The US Coast Guard is using armed MD Helicopters Explorers to intercept high-speed drug-smuggling boats in international waters, marking the use of the rotorcraft as a gunship for the first time.
The previously secret USCG project, dubbed Operation New Frontier, began in March and has led to the capture of 13 crew members from four boats, netting more than 3t of cocaine.
It involves the lease of an undisclosed number of twin-turbine MD900 Explorer helicopters (designated MH-90 Enforcer by the Coast Guard).
Flight International has learned, however, that the USCG will exchange two leased MH-90s for the same number of advanced MD902s, which give performance improvements over the original MD Explorer.
The MH-90 is armed with a 0.50 calibre Robar hand-held bolt-action rifle, which is used by sharpshooters to disable the engines of fast-moving drug-running craft in the Caribbean, and a pintle-mounted 7.62mm machine gun at a door station.
Should the USCG run a procurement competition, MD Helicopters hopes to turn the lease into an acquisition programme for between eight and 12 aircraft.
The Mexican navy has taken delivery of two unarmed Explorers, and the European-owned, US-based, helicopter manufacturer is building two more for use on the Navy's frigates.
Source: Flight International
