The Kenya Defence Force (KDF) is set to receive six armed MD 530F Cayuse Warrior attack helicopters from US-based aerospace company MD Helicopters.
The new order has been placed under the five-year light-scout-attack helicopter indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contract valued at $1.4bn.
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The second delivery order was awarded through the US Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama.
MD Helicopters chief executive officer Lynn Tilton said: “This aircraft will be an exceptional addition to the KDF fleet.
“It is effective, efficient, and a proven performer in combat operations. It is gratifying to see this iconic airframe rise, once again, to be the standard for light-scout-attack helicopter operations worldwide.”
In addition to the delivery of the six aircraft, the current firm, fixed-price award includes the provision for initial logistics support (ILS) for the aircraft, aircraft systems and ground support equipment.
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By GlobalDataInitial deliveries are slated to be carried out in April next year, while the entire aircraft fleet is scheduled for delivery prior to the contract completion date in August next year.
The KDF’s new MD 530F Cayuse Warrior helicopter fleet will be fitted with advanced equipment and technology such as a weapons management system, mission configurable armament system (MCAS), fixed-forward sighting system, in addition to an enhanced communication system which includes the Harris RF-7850A tactical radio and the Rockwell Collins HF-9000D.
To be delivered with a full US Army-awarded Airworthiness Release (AWR), the armed aircraft variant will also be fitted with a 62mm ballistic armour protection, 0.50 calibre HMP 400 machine gun pods and M260 7-shot rocket pods.
