MD Helicopters delivered six new MD 530F Cayuse Warrior helicopters to Kenya Defence Forces.

The all six new MD 530F Cayuse Warrior of Kenya Defence Forces (Picture source: CTNSIS)

The  September 2018 contract was for six armed MD 530F Cayuse Warrior helicopters for Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) and included initial logistics support (ILS) for the aircraft, aircraft systems and ground support equipment. According to another contract, MD helicopters will also  provide mentorship, maintenance expertise, and Pilot and Maintainer training to the Kenya Defence Forces.

Powered by the Rolls-Royce 250-C30 650shp turbine engine, these aircraft feature an advanced, all-digital glass cockpit, ballistically tolerant crashworthy fuel system, Harris RF-7850A tactical radio, Rockwell Collins HF-9000D, and the full complement of mission equipment that is standard to the Cayuse Warrior:

- FN Herstal Weapons Management System
- DillonAero Mission Configurable Armament System (MCAS)
- DillonAero Fixed-Forward Sighting System
- 62mm ballistic armor protection
- FN Herstal .50 caliber HMP 400 Machine Gun Pods
- M260 7-shot rocket pods

“The MD 530F Cayuse Warrior is a proven platform for light scout attack combat operations,” said Lynn Tilton, Chief Executive Officer for MD Helicopters, Inc. “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%. We welcome the Kenya Defence Forces to the global MD Helicopters family, and are committed to exceeding the training, support, and performance expectations of both our U.S. Army and KDF customer.”