MD Helicopters, Inc. has unveiled new MD 530G Block II (BII) Light Scout Attack Helicopter at the 2020 HAI Heli-Expo in Anaheim California. The new helicopter featuring an advanced, pilot-centric Integrated Weapons System (IWS) designed by Elbit Systems, Ltd. (ESL). The MD 530G BII with the all-glass digital cockpit features the ESL Integrated Weapons System and be configured with both precision strike and suppressive fire munitions including a twin Hellfire launcher, M260 7-shot 2.75″ rocket pod for laser-guided and unguided rockets, and two M134 7.62mm Mini-guns.
The advanced avionics system is comprised of a Helmet Display and Tracking System (HDTS), Weapons Management System (WMS) and Mission Management System (MMS). Utilizing an intuitive Human Machine Interface (HMI), multi-functional smart displays and next-generation applications, the Elbit Systems, Ltd. IWS will deliver an impressive, multi-mission cockpit that reduces pilot workload, increases efficiency of crew operations, delivers increased lethality for a broad range of mission profiles, and sets a new standard for the highly competitive light scout attack helicopter class.
The enhanced Integrated Weapons System, certified and in use on fixed and rotary wing medium and heavy attack platforms already in service with U.S. and Allied forces around the world, will deliver greater mission flexibility and improved operational performance, making the already multi-mission-capable MD 530G perfectly suited for Close Support operations including attack, forward air control, armed reconnaissance, counter-insurgency, and observation.
The MD 530G Light Scout Attack Helicopter is the latest in a lineage that spans more than 60 years of industry-leading scout-attack helicopter evolution. Born from the combat-proven MD 530F airframe, the MD 530G is the newest addition in MD Helicopters’ line of purpose driven scout attack helicopters. MD helicopters have a reputation for being “the most survivable helicopter in the world”. With the integration of on-board systems that include a Stores Management System, forward looking infrared sensor, and an advanced communications suite in the MD 530G.
