MD Helicopters Inc (MDHI) has partnered with Elbit Systems to enable advanced capabilities for the MD 530G Block II (BII) Scout Attack helicopter.
The teaming agreement seeks to deliver next-generation weapons and mission management enhancements to the helicopter.
The MD 530G will be equipped with an enhanced integrated weapons system (IWS) for improved operational performance and mission flexibility.
The IWS will include weapons management system (WMS), helmet display and tracking system (HDTS), and mission management system (MMS).
It will enable the helicopter to carry out close support operations, including forward air control, attack, armed reconnaissance, and observation.
MD Helicopters CEO Lynn Tilton said: “Design and disruption are the cornerstone of all product development efforts.
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By GlobalData“This partnership with Elbit Systems will allow us to rapidly expand the capabilities of the MD 530G, resulting in a next-generation, advanced light scout attack helicopter solution that will set a new standard in this highly competitive class.”
The integrated avionics suite includes smart displays, human machine interface (HMI) and advanced applications.
The multi-mission cockpit is designed to reduce the workload for pilots and provide increased lethality.
Tilton added: “A proven and iconic light scout attack helicopter platform, the addition of this elegant, technically superior solution elevates the MD 530G BII to best-in-class status.
“Now partnered with the Elbit Systems team, we are poised to bring a new level of customisable, operator-focused solutions to US and partner nation aviation forces.”
HDTS will enable users to undertake operations during both day and night. It will ensure the manoeuvrability of the helicopter into attack positions.
The digital WMS is capable of supporting a range of ‘suppressive firepower’ options. The system will also allow the aircraft to support unguided and guided munitions, including the Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) and Hellfire missile.
MMS features a digital mapping application (DMAP) that will plot threats and aircraft positions. The application can be controlled using a touchscreen-enabled graphical user interface (GUI).
In a statement, MDHI said: “The aircraft’s EO/IR solution will integrate directly with the new MMS to enable detect and store intelligence.
“Detect and store intelligence ensures that once a target has been acquired, the crew can choose to attack with guided weapons from a distance, or unguided munitions using the ballistics continuously calculated impact point (CCIP) displayed over the HDTS.”
The company plans to undertake live-fire testing with a test asset in 2020.