by Kerry Lynch
MD Helicopters (MDHI) bolstered its military business with the signing of a launch customer for its MD 530G scout attack helicopter. The Malaysia Ministry of Defense signed a contract to take delivery of six of the upgraded model. Plans call for MDHI to begin delivery of the helicopters to Malaysian army aviation, Pasukan Udara Teneter Darat(PUDT), late this year with all six to be handed over the end of the first quarter of 2017.
The MD 530G first flew in 2013 and MDHI formally announced the helicopter and completed live-fire testing a year later. The next in line to the 530F that was certified more than 30 years ago, the 530G is fitted with more robust landing gear to support a 3,750-pound mtow that increases payload for range, endurance and weapons. The helicopter has a top speed of 130 knots.
The aircraft is configured to accommodate an integrated on-board stores management system, FLIR, guided and unguided rockets and inboard .50 caliber machine guns. The Malaysian army’s fleet of MD 530G helicopters will be equipped with a custom weapons package, advanced communications capabilities and electro-optical/infrared sensors to detect a range of threats.
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