MD Helicopters Inc (MDHI) (www.mdhelicopters.com) recently announced that it has been awarded a five-year ‘firm fixed-price’ contract to provide some 150 armed MD 530 aircraft — along with support services, pilot training and maintenance — to US and Partner Nation Army Aviation Forces.

The contract has an estimated completion date of 30 September 2022 and a potential value of almost $1.4 billion.

The first deliveries under the contract will be 30 new MD 530F Cayuse Warrior helicopters for the Afghan Air Force.

Valued at $176.6 million, these will be configured with MDHI’s newly certified Block 1 glass cockpit, a “ballistic crash-worthy fuel system” and high-capacity landing gear.

Lynn Tilton, chief executive officer for MDHI, said: “This contract is recognition of our ability to rapidly respond to the needs of our military customers, and a testament to the effective and efficient role the MD 530 armed scout attack helicopters play in the global fight against terror.

“The MD 530F Cayuse Warrior has been a proven performer in support of ground operations and in the execution of close ‘air support’ duties since it first arrived in Afghanistan.

“It is extremely gratifying to see that our focus on quality, technology and rapid delivery has resulted in such a significant contract — one that solidifies MDHI’s position as a preferred provider of armed scout attack helicopter solutions.”

Aircraft on the initial Contract Delivery Order will be completed by September 2019.