Our Bureau
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: Jan 15, 2022 -
: 1:21 am
The Malaysian Army Aviation (PUTD) will receive six MD 530G light scout attack helicopters in March.
The delivery of the helicopters was initially scheduled for 2017-2018 but has been delayed several times. This led to the Malaysian Defense Ministry filing a report with the Malaysian Anti Corruption Commission (MACC) in 2019 to investigate suspected foul play in the acquisition process.
As part of the contract worth around RM300 million (about US$71.8 million) signed in 2016, eight pilots and nine mechanics of the 881st Regiment of Malaysia Army Aviation were sent to West Texas in 2020. for operational training of the helicopters
MDHI’s MD 530G light scout attack helicopter, made by MD Helicopters Inc. (MDHI), is developed from McDonnell Douglas MD 500 Defender light multi-role helicopter. Powered by a Rolls-Royce 250-C30 turboshaft engine, it can reach a maximum speed of 282 km/h and a maximum range of about 426 km under its cruising speed of 204 km/h.
Equipped with a suite of imaging sensors, the MD 530G for PUTD can also be armed with Dillon M134 miniguns, FN Herstal heavy machine guns, combined machine gun and rocket pods as well as rocket pods for 70 mm guided/unguided Folding-Fin Aircraft Rockets (FFARs).
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