MDHI FEATURES MD 530F AT APSCON 2019

MD530F ©MD Helicopters Inc.

MD HELICOPTERS TO FEATURE MD 530F WITH GLASS COCKPIT, NEW SIDE MOUNTS, AND TRAKKA SYSTEMS EO/IR SENSOR AND SEARCHLIGHT

Mesa, Ariz., July 12, 2019

MD Helicopters, Inc. (MDHI) announces its participation in the 2019 Airborne Public Safety Aviation Convention (APSCON), July 17-19, 2019 at the CHI Health Center, Omaha, NE. The MDHI display will feature a company-owned MD 530F configured with the type-certified Block 1 all-glass cockpit, newly designed side mounts, and critical vision mission equipment from Trakka Systems. The MD 530F on display is one of two MDHI research and development assets dedicated to ensuring technological and performance improvements for the iconic 369FF airframe.  

“Continuous improvements, innovation, and service to airborne law enforcement and public safety operations have been at the core of MD Helicopters’ business for more than 50 years,” said Lynn Tilton, Chief Executive Officer for MD Helicopters, Inc. “Through investment in product design and internal research, development and testing, we are able to deliver next generation capabilities that improve performance, reduce pilot workload, and ensure that reliability, affordability and optimal operational readiness remain hallmarks of the MDHI brand for the next 50 years and beyond.”

Current MDHI customers and interested operators who visit the MDHI booth at the 2019 Airborne Public Safety Aviation Convention (APSCON), will be able to learn more about the following offerings:

Certified Glass Cockpits

MDHI has type-certified for production, and as a type-design option, advanced, all-glass cockpits for the MD 530F and the MD 600N. Certification efforts are ongoing for the company’s other single-engine models. The Block 1 glass cockpit for the MD 530F single-engine helicopter features:

• Howell Instruments Electronic Engine Instruments and Crew Alert System (EICAS)
• Garmin G500[H] TXi Electronic Flight Instruments (EFIS) with Touchscreen GDU 700P PFD/MFD
• Garmin GTN 650 Touchscreen NAV/COM/GPS
• Optional L-3 ESI 500 Electronic Standby Instrument

Advanced Mission Equipment Installation

In order to accommodate installation of the widest range of mission critical vision technologies, MD Helicopters designed and is currently certifying innovative new side mounts that will allow effortless integration of critical EO/IR and searchlight equipment. The mounts are purpose-built to support law enforcement-preferred left-hand command configurations for vision solutions.

On display at the MDHI booth, #1001, are EO/IR and Searchlight solutions from TRAKKA Systems.

• TrakkaBeam® TLX
• TC-300 high performance multi-sensor surveillance system

Aftermarket & Customer Support Programs

The MD Helicopters Aftermarket and Customer Support teams continue to focus on innovation and responsiveness. Both the easy-to-use MyMD.aero customer portal and the Aftermarket Center of Excellence (ACE) have played integral roles in ensuring optimal operational readiness for the global fleet of MDHI-brand helicopters.

Demo Flights

MDHI has limited availability for demo flights while in Omaha. Interested organizations with current acquisition plans can request a demo flight either prior to show open (July 14 or 15), or immediately following the close of APSCON 2019 (July 19 or 20). Request should be submitted through your MDHI Business Development Director.

 “We have great respect for our law enforcement operators, the job they do and the sacrifices they make each and every day, and it is for them that we remain focused on manufacturing the best helicopters with the most advanced, most affordable, most capable systems available.”

VIRGINIA BEACH POLICE DEPARTMENT WELCOMES NEW MD 530F

NEW MD 530F TO BEGIN FLIGHT OPERATIONS WITH VIRGINIA BEACH POLICE DEPARTMENT, HELICOPTER OPERATIONS

Mesa, Ariz., November 01, 2018

MD Helicopters, Inc. (MDHI) celebrates the delivery of a new MD 530F helicopter to the Virginia Beach Police Department (VBPD). As the first MD Helicopters-brand aircraft to join the VBPD Aviation Unit since the Helicopter Operations unit was established, the new MD 530F will be a powerful, reliable addition to their fleet, and will deliver improved operational efficiency and increased mission versatility.

“This aircraft, like all of our law enforcement builds, has been a labor of love; a testament to our commitment to serve those who live their lives in service of others,” said Lynn Tilton, Chief Executive Officer for MD Helicopters, Inc. “We are excited to see this elegant MD 530F begin its service with the Virginia Beach Police Department.”  

The Virginia Beach Police Department operates 20 hours a day, 7 days a week, in service of the 450,000 citizens that inhabit the city’s 310 square miles. Two-person flight crews support ground officers in the execution of air patrol, search and rescue, surveillance, and crime scene and damage assessment.

“The Aviation Unit plays an invaluable role in our ability to protect and serve the citizens and visitors of Virginia Beach,” said Reginald Padgett, Virginia Beach Police Department. “As an effective command platform during critical situations like vehicle and suspect pursuits or missing person operations, the Helicopter Unit provides optimal situational awareness that protects both officers and civilians on the ground.”

MD 530F – Airborne Law Enforcement Configuration

MD Helicopters’ all-new certified glass cockpit featuring the Garmin G500 [H] TXi Electronic Flight Instruments (EFIS), Howell Instruments Electronic Engine Instruments and Crew Alert Systems (EICAS), and Garmin GTN 650 Touchscreen NAV/COM/GPS is the focal point of an advanced NVISB interior designed to enhance safety during nighttime patrol, surveillance and tactical operations.

In addition to its powerful Rolls-Royce 250-C30 650shp turbine engine, extended landing gear, Fargo 21 gallon auxiliary fuel tank and wire strike protection system, Virginia Beach’s MD 530F has been custom-configured to include:

• High-contrast main rotor blades
• MDHI Nose/Side Mount
• FLIR® SAFIRE 380HDc EOIR system
• Churchill ARS-600 airborne mapping system
• TrakkaBeam® A800 searchlight
• IMT SkymasterTX Downlink
• Macro Blue MB12 monitor and command station
• Public Address AEM TS300, LSC22 Control head, and LSA400 Amplifier

“It is an honor to welcome the Virginia Beach Police Department to the MD Helicopters family,” Tilton concludes. “We look forward to a long and strong relationship.”

VBPD’s new MD 530F was welcomed home on Wednesday, October 17, 2018, and began flight operations within the week.

KENYA DEFENCE FORCE ORDERS SIX ARMED MD 530F ATTACK HELICOPTERS

SECOND DELIVERY ORDER ISSUED AGAINST MDHI’S 5-YEAR, $1.4 BILLION IDIQ

MD Helicopters, Inc. (MDHI) announced yesterday receipt of the second Delivery Order issued against its 5-year, $1.4 billion light scout attack helicopter IDIQ contract. The firm, fixed-price award is for six (6) armed MD 530F Cayuse Warrior helicopters for Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), and includes initial logistics support (ILS) for the aircraft, aircraft systems and ground support equipment.

The contract was awarded through U.S. Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama. Initial deliveries will take place in April 2019, with all aircraft delivered prior to the August 2019 contract completion date.

“Our respect for and commitment to the warfighter is matched only by our legacy of providing the best in American-made rotorcraft to U.S. and Allied forces,” said Lynn Tilton, Chief Executive Officer for MD Helicopters, Inc. “We look forward to delivering these MD 530F Cayuse Warrior helicopters to the Kenya Defence Forces, enhancing their ability to provide close air support and over-watch for ground operations.”  

The IDIQ Contract vehicle ensures an estimated quantity of up to 150 armed MD 530F Cayuse Warrior and/or MD 530G attack helicopters are available to U.S. and Partner Nation Military Forces. With the issuance of Delivery Order 2, MD Helicopters is currently under contract to deliver a total of 36 armed MD 530F Cayuse Warrior helicopters.

KDF Cayuse Warrior Configuration

In addition to an advanced, all-glass cockpit and ballistically tolerant crashworthy fuel system, Kenya’s MD 530F Cayuse Warrior fleet will be outfitted with the full complement of mission equipment standard to the Cayuse Warrior:

• FN Herstal Weapons Management System
• DillonAero Mission Configurable Armament System (MCAS)
• DillonAero Fixed-Forward Sighting System
• 62mm ballistic armor protection
• FN Herstal .50 caliber HMP 400 Machine Gun Pods
• M260 7-shot rocket pods

The KDF’s six armed MD 530F aircraft will also include an enhanced communication system that features the Harris RF-7850A tactical radio and the Rockwell Collins HF-9000D.

All aircraft will be delivered with a full U.S. Army-awarded Airworthiness Release (AWR).

“This aircraft will be an exceptional addition to the KDF fleet,” Tilton concludes. “It is effective, efficient, and a proven performer in combat operations. It is gratifying to see this iconic airframe rise, once again, to be the standard for light scout attack helicopter operations worldwide.” 

MD HELICOPTERS ANNOUNCES FLIGHT TRAINING ACADEMY, EXPANDING INDUSTRY-LEADING MAINTENANCE AND PILOT TRAINING FOR ALL CUSTOMERS

Mesa, Ariz., July 11, 2018

As part of a growing commitment to deliver full-service, full life-cycle support programs for its growing global fleet, MD Helicopters, Inc.(MDHI) announces the formation of the MDHI Flight Training Academy. Established to provide industry-leading maintenance and pilot training to all customers in a professional learning environment, MD Helicopters has expanded its current training offerings to include a more comprehensive portfolio focused on mission execution, effectiveness and safety.

“We understand that comprehensive, well-executed training is the key to efficient operation and successful mission execution,” said Andy Pillado, Vice President, Commercial & Military Sales and Marketing for MD Helicopters, Inc. “In an effort to meet our customers’ growing need for specialized, mission-specific training, we have expanded our already comprehensive catalog to include a robust offering of mission-focused courses, each tailored to meet specific operational requirements.”

Examples of courses developed to meet the ever-expanding airborne public safety landscape include:

• Night Vision Goggles (NVG)
• Search & Rescue (SAR)
• Long Line Operations (Cargo Sling, Fire Bucket, etc.)
• Alternate Insertion/Extraction Methods
• Confined Area/High Altitude/Mountain Operations
• Low level & Formation Operations
• K-9 Operations

“As one of our legacy markets, we are particularly excited to introduce mission-specific training for our law enforcement and public safety operators,” Pillado continues. “The MD 530F, in particular, has been a mainstay of global law enforcement operators for decades. It is long overdue that we build out our training programs to include these specialized options. I’m excited for what these courses will do to help expand the mission window for our operators.” 

All classes incorporate safety, crew resource management and other air crew considerations, and include classroom instruction as well as flight time. Developed to create proficient aircrew and maintenance personnel that will enhance an operator’s aviation capability, readiness, and safety, courses can be conducted at the MDHI Training Center in Mesa, Arizona using MDHI-owned aircraft, or on-location at the customer’s site using customer-owned aircraft.

MDHI Pilot Trainers have a combined 200+ years of flight experience and have amassed 64,000 flight hours in both commercial and military instruction.

Current and interested MDHI operators can learn more about the MDHI Flight Training Academy at the 2018 Airborne Public Safety Aviation Convention (APSCON), booth #449.