MD Helicopters Inc. says Aug. 20 it successfully completed Live Fire Qualification exercises at Yuma Proving Ground, Ariz., with its new MD 530G Scout Attack Helicopter.
The MD530G was configured with the Moog Stores Management System, the Mace Aviation Extended Range Weapons Wing, FN Herstal machine gun pods and rocket machine pods, Dillon Aero M134D mini-gun, the L-3 Wescam [LLL] MX-10D and M260 rocket pod.
“The bold performance and target accuracy of the MD 530G aircraft during the Yuma firing exercise is a testament to the reliability of the combat-proven OH -6/530F airframe . Infused with modern technology and MD innovation, the agility and firepower that the MD 530G provides will be a game changer for our customers allowing significant expansion in airborne combat capabilities,” said Lynn Tilton, CEO of MDHI. “The versatility of this aircraft for attack, scout and escort missions provides maximum combat utility and the lowest operating cost in the Sout Attack helicopter class.”
The live fire demonstration included .50 caliber and 7.62 ammunition as well as unguided and laser-guided rockets.
The 530G also fired four Raytheon [RTN] TALON laser guided rockets at distances ranging from two to five kilometers, each striking within 1.5 meters from the center of the target.
“This test further demonstrates the maturity of the TALON Laser Guided Rocket weapon system as a complement to MD’s Scout Attack platform,” said Darryl Kreitman, Raytheon TALON program director. “These test shots showcased TALON’s versatility over the entire firing envelope with direct hits for all events. The successful testing once again demonstrated TALON’s precision guidance capabilities.”
Following the successful Live Fire exercises at Yuma, the 530G is on schedule to complete Certificate of Conformance by September 2014 with initial rate production beginning in the 4th quarter of 2014.