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KDF builds up military airpower with new 6 MD 530F helicopters

Times Of Somalia
Saturday September 21, 2019


(TOS)Kenya is reinforcing its military airpower this year with an expected acquisition of 6 MD 530F Cayuse Warrior fleet by end of this year.

The U.S military aircraft manufacturer MD Helicopters said in a statement it had secured the contract to supply Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) the light scout attack helicopters at the cost of $1.4 billion.

“We are pleased MD Helicopters was selected to provide mentorship, maintenance expertise, and Pilot and Maintainer training to the Kenya Defence Forces,” said Lynn Tilton, MD Helicopters, Inc. Chief Executive Officer. “As the aircraft OEM, no one is better suited to provide the full spectrum of aftermarket operations, training, and support services to our customers.”

According to the US based military craft manufacturer, the MD 530F features an advanced, all-digital glass cockpit, ballistically tolerant crashworthy fuel system, Harris RF-7850A tactical radio, Rockwell Collins HF-9000D. It has a Rolls-Royce 250-C30 650shp turbine engine.

“The MD 530F Cayuse Warrior is a proven platform for light scout attack combat operations,” Tilton concludes. “Supported by the skilled men and women of the MD Helicopters team, our military operators have successfully flown hundreds of missions annually, maintaining operational readiness rates in excess of 90%.”

The choppers, which were ordered last year, are being acquired on “a five-year $1.4 billion Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract.” IDIQ contracts, which are popular in engineering projects, provide for an indefinite supply of services and support over a definite period of time.