AAF to Acquire New Rotary Wing Primary Training Aircraft

MD Helicopters has been awarded a firm-fixed-price contract to provide new rotary wing primary training aircraft for the Afghan Air Force (AAF).

The $20m award will provide for the acquisition of six MD 530F new rotary wing primary training aircraft, and two corresponding flight training devices (FTD) and critical spare parts.

The contract also includes options for 48 additional new rotary wing primary trainers, two additional FTDs and critical spare parts.

The MD 530F is equipped with the 650shp Rolls-Royce 250-C30 engine and its high altitude lift capability helps it operate in hot and high environments.

Work will be carried out at the company’s facility in Mesa, Arizona, US, with an estimated completion date of 31 March 2016.