MD Helicopters announces new scout helicopter, the MD 540F

Nashville, Tenn., April 4, 2012. MD Helicopters released details of its new single engine turbine scout helicopter, the MD 540-F. The 540F is an upgrade to the MD 530F, featuring a six bladed, fully articulated rotor blade system made up entirely of composite material and a more rugged landing skid built for heavier take-off and landing weights. The MD 540F will be equipped with a fully integrated digital glass cockpit. Information will be displayed to the pilot on large, multi-function color displays and director onto the pilot's eyes using a Helmet Display and Tracking System (HDTS). The weapons system will include fixed forward firing rockets and guns, laser guided rockers and Hellfire missiles. The 540F also features a targeting FLIR with laser designator.

The 540F will be able to carry a lightweight weapons platform with 4 stations, allowing mixes of guns, rockets and missiles to be carried simultaneously.

Development of the MD 540F is ongoing and flight tests have commenced. Certification is projected for the first quarter of 2013.