Article Posted on : - Mar 21, 2011

MD 530F Helicopter.

ARIZONA (BNS): The US Department of Army has awarded a $186 million contract to MD Helicopters for the delivery of Rotary Wing Primary Training Aircraft (RWPTA), which will be used in Shindand, Afghanistan.

According to the company, initially the award is given for six (6) MD 530F Helicopters for training purposes and could reach as many as fifty four (54) aircraft.

Under the four year contract, the Department of the Army will receive all critical spares provisioning for the MD 530F helicopters.

The helicopter is equipped with the 650 shp Rolls Royce 250-C30 engine and longer main-rotor blades. Its tail rotor blades provide increased thrust and directional control at high altitudes. It has a greater take-off power at significantly higher hover ceiling levels, with in-ground-effect hover capability of 16,000 feet ISA.

The MD 530F is known for its speed, agility, low direct operating costs and the ability to operate with ease in confined spaces.