MD Helicopters, LLC (MDH) manufactures high-performance rotorcraft solutions that support operators flying military, commercial, law enforcement, utility, and VIP mission profiles. With thousands of aircraft in service worldwide, MDH has been designing and building aircraft known for their safety, versatility, responsiveness, speed, and reliability since 1947. In an interview with Arabian Defence, Jason Lindauer, VP of Sales and Marketing, MD Helicopters, shares the latest updates on the company’s operations, products, plans, and participation in the World Defense Show 2024.
Jason Lindauer
VP, Sales and Marketing
MD Helicopters
1) Could you give us an overview of MD Helicopters’ origin, success journey, and overall operations?
MD Helicopters, LLC (MDH) manufactures high-performance rotorcraft solutions that support operators flying military, commercial, law enforcement, utility, and VIP mission profiles. With thousands of aircraft in service worldwide, MDH has been designing and building aircraft known for their safety, versatility, responsiveness, speed, and reliability since 1947. Our commitment to product sustainment and customer success allows MDH to deliver aircraft unmatched in their performance and reliability. MD Helicopters, LLC is owned by an investment consortium of MBIA Insurance, Bardin Hill Investment Partners LP, and MB Global Partners. More background information is available on the History page of our website.
2) The MD 500E offers unparalleled versatility for a wide range of customer-defined mission profiles. Could you elaborate on the helicopter?
The 500E delivers high speed, payload, and productivity with low direct operating costs. It was designed with the operator in mind with a responsive, agile, and reliable aircraft platform. It is mainly used for civil missions and is the foundation of our light single-engine helicopters.
3) What are other products and services offered by MD Helicopters?
MD offers the best in light single helicopter platforms. The 530F is our trusted civil platform with a Rolls Royce 250-C30 engine giving it more power and performance than the 500E.
Our military product line consists of our military trainer, the TH530, a military light scout attack helicopter, the AH530, and our APKWS option, the AH530 Block II. MD has been at the forefront of scout attack helicopter production for more than five decades. Known for its speed, safety, and agility in confined spaces, the AH530 delivers increased operational capabilities, greater mission versatility, and superior performance.
Our military product line makes it easy to expand from a training helicopter to full weapons systems easy and efficiently.
MD Helicopters also offers Flight Training, both in-country and on-site at our headquarters with OEM Certified Pilot Instructors. We have a full-service MRO facility as well, for aftermarket repairs and improvements.
4) How strong is your presence in the defence sector? Could you talk about the company’s export operations?
Our military helicopters have battlefield-proven power. We have been supporting armed forces around the world for more than five decades with an operational readiness of over 90%.
5) What are the immediate goals ahead for MD Helicopters? Could you give us your expansion plans?
MD Helicopters continues to renew its commitment to excellent aftermarket services and support. We have committed to superior customer service and are making large foundational improvements to support our operators and product line. We continue to grow that foundation and work on product improvements.
6) What can we expect from MD Helicopters at the World Defense Show 2024? How do you look at the expo as a platform to expand your business?
We expect to continue international military support discussions at the World Defense Show and showcase our proven military product line, the TH530, AH530, and AH530 Block II.
You can stop by the MD Helicopters booth, L5.1, and meet with our team.
