MD Helicopters intends to propose an entry for the U.S. Army’s program for next generation attack reconnaissance aircraft, AIN Online reported Thursday.
CEO Lynn Tilton said the company will offer its eight-seater MD969 armed helicopter as a proposal for the Future Attack Reconnaissance Aircraft program. The single-pilot model is designed for military, para-military and utility operations, and is capable of a top speed of 180 knots, she noted.
“We put this line on hold for a couple of years as we tried to meet all these certifications for the light attack helicopters, and this is the year we will get the certification for the 969 attack helicopter," Tilton said.
She also introduced Swift, a new aircraft that could potentially reach 200 knots that would also serve as an entry to the FARA program. The demonstrator aircraft will feature bigger blades, new thrusters, a new fan and a new Notar system.