MD Helicopters enhances MD 969 twin attack helicopter with 7-shot Common Launch Tube system.

MD Helicopters, Inc. (MDHI) will feature an enhanced combat aircraft – its MD 969 Twin Attack Helicopter – at the 2019 Army Aviation Mission Solutions Summit (formerly AAAA), April 14 – 16, 2019, at the Gaylord Opryland Hotel & Casino in Nashville, TN. First introduced just last month at the annual HAI Heli-Expo in Atlanta, Georgia, MDHI has enhanced the military capabilities of its twin engine MD 969 with the addition of a custom, 7-shot Common Launch Tube (CLT) System designed by Systima Technologies.

MD 969 Twin Attack Helicopter (Picture source: MD Helicopters)

“Powerful, agile and elegant, the MD 969 is first and foremost an advanced twin-engine light attack helicopter that delivers impressive endurance, speed, maneuverability, and unmatched safety,” said Lynn Tilton, Chief Executive Officer for MD Helicopters, Inc. “With the integration of this innovative and adaptable Common Launch Tube System – a capability not currently offered on any light attack helicopter – the MD 969 will be a true force multiplier; creating the performance and capability benchmark for future twin-engine light attack helicopter advancements.”

Able to deploy a range of guided munitions, sensors and small UAS/UAVs, the MD 969 CLT System can be configured with up to 7 lightweight AGM-176 Griffin missiles, making it one of the deadliest, precision-strike attack helicopters in its class. Subsequent CLT payloads, including a range of munitions and tactical off-board sensors (TOBS), will further expand the operational profile of the MD 969 Twin Attack Helicopter.

“The CLT is part of a flexible, roll-on/roll-off launch system that is easily integrated into existing platforms,” said Tom Prenzlow, President, Systima Technologies, Inc. “The highly capable launcher has already allowed SOCOM forces to rapidly field a wide range of precision weapons and sensors necessary to support their people. We’re excited to be working with MD Helicopters to bring this level of mission flexibility to the MD 969 Twin Attack Helicopter.”

In addition to precision munitions like the Griffin, the Systima Common Launch Tube System will also allow MD 969 operators to launch ground sensors and sonobuoys, as examples, thereby expanding operational capabilities related to border patrol and piracy prevention. The ability to launch small UAS/UAV will provide increased situational awareness for both ground and air-based warfighters when line of sight is obstructed or on-board sensors are insufficient. This functionality will be a game-changer for light attack helicopter operations.

The MD 969 CLT System can be configured with up to 7 lightweight AGM-176 Griffin missiles (Picture source: MD Helicopters)