MD Helicopters at Heli-Expo 2020

MD Helicopters, January 29, 2020 - Mesa, AZ - At the 2020 HAI Heli-Expo in Anaheim California, MD Helicopters, Inc. (MDHI) will proudly display two aircraft representing the two largest segments of the company’s global customer base, law enforcement and military.

The MD Helicopters booth, #6815, will feature an MD 530F operated by Fresno County (CA) Sheriff’s Office (FCSO) alongside the next generation of its proven light scout attack helicopter family, the MD 530G Block II (BII).

“We are proud to showcase our world-renown helicopters at the annual HAI Heli-Expo,” said Lynn Tilton, Chief Executive Officer for MD Helicopters. “Representing two of our most enduring market segments, these innovative aircraft are the embodiment of my commitment to advanced engineering, exquisite design and superior performance.”

Fresno County Sheriff’s Office 530F

The Fresno County Sheriff’s Department was the first law enforcement agency to fly with MDHI’s certified glass cockpit. Known as Eagle 1, the FCSO MD 530F features a mission equipment package that includes Hi-Viz blades, TFO Transmit Switches, Satellite Phone, PA System, FLIR 380HDc, NVISB Interior, 5” and 12” Displays, and main cabin M4 weapons mounts.

“The multi-mission capability of the MD 530F is one of the hallmark features of this iconic airframe,” Tilton comments. “We are excited to feature this beautiful aircraft in our booth this year, and to welcome Fresno County Sheriff Margaret Mims and her team as a celebration of our commitment to law enforcement operators worldwide.”

MD 530G BII Light Scout Attack Helicopter

HAI Heli-Expo 2020 will mark the debut of the Company’s new MD 530G Block II (BII) Light Scout Attack Helicopter featuring an advanced, pilot-centric Integrated Weapons System (IWS) designed by Elbit Systems, Ltd. (ESL). The advanced avionics system is comprised of a Helmet Display and Tracking System (HDTS), Weapons Management System (WMS) and Mission Management System (MMS).

Utilizing an intuitive Human Machine Interface (HMI), multi-functional smart displays and next-generation applications, the Elbit Systems, Ltd. IWS will deliver an impressive, multi-mission cockpit that reduces pilot workload, increases efficiency of crew operations, delivers increased lethality for a broad range of mission profiles, and sets a new standard for the highly competitive light scout attack helicopter class.

The MD 530G BII on display at MDHI’s HAI Heli-Expo booth (#6815) will feature the ESL Integrated Weapons System and be configured with both precision strike and suppressive fire munitions including a twin Hellfire launcher, M260 7-shot 2.75” rocket pod for laser guided and unguided rockets, and two (2) M134 7.62mm Mini-guns.

Aftermarket and Customer Support Programs

Also at the 2020 HAI Heli-Expo, MD Helicopters will also provide updates on its Aftermarket and Customer Support operations, including continued enhancements to its innovative MyMD.aero customer portal.

"For the past 15 years my team has embraced a vision of innovation and excellence in design,” Tilton concludes, “Together we remain focused in our purpose, and committed to delivering forward-focused products that exceed operator expectations in quality, capabilities, and customer support.”

MD530F MGTOW Increase To 3,350 lbs / 1,520 Kgs

MDHI proudly announces the completion of all company test and reporting requirements related to the max gross take-off weight (MGTOW) increase from 3,100 to 3,350 pounds for its MD 530F single engine helicopter.

A preferred platform of law enforcement and utility operators worldwide, the MGTOW increase will provide operators extended range, greater mission versatility, more time on target, and increased mission equipment options.

“We are very excited to announce the completion of our internal testing on the max gross weight increase for the MD 530F,” said Lynn Tilton, Chief Executive Officer of MD Helicopters. “Our internal team has worked diligently, with a meticulous focus on quality, safety and performance, to ensure the FAA-required testing and reporting requirements were completed and documented flawlessly.”

MD Helicopters’ Experimental Flight Test Engineering team battled a number of environmental factors (pressure altitude, temperature, wind conditions) while conducting a comprehensive array of tests required to ensure the aircraft will continue to meet or exceed all FAA performance and safety requirements at the new max weight. Tests included:

- Performance & Handling
- Acoustic
- Flight Load
- Height Velocity

“I am very proud of my team for their continued focus on advancing the capabilities of our aircraft,” Tilton concludes. “The hot-high capability of the MD 530F was already best in class. With the formal certification of this weight increase we are confident it will remain a preferred platform for law enforcement and utility operators for decades to come.”

MDHI anticipates FAA Certification by the end of 1Q 2020.

To learn more, stop by the MDHI booth, #6815, during the annual HAI Heli-Expo at the Anaheim Convention Center, in Anaheim, California, January 28–30, 2020.