MD Helicopters, Inc. (MDHI) announced on Nov. 22 the delivery of the final five new MD 530F Cayuse Warrior helicopters ordered for the Afghan Air Force via the company’s $1.4 billion, five-year indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contract.
Part of a 30-aircraft order issued in September 2017, the final five aircraft shipped out of Mesa-Gateway Airport, Mesa, Arizona, via 747 and reached Kandahar on Oct. 27, 2019. The aircraft were reassembled and ready for active service in less than 10 days.
“The vigilant efforts of the Afghan Air Force to protect their country and their citizens from the expanse of terrorism are both noble and steadfast,” said Lynn Tilton, chief executive officer for MD Helicopters, Inc. “Our respect for the warfighter is unwavering, and we are honored that the growing MD 530F Cayuse Warrior fleet plays such an important role in the safe, effective and efficient execution of these efforts.”
With this shipment, MD Helicopters has successfully met all requirements of IDIQ delivery order 1, and the number of MD 530F training and combat aircraft delivered to the Afghan Air Force has reached 60.
“The iconic MD Helicopters airframe was born to serve the warfighter,” Tilton concluded. “As a proud American manufacturer with a decades-long pedigree of delivering best-in-class rotorcraft options, we remain committed to the ongoing delivery of robust light scout attack helicopter solutions to U.S. and Allied Nations around the world.”
MD Helicopters has an additional 24 aircraft contracted via the IDIQ contract vehicle. Future deliveries remain on schedule.
