Mesa, Arizona, December 12, 2022 — MD Helicopters, LLC (MDH) is pleased to announce the Atlanta Police Department has signed a USD$10 million purchase agreement for two MD530F helicopters, and additionally an agreement to the upgrade of one of its MD500E to the MD530F standard through MDH’s FAA-approved E-to-F conversion program.
“The purchase of two new MD530Fs and the upgrade of our MD500E converting it to an MD530F, will standardize and modernize our fleet, reducing risk, improving safety, and increasing operational efficiency at a low operating cost,” says Sgt. Newman of the Atlanta Police Department, Aviation Unit. “This will allow the helicopters to be airborne more frequently contributing to the department’s mission of creating a safer Atlanta.”
The two new Atlanta Police Department MD530F helicopters will be delivered in 2023. The MD500E will remain in service until the 530Fs are operational. At that time the 500E will go through a threemonth conversion process.
Updated from the MD500E, the MD530F model delivers increased operational capabilities, greater mission versatility, and superior performance with a more powerful Rolls-Royce RR250-C30 engine, upgraded main rotor gearbox, and upgraded tail rotor drive shaft.
The E-to-F conversion program upgrades the MD500E to an MD530F by replacing the engine, gearbox, and drive shaft as well as adding new main and tail rotor blades.
All three Atlanta Police Department aircraft will feature a higher 3,350 lb gross weight, increased cruise speed, improved flight characteristics in confined areas, and lower direct operating costs compared to the older aircraft.
Each of the department’s technologically advanced MD Helicopters will also include a tactical mapping system, an IR capable camera system, a searchlight, and a downlink system.
MD Helicopters
MD Helicopters, LLC (MDH) manufactures high-performance rotorcraft solutions that support operators flying military, commercial, law enforcement, utility, and VIP mission profiles.
With thousands of aircraft in service worldwide, MDH has been designing and building aircraft known for their safety, versatility, responsiveness, speed, and reliability since 1947.
MD Helicopters, LLC is owned by an investment consortium comprised of MBIA Insurance, Bardin Hill Investment Partners LP, and MB Global Partners.
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