The Malaysia Ministry of Defence is set to welcome six 530G light scout attack helicopters from MD Helicopters (MDHI) by the end of the first quarter of this year.
The initial acceptance of the helicopters was made through their agent firm Halaman Optima/Destini Prima.
A total of eight Malaysian pilots and nine mechanics from the 881st Regiment of Malaysia Army Aviation have also completed training in West Texas, US.
Destini Prima senior vice-president Ek Sing Nguong said: “We are very pleased to accept the delivery of this outstanding aircraft at MD Helicopters, on behalf of the Malaysian Ministry of Defense.
“It is with great excitement that we are able to take this program to the next stage. We look forward to the equipment’s arrival in Kuala Lumpur to complete the in-country final acceptance training.”
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The aircraft are currently in transit to Malaysia for final acceptance.
The 530G is the latest configuration in the suite of light attack helicopter. It is based on the Model 500/530 airframe.
With the integration of the Wescam L3 MX10D sensor and Tek Fusion’s pathfinder ares weapons management system, MD Helicopters claims that the 530G has increased performance, compared to the previous model.
According to the company, these integrated systems will support the Dillion M134 mini gun, the FN Herstal heavy machine gun and rocket machine gun pods, as well as guided and unguided 2.75-in folding-fin aerial rockets.
The aircraft provides all-day support, stated MDHI.
MDHI Programs vice-president Duncan Koerbel said: “The 530G continues to build on the outstanding history of the MDHI light scout attack platform.
“This aircraft brings the best value and performance in its class, hands down. It is easy to maintain, incredibly agile, and with over 27,000,000 flight hours, mission ready.
“MDHI is pleased to be a part of helping the Malaysian government provide land and maritime security.”
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