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Afghan Air Force to expand fleet of MD 530F Cayuse Warrior helicopters

MD Helicopters Press Release | November 27, 2019

Estimated reading time 2 minutes, 30 seconds.

MD Helicopters, Inc. (MDHI) has announced receipt of the fourth delivery order issued against its five-year, $1.4 billion light scout attack helicopter indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contract. The firm fixed-price award is for up to 12 armed MD 530F Cayuse Warrior helicopters for the Afghan Air Force (AAF), currently the largest MD 530F Cayuse Warrior operator globally.

All Afghan Air Force MD 530F Cayuse Warrior helicopters feature an all-glass cockpit, ballistically tolerant crashworthy fuel system, ballistic armor protection, FN Herstal HMP 400 .50 caliber machine gun pods, and more. MD Helicopters Photo

Awarded through U.S. Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, on behalf of the Multi-national Aviation Special Project Office (MASPO), this award follows the successful delivery of all aircraft ordered via delivery order 1.

“The MD 530F Cayuse Warrior has played a critical role in creating an effective and sustainable air force in Afghanistan,” said Lynn Tilton, chief executive officer for MD Helicopters, Inc. “We are honored to be the light scout attack helicopter of choice for the Afghan Air Force and a growing number of partner nation aviation forces.”

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. To date, 54 of 150 helicopters are currently under contract with multiple operators.

Powered by the Rolls-Royce 250-C30 650-shaft-horsepower turbine engine, all Afghan Air Force MD 530F Cayuse Warrior light scout attack helicopters feature:

  • An advanced, all-glass cockpit;
  • Ballistically tolerant crashworthy fuel system (main and auxiliary);
  • DillonAero Fixed-Forward Sighting System;
  • DillonAero Mission Configurable Armament System (MCAS);
  • Ballistic armor protection;
  • FN Herstal HMP 400 .50 caliber machine gun pods; and
  • M260 7-shot rocket pods

“The MD 530F Cayuse Warrior is a preferred and proven platform for light scout attack combat operations,” Tilton concluded. “The ongoing receipt of orders for this best-in-class aircraft is more than gratifying; it is validation that this iconic, American-made helicopter will remain an essential resource for military and para-military operators in the global fight for freedom.”

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