MD Helicopters Inc (MDHI) has launched an evolution of its MD 900/ MD 902 helicopter, named MD 969, at the Heli-Expo exhibition in Atlanta, Georgia, on March 5, 2019.
The MD 969 features the Genesys Aerosystems Advanced IDU-680 glass cockpit, similar to that already fitted to MDHI’s MD 530G attack helicopters, and a proprietary-designed plank that allows for up to six stations of forward-firing weapons, while allowing unimpeded access to the helicopter’s cabin.
Brochure performance figures include a maximum gross take-off weight of 6,770lb (3,070kg), a useful load of 3,395lb (1.540kg), a range of 366 nautical miles (679km) and a cruise speed of 160kts (296km/h).
Lynn Tilton, CEO of MDHI, said: “The MD 969 will deliver a new level of multimission capabilities for military operators. As we continue to develop the helicopter for our military customers and prepare for development of future attack and reconnaissance aircraft, we have a roadmap that significantly expands the performance envelope of the MD 969, creating a foundation for other future twin-engine development efforts.”
