MD Helicopters Logs $186 Million Army RWPTA Contract

MD 530F helicopters to provide rotary wing training in Afghanistan

MD Helicopters, Inc. (MDHI), a leading manufacturer of commercial and military helicopters, has been awarded a $186 million contract from the Department of the Army for its Rotary Wing Primary Training Aircraft (RWPTA) to be used in Shindand, Afghanistan. The initial award calls for six (6) MD 530F Helicopters for training purposes and could reach as many as fifty four (54) aircraft over the life of the four year contract. The Department of the Army Contract W58RGZ-11-C-0070, Non-Standard Rotary Wing Aircraft (NSRWA) as awarded to MD Helicopters includes all critical spares provisioning.

“This is a great day for MD and for me. We feel privileged by the opportunity to support the U.S. Army and deeply honored by the significance of the award,” said Lynn Tilton, Chairman and CEO of MD Helicopters.

In his letter of award, dated March 10, 2011, Contracting Officer, William Epps wrote, “MD Helicopter’s proposal was determined to present the offer that represented the lowest price and technically acceptable proposal to the Government and thus was selected for Award. I would like to extend to you and your team my congratulations.”

The MD 530F is a perfect fit for this training mission. Equipped with the 650 shp Rolls Royce 250-C30 engine and longer main-rotor blades, the MD 530F is the company’s finest high-altitude, hot-day performer. When compared to the MD 500E, the 530F’s tailboom is extended eight inches, and the tail rotor blades are also lengthened to provide increased thrust and directional control at high altitudes.

The MD 530F increases the operational capabilities over the MD 500E as well, enabling greater mission versatility and performance. This dependable workhorse has greater take-off power at significantly higher hover ceiling levels than its competitors, 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.

Patriarch Partners, LLC, is a private equity firm and holding company managing 74 companies with annual revenues of more than $8 billion. Founded by Wall Street veteran Lynn Tilton in 2000, Patriarch is dedicated to saving American manufacturing jobs by saving American companies that have fallen from economic favor. Since its inception, Patriarch has bought more than 150 companies, and in so doing has saved over 250,000 jobs. Patriarch’s portfolio includes a broad range of industrial concerns including Dura Automotive, American LaFrance, Denali, and MD Helicopters, in addition to iconic American brands such as Rand McNally, Spiegel Catalogs and Stila Cosmetics. Under Ms. Tilton's leadership, Patriarch has become the largest woman-owned business in America employing more than 120,000 employees.


Source: March 17, 2011 MESA, Ariz - defence.professionals

Photo: Chile Army Aviation MD Helicopters MD-530F Lifter

(22.03.2011)