Malaysia has become the launch customer for the upgraded G-model of the MD Helicopters MD530, with an order for six examples of the armed scout rotorcraft for its army.
Mesa, Arizona-based MD will supply an initial helicopter during the fourth quarter of 2016, with the full fleet to be delivered by the following March.
MD Helicopters
First flown in 2013, the MD530G features a higher maximum take-off weight of 3.75t and a top speed of over 130kt (240km/h).
Malaysia’s fleet will include an unspecified weapons package and electro-optical/infrared sensor, says the company.
Previous live-firing tests have trialled guided and unguided rockets, alongside .50cal machine guns.
Source: FlightGlobal.com
