MD Helicopters, Inc. (MDHI), a leading manufacturer of commercial and military helicopters, and The Boeing Company (Boeing) have announced significant progress on a contract to collaborate on the production of the Boeing AH-6i Light Attack/Reconnaissance Helicopter for the worldwide market.  Consistent with the Memorandum of Agreement signed in July, 2010, both companies are now finalizing a Long Term Requirements Contract for the Boeing AH-6i.

“I am extremely pleased with the progress we have made towards the final agreement which will marry the talent and resources of two iconic American aerospace companies to bring the AH-6i to market,” said Lynn Tilton, Chairman and CEO of MD Helicopters Inc.  “We look forward to a long-term and mutually beneficial partnership with Boeing to build a state-of-the-art aircraft on American soil, with an American workforce.”

As part of the July agreement, Boeing and MDHI established a team to pursue opportunities for the production, assembly, and sale of the AH-6i aircraft, products, and services to military, nonmilitary or other government customers.

The new AH-6i international helicopter is the latest version of the combat proven AH-6M model helicopter flown by the US Army Special Operations Forces.  The AH-6i is designed to quickly meet the reconnaissance and light attack needs of today’s international defense forces while maintaining the capability to quickly integrate future growth.  The aircraft features flexible mission configuration; combat-proven design; state-of-the-art cockpit architecture; integrated and qualified sensors and weapons systems; the highest payload for any aircraft in its class; outstanding reliability and low maintenance costs; and a compressed, on-time and on-cost delivery schedule to meet any customers’ needs