MD-530G for Malaysian Army Aviation (all photos : justhelicopters)
DSA 2018: Malaysian MD 530Gs approach their Destini
19th April 2018 - 01:30 GMT | by Gordon Arthur in Kuala Lumpur RSS
When the Malaysian Army ordered its six MD 530G scout helicopters from MD Helicopters, as announced on 1 February 2016, the first aircraft were to be handed over by the end of that year. Clearly the project has suffered serious delays, as the army is yet to get its hands on them.
However, speaking to Kabol Bin Surat, executive director at Destini, whilst at the DSA 2018 exhibition in Kuala Lumpur, Shephard learned that the arrival of the MD 530Gs is edging closer.
Destini is the domestic in-country face for MD Helicopters, and the company performs all the go-between with the Malaysian government.
Surat said that two would be delivered to the Malaysian Army this year. In fact, the first MD 530G completed its testing at MD Helicopters’ facility in the US just last week.
He explained that MD Helicopters is updating the documentation for the aircraft, including its performance sheet that lists safety parameters, for example. Because Malaysia’s aircraft have a unique configuration, they require special testing and documentation.
After this process is completed, Malaysia can conduct a pre-delivery acceptance test, before final acceptance occurs in the US.
Shephard understands that no Malaysian Army personnel have yet undergone training, and details of a training programme in the US are yet to be finalised.
In other MD Helicopters news, an MD 600N light utility rotorcraft (pictured) was on display at DSA 2018. This aircraft, the only one of its type in Malaysia after being delivered late last year, was given a camouflage makeover by InvaTion Aero to lend it a more menacing look.
InvaTion is a joint venture between local companies Destini Aviation and Sapura Aero Company. It is the authorised sales representative for Southeast Asia, plus it will maintain the army’s new MD 530Gs.
At the show the MD 600N is being promoted for police and security service missions in particular.
Its no-tail-rotor configuration means that it offers a stealthy approach and it could carry three police commandos on either side of its landing skids. A spokesperson said it is attracting interest from the police in Malaysia.
Alternatively, the single-engine MD 600N could lift a Bambi bucket for fire-fighting duties or an EMS interior from Air Ambulance Technology. It can lift a payload of 907kg.
Original post: shephardmedia.com
Related article:
MD 530G scout attack helicopter: Details
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