Mesa (Arizona): MD Helicopters, Inc. (MDHI) on Thursday (January 13) announced the initial acceptance of six MD 530G Light Scout Attack helicopters for the Malaysia Ministry of Defence via its agent Halaman Optima/Destini Prima.
The aircraft are now in transit to Malaysia for final acceptance and are expected to arrive in-country by the end of the first quarter of 2022. As part of the contract, eight pilots and nine mechanics from the 881st Regiment of Malaysia Army Aviation have completed forward arming and refuelling point (FARP) operations training in West Texas.
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Destini Prima’s Senior Vice President, Ek Sing Nguong, Lt Col RMAF (Retired) said, “We are very pleased to accept the delivery of this outstanding aircraft at MD Helicopters on behalf of the Malaysian Ministry of Defence. It is with great excitement that we are able to take this programme to the next stage. We look forward to the equipment’s arrival in Kuala Lumpur to complete the in-country final acceptance training.”
The 530G is the latest in a long line of light attack helicopter configurations based on the Model 500/530 airframe. The 530G for Malaysia continues to raise the bar on performance with the integration of the Wescam L3 MX10D sensor and the Pathfinder Ares Weapons Management System from Tek Fusion.
These integrated systems are used to support the Dillion M134 Mini Gun, FN Herstal Heavy Machin Gun and Rocket Machine Gun pods, and 2.75-inch Folding-Fin Aerial Rockets (guided and unguided). The aircraft provides overwhelming close-in support night or day, as well as outstanding reconnaissance capability.
MDHI Vice President of Programmes, Duncan Koerbel noted, “The 530G continues to build on the outstanding history of the MDHI light scout attack platform. This aircraft brings the best value and performance in its class. Hands down. It is easy to maintain, incredibly agile, and with over 27,000,000 flight hours, mission-ready. MDHI is pleased to be a part of helping the Malaysian government provide land and maritime security.”
