MD Helicopters, Inc. (MDHI) proudly announces the completion of all company test and reporting requirements related to the max gross take-off weight (MGTOW) increase from 3,100 to 3,350 pounds for its MD 530F single engine helicopter. A preferred platform of law enforcement and utility operators worldwide, the MGTOW increase will provide operators extended range, greater mission versatility, more time on target, and increased mission equipment options.

“We are very excited to announce the completion of our internal testing on the max gross weight increase for the MD 530F,” said Lynn Tilton, Chief Executive Officer of MD Helicopters. “Our internal team has worked diligently, with a meticulous focus on quality, safety and performance, to ensure the FAA-required testing and reporting requirements were completed and documented flawlessly.”

MD Helicopters’ Experimental Flight Test Engineering team battled a number of environmental factors (pressure altitude, temperature, wind conditions) while conducting a comprehensive array of tests required to ensure the aircraft will continue to meet or exceed all FAA performance and safety requirements at the new max weight. Tests included:

Performance & Handling
Acoustic
Flight Load
Height Velocity
“I am very proud of my team for their continued focus on advancing the capabilities of our aircraft,” Tilton concludes. “The hot-high capability of the MD 530F was already best in class. With the formal certification of this weight increase we are confident it will remain a preferred platform for law enforcement and utility operators for decades to come.”

MDHI anticipates FAA Certification by the end of 1Q 2020.