MD Helicopters was this week awarded a $50.4 million contract to support Afghan MD-530F Helicopter fleet. The contract entails modification of the MD 530F Cayuse Warrior helicopter fleet that are currently in service with the Afghan Air Force (AAF).
MD Helicopters has been providing comprehensive contractor logistics support (CLS) services to the AAF since the first MD 530F training aircraft arrived in Afghanistan in 2011.
The current CLS contract extension provides for continuous CONUS and OCONUS maintenance, on-the-job training, and support services, including spares support, for all MD 530F Cayuse Warrior helicopters operated by the Afghan Air Force. Effective September 1, 2019, the Period of Performance for the new contract, with all options exercised, runs through May 31, 2020.
The AAF began operating the MD 530F as a primary rotary wing training aircraft in 2011. In 2014, in response to an urgent and compelling need within the region, MD Helicopters was contracted to arm and weaponize the proven single engine training aircraft, delivering expanded capabilities for armed escort, scout attack and close air attack operations.
Nine months later, MD Helicopters delivered the first of a robust fleet of 60 MD 530F Cayuse Warrior light scout attack helicopters.
Currently, MD Helicopters supports all mission-ready MD 530F Cayuse Warrior aircraft in Afghanistan. The final batch of 5 units associated with the 2017 30-unit Delivery Order issued against MD Helicopter’s $1.4 Billion IDIQ contract are set for on-time delivery later this year.
