MD Helicopters has delivered its first armed Explorer helicopters. The three Combat Explorers were handed over to the Mexican navy at the end of last month. It intends to use the machines for drug interdiction missions. The helicopters are equipped with a General Dynamics 12mm (0.5in) GAU-19/A Gatling gun and seven 70mm rockets. MD Helicopters intends to further develop the Explorer for combat roles by integrating point-target weapons and anti-armour missiles. The navy has also recently taken delivery of a Bombardier Q200 twin-turboprop, configured to carry 37 passengers but convertible to all-cargo, combi and VIP layouts.
Source: Flight International