MD Helicopter awarded Afghan MD 530F contracts

MD Helicopters will build and deliver 12 MD 530F helicopters for the Afghan Air Force (AAF) under a contract from the US Non-Standard Rotary Wing (NRSW) Aircraft Project Office. Under a separate $44.2 million contract announced on 9 October, the company will also integrate the AAF’s entire MD 530F fleet with a weapons system package.

The first contract, announced on 2 October, is an option award to the Department of the Army NSRW Aircraft Contract for provision of Primary Training Aircraft (PTA).

The AAF has been flying its existing fleet of five MD 530F helicopters since 2011 in an initial entry rotary wing training aircraft capacity. The additional 12 aircraft will be delivered initially configured to train Afghan pilots in austere flight conditions; they will then be reconfigured to operate the weapon system necessary to deliver mission-specific light attack capabilities.

The 17-strong fleet will be weaponised by MD Helicopters with a Mission Equipment Package (MEP) weapons package as part of plans to develop a close attack capability to support the Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF) as the drawdown of coalition forces continues. The fleet will fulfil a critical operational capability requirement identified by the International Security Assistance Force-Afghanistan (ISAF-A).

The MD 530F is an evolution of the OH-6 Cayuse light observation helicopter. Weaponised, it will be known as the MD 530F Cayuse Warrior.

As the MD530F Cayuse Warrior, the aircraft will carry a custom MEP procured, installed, integrated and tested by MD Helicopters. It will include FAA-certified high-capacity landing gear that allows take-off and landing with a maximum weight of 3,750lbs through the incorporation of jettisonable external stores; the FN HMP400 Links and Case Collector and machine gun pod featuring FN M3P.50 cal machine guns from FN Herstal; the Mace Aviation Extended Rage Weapons Wing (ER2W); the Rhode & Schwarz M3AR tactical radio communications solution; a Robertson fuel system; and Kinetic Defense ballistic armour panels.

Lynn Tilton, CEO, MD Helicopters, said: ‘The OH-6 Cayuse has been recognised as an icon of the army’s rotary wing fleet for nearly 50 years. From its ability to perform fast, difficult manoeuvres in compact space, to its unmatched safety record, the MD 530F is a mission proven performer in its own right.

‘The armed MD 530F Cayuse Warrior will be force multiplier for the AAF. Perfectly suited for the demands of modern warfare, the Cayuse Warrior fleet will expand armed escort, scout attack and close air attack capabilities in support of an increasing operational tempo in the region. We are honoured to have been selected to deliver this enhanced capability.’

The first six new MD 530F helicopters are on track for delivery to Afghanistan in the first quarter of 2015. All aircraft will be complete and delivered by September 2015.