MD Helicopters unveils latest version of ‘Little Bird’ with Hellfire missiles

Famed U.S. rotorcraft maker MD Helicopters, Inc. has unveiled the latest version of its proven light scout attack helicopter at the 2020 HAI Heli-Expo in Anaheim California.

This year’s exhibition marks the debut of the Company’s new MD 530G Block II (BII) Light Scout Attack Helicopter featuring an advanced, pilot-centric Integrated Weapons System (IWS) designed by Elbit Systems, Ltd. (ESL). The advanced avionics system is comprised of a Helmet Display and Tracking System (HDTS), Weapons Management System (WMS) and Mission Management System (MMS).

Utilizing an intuitive Human Machine Interface (HMI), multi-functional smart displays and next-generation applications, the Elbit Systems, Ltd. IWS will deliver an impressive, multi-mission cockpit that reduces pilot workload, increases efficiency of crew operations, delivers increased lethality for a broad range of mission profiles, and sets a new standard for the highly competitive light scout attack helicopter class.

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Many visitors have called helicopter is Little Bird, due to its resemblance to the legendary version of modified OH-6A.

The MD 530G BII with the all-glass digital cockpit on display at MDHI’s HAI Heli-Expo booth features the ESL Integrated Weapons System and be configured with both precision strike and suppressive fire munitions including a twin Hellfire launcher, M260 7-shot 2.75” rocket pod for laser-guided and unguided rockets, and two M134 7.62mm Mini-guns.

Also, Aviation journalist Dan Parsons shared several photos of an advanced version of MD 530G Light Scout Attack Helicopter.

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