anticipated that the MD 530G will be deployed to perform attack, ISR, and security missions in support of the Malaysian Army’s operations in the Eastern Sabah Security Command.
Capability and sustainability
In addition to delivering the enhanced aerial fires capability and mission flexibility required by the Malaysian Army, MD Helicopters is committed to advancing indigenous capabilities regarding long-term service, support and effective operation of the fleet. MDHI will work with Bumiputra partners in all phases of the program, from defining requirements to a comprehensive CLS package that includes initial entry, transition, and combat pilot training, maintenance training for both the airframe and mission equipment, and the development of a spare parts program with dedicated and ongoing OEM support.
It is anticipated that the MD 530G will be deployed to perform attack, ISR, and security missions in support of the Malaysian Army’s operations in the Eastern Sabah Security Command.
“We are extremely proud that our innovative aircraft will play an integral role in the PUTD’s mission to be a critical force multiplier for the Malaysian Army,” said Tilton. “We are confident our record of early delivery will continue with this contract and will allow the Malaysian Army to achieve significant operational successes in early 2017.”
Charles D'Alberto
