MD Helicopters has secured a $1.4bn contract to deliver MD 530 armed scout attack helicopters to the US and partner nation army aviation forces.

Under the five-year foreign military sales indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contract, the company will deliver a total of 150 armed MD 530 aircraft.

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Initial deliveries include 30 new MD 530F Cayuse Warrior helicopters for the Afghan Air Force.

Worth $176.6m, these aircraft are configured with the company’s newly certified Block 1 glass cockpit and will be delivered by September 2019.

“The MD 530F Cayuse Warrior has been a proven performer in support of ground operations and in the execution of close air support interactions since it first arrived in Kabul.”

The cockpit features the Howell Instruments Engine Instrumentation System, Garmin GDU 620 Electronic Flight Instruments, Garmin GTN 650H communication/navigation/global positioning system (COM/NAV/GPS), and Northern Airborne Technology Cabin Audio System.

The MD 530F Cayuse Warrior is also equipped with a ballistic crash-worthy fuel system, comprising a main fuel tank and a 38gal auxiliary fuel tank, high-capacity landing gear, FN Herstal Weapons Management System, DillonAero Mission Configurable Armament System (MCAS) weapons plank and Fixed-Forward Sighting System, Rohde & Schwarz M3AR Tactical Mission Radio, and FN Herstal .50 caliber HMP 400 Machine Gun Pods and M260 7-shot rocket pods.

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MD Helicopters chief executive officer Lynn Tilton said: “The MD 530F Cayuse Warrior has been a proven performer in support of ground operations and in the execution of close air support interactions since it first arrived in Kabul.

“It is extremely gratifying to see that our focus on quality, technology, and rapid delivery has resulted in such a significant contract; one that solidifies MDHI’s position as a preferred provider of armed scout attack helicopter solutions.”

The contract also includes required production support services such as programme management, delivery support, maintenance and pilot training.

Image: The contract covers the delivery of 150 armed MD 530 aircraft. Photo: courtesy of MD Helicopters.

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