Malaysia Orders Six MD-530G Scout Attack Helicopters

Released on Monday, February 01, 2016

 

Mesa, Ariz., February 1, 2016 – MD Helicopters, Inc. (MDHI) is pleased to announce that it succeeded in its

bid to supply six (6) 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 Defence and the Chief Defence 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 130kts, 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 MGTOW (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.

 

Source: MD HELICOPTERS TO SUPPLY NEW MD 530G SCOUT ATTACK HELICOPTERS TO MALAYSIA’S