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MD Helicopters
Announces New MD 540F Helicopter By Daniel Baxter |
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April 4, 2012 - MD Helicopters of Mesa, Arizona released details of its new armed scout helicopter the MD 540F, the newest addition to MD’s fleet of single engine turbine helicopters.
The 540F is an upgrade to the popular MD 530F; boasting
a 6-bladed, fully articulated rotor blade system made up
entirely of composite material, in addition to a more
rugged landing skid built for heavier take-off and
landing weights.
“This aircraft will be a game changer for our company,”
commented Ms. Lynn Tilton, CEO of MDHI. “The commercial
and military markets have long sought an affordable,
light, single engine helicopter that can perform
exceptionally well at hot and high altitudes while
carrying a larger useful load.
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“The MD
540F will be that aircraft. Our engineers have bolstered
performance to achieve a dramatic increase in max gross take-off
weight and useful load capability. This increase will allow the
MD 540F to carry a full avionics and weapons package while
hovering at 6,000 feet/95°F.”
The MD
540F will be equipped with a fully integrated digital glass
cockpit. Information will be displayed to the pilots on large,
easy to read, multi-function color displays, and directly onto
the pilot’s eyes using a sophisticated Helmet Display and
Tracking System (HDTS).
The
weapons system will include fixed forward firing rockets and
guns, laser guided rockets, and Hellfire missiles. The Targeting
FLIR with laser designator coupled with the HDTS and laser
guided rockets or Hellfire missile, will allow the pilot to
easily locate and destroy hostile targets day or night.
“The 540F
will be a lethal fighting machine,” said Tilton. “The 540F will
carry much of the same punch as the heavier attack helicopters
at a fraction of the acquisition expense and life cycle
operation costs. Using precise aim points and laser guided
missiles and rockets, the MD 540F will be able to destroy enemy
armor and infantry positions with little collateral battle
damage.”
The
increased useful load will allow the armed version of the 540F
to carry an advanced, lightweight weapons platform with four
stations. Various mixes of guns, rockets and missiles can be
carried simultaneously.
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