MD Helicopters delivered the first 12 MD 530F Cayuse Warrior helicopters to the Afghan Air Force in support of the 2015 fighting season. MD Helicopters Photo
MD Helicopters, Inc. (MDHI) has announced receipt of a firm fixed price contract to manufacture and deliver 12 MD 530F Cayuse Warrior Scout Attack helicopters with enhanced mission equipment to the Afghan Air Force (AAF).
This award, contracted through the Department of the Army Non-Standard Rotary Wing, reflects and reinforces the confidence of the U.S. Army in MD Helicopters’ ability to deliver reliable, mission-ready aircraft to support the United States Military and its partner nation allies.
MD Helicopters delivered the first 12 MD 530F Cayuse Warrior helicopters to the Afghan Air Force in support of the 2015 fighting season. These 12 aircraft were operational in theater in fewer than nine months from contract award, and have participated in a number of successful operations.
The company’s expertise in rapid deployment serves to address a real-time need. MD Helicopters Photo
In addition, five MD 530F helicopters, already serving as primary training aircraft in Afghanistan, have been upgraded to the Cayuse Warrior configuration.
“The MD 530F has played an integral role in building the capabilities of the Afghan Air Force and the Afghan National Defense and Security Forces since the first aircraft arrived in Shindand in 2011,” said Lynn Tilton, chief executive officer for MD Helicopters.
“In both training and combat configurations, the fleet has consistently maintained a mission launch rate of greater than 97 percent. This reliability – coupled with ease of operation, proven close air support and close air attack capabilities – stands as a testament to the legacy of this iconic airframe.”
MD Helicopters has demonstrated the ability to deliver fully integrated gunships to theater in less than 12 months. The company’s expertise in rapid deployment serves to address a real-time need for the warfighter.
