LIMA 2015: MD Helicopters unveils MD 530G scout attack helicopter

Air Platforms

Ridzwan Rahmat, Langkawi - IHS Jane's Defence Weekly

19 March 2015

MD Helicopters' MD 530G scout attack helicopter being displayed at the LIMA 2015 exhibition in
Langkawi. Source: MD Helicopters 

MD Helicopters Inc (MDHI) has unveiled a new scout attack platform called the MD 530G at the LIMA 2015 exhibition in Langkawi.

The company's chief commercial officer, Craig Kitchen, told IHS Jane's that the MD 530G has been conceived from the start as a purpose-built gunship that is based on the combat-proven OH-6A airframe.

"It is particularly suitable for the terrain in this region. We have conducted demonstrations of landing and take-off operations with the aircraft in heavily forested areas," said Kitchen, who added that the MD 530G can be deployed against threats ranging from forest-entrenched troops to insurgents in urban special operations situations.

The helicopter can be armed with weapons such as the Dillon Aero 134H-D mini-gun, the Talon 70 mm laser-guided rockets and the FN Herstal HMP400 12.7 mm gun pods. Kitchen told IHS Jane's that the company is also currently working with Lockheed Martin to qualify Hellfire missiles on board the aircraft. The MD 530G can carry a combination of up to four of these weapons simultaneously.

Powered by the Rolls-Royce 250-C30 turbine engine, the aircraft has a top cruising speed of 110 kt indicated air-speed and can carry a useful load of 1,900 lb (862 kg) over a range of 280 n miles (519 km). The helicopter can also be fitted with benches for special forces personnel. For surveillance and target acquisition, the MD 350G is equipped with the L-3 Wescam MX-10D imaging sensor gimbal.
Kitchen told IHS Jane's that the company has approached the Malaysian Ministry of Defence to demonstrate the aircraft's capabilities and similar plans are also under way for the Philippine Air Force (PAF).