MD Helicopter Unveils TH530/AH530 Military Helicopter Platform

MD Helicopter’s unveiling of the TH530/AH530 military helicopter platform stands as a beacon of cutting-edge innovation, offering a versatile, potent, and battle-proven response to evolving combat scenarios. At its core, the TH530/AH530 series epitomizes agility, power, and reliability, marrying these traits seamlessly with precise weapons capabilities. Designed for rapid transition from a training configuration to a full-fledged weapons system, this aircraft boasts unparalleled speed, maneuverability, and adaptability even in high-density altitudes. Its exceptional performance in confined areas sets a new benchmark, establishing a four-seat expandable combat multi-mission platform that excels in both versatility and cost-efficiency. Distinguished by a five-blade structure and single-pilot capability, the AH530 emerges as a pinnacle of performance, offering unmatched maneuverability and mission versatility. Notably, its hydraulic-free design not only eliminates the risk of hydraulic failure but also reduces flight control forces, thereby optimizing operational costs and augmenting aircraft availability. MD Helicopter’s TH530/AH530 helicopter series stands at the forefront of modern military aviation, embodying adaptability, reliability, and mission versatility to meet the complex challenges faced by today’s armed forces.

The TH530 is the training version of the AH530 line. Ideal for training and performing pilot recurrency, the helicopter comes fully equipped with military interior and a Garmin glass cockpit for direct transfer of skills to the AH530. The aircraft is also equipped with all provisions and bolts to upgrade to either of the AH-530 models. Commercial MD 530 Aircraft Equipment Plus:

Heavy Landing Gear

Military Cyclic with Rocket Thumb Switch
Power Fix
Mission Configurable Armament System (MCAS) Structural A-Kit

EO/IR Nose Mount Provisions
Military Interior
Weight On Ground (WOG) Switch

Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT)
GTX 345 Transponder
Right-Hand Command

Dual Start Capability
2 Northern Airborne Technology N301 Audio Control Panels
Exandability

Plank optional on trainer aircraft

The AH530 light attack scout is delivered mission ready with full weapons systems installed. Transportable in the C-17 Globemaster, the aircraft can go from arrival in country to 100% lethal in as little as 24 hours.
All TH530 equipment plus:

Ballistics Tolerant Crashworthy Fuel System (BTCWFS)

Rhode & Schwarz Radio
Cockpit Armor
M4 Mounts

4-Station Mission Configurable Aircraft System (MCAS) B-Kit
3-Station System Integrated Weapons Management System (WMS)
2 Gun Rocket Units (GRUs)

1 Weapon Control Panel (WCP)
Rounds Status Display
Provisions for 4 Firing Stations

Weapons Override Switch
Options for NVG, Avionics Upgrade, & Comfort Packages
Expandability

The AH530 Block II upgrades to precision weapons capability for increased lethality and deliverability. Advanced fuselage additions in this model facilitate precision targeting and payload delivery accuracy.All AH530 light attack scout equipment plus:

L3 Wescam MX-10D, Airborne Targeting and Designating System
Aircraft Recording System (Cockpit Voice, Radio Calls, & Video)

2 Foldable Tactical Screens for the MX-10 Sensor
Advanced Integrated Weapons Management System
2 Gun Rocket Units

1 Weapon Control Panel
1 Enhanced – Stores Management Computer (E-SMC)
1 Laser Arm Panel (LAR)

Widows Software for Tactical Displays
Mission Management System (MMS), Guns And Rockets (GNR), & Laser
Guided Rockets (LGR) Software for E-SMC

Advanced Precision Kill Weapons System (APKWS)*
Hellfire Air-to-Ground Missile System**
Moog Weapons System

Cabin Bulkhead
Advanced Design Door Fairing
10-inch Macro Blue Monitor

Expandability

With a track record spanning over a decade, the AH530 series has cemented its position as the preferred choice for military operations, maintaining an impressive 90% operational readiness in diverse environments. Its remarkable adaptability allows a modest fleet to undertake an extensive array of missions—from training and scouting to attack, escort, interdiction, and surveillance. Now, with a rapidly configurable design, the aircraft elevates its utility by seamlessly transitioning from a training helicopter to a formidable light attack scout and a precision weapons platform. This transformative capability enhances its value proposition, ensuring adaptability across a spectrum of operational needs.
Key Specifications