SHAH ALAM: A few months back I wrote about the industry preparing for a tender for the maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) for the Army’s six MD530G light scout attack helicopters. Today, the Procurement Division of the Defence Ministry issued a 22-day long tender process to find the bidder to maintain the MD530G armament system.
The winning bidder will also supply the spare parts and provide the technical support for the armament system. I believed the PUTD MD530G is fitted with Moog Weapon Stores Management System (SMS).
The SMS is installed to manage and control the helicopter’s weapon systems. It consists of a Stores Management Computer (SMC), two Stores Interface Units (SIUs), two Lightweight Rocket Interface Units (RIUs), a Multi-Function Display (MFD), and a Stores Control Panel (SCP). The MFD and SCPs are installed on the cockpit panel, while the other systems are incorporated in the cargo compartment.
The helicopter is also configured with a lightweight Mace Extended Range Weapons Wing (ER2W) with four-station weapons mounting structure. It can carry more than 1,300lb of weapons and ammunition. The helicopter is also equipped with combat-proven L-3 Wescam MX-10 and MX-10D EO / IR tactical surveillance systems in a single line replaceable unit (LRU) configuration. A Scorpion Helmet-mounted cueing system, developed by Thales, is also fitted to the helicopter.
As for the weapons, the LSAH is fitted with the FN Heavy Machine Gun Pod HMP-400 which features a 12.7mm FN M3P machine gun with a rate of fire of around 1,100 rounds per minute. The helicopter is also equipped with a Rocket Machine Gun Pod (RMP), also from FN Herstal, effective against both guided and unguided rockets. The RMP combines a 12.7mm FN M3P machine gun and Nato Standard 70mm three-tube rocket launcher into a single weapon mount.
It is also fitted with the Thales 70mm seven shot rocket launcher and Dillon Aero’s 7.62mm M134D-H (Hybrid) mini-Gatling gun, with a 3,000 rounds of ammo magazine.
It must be noted that PUTD has been issuing ad-hoc tenders and quotation notices to repair and maintain the armament system and weapons on the LSAH since its introduction in 2022.
I am guessing here but it is likely that the company which wins this tender will be in the front seat for the MRO contract for the six helicopters. It may not be this year but soon.
— Malaysian Defence
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View Comments (40)
The WMS is a TekFusion ARES, which is a primary differentiator between the MD530G and the MD530F
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GWIzC6BbAAAC__y.jpg
For commonality, this WMS could also be installed on PUTD future Blackhawks (if it is to be fully owned by PUTD, as this is a weapon system)
I believe the FA-50 will also be using the THALES Scorpion HMD (The Scorpion HMD will be a feature of the FA-50PL). There is some background history about this HMD with a malaysian defence company. Integrating the THALES Scorpion HMD (to the rest of the THALES Avionics) for MKM would also be a good replacement for the current SURA-K.
Bahrain getting 24 AH1W Supercobras under EDA and paying just USD350m for their refurbishment under FMS...good deal
Unfortunately we are allergic to used stuff. We could already have our Blackhawks for PUTD if we go for US EDA from the start.
Use them for 10-15 years then replace with Bell V-280 Valor in 2040.
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GMNixFhacAAcRay.jpg
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FjXU47xUUAEhvKI.jpg
Because we are allergic to FMS deal.
Buying the used helicopter itself is just a small part.
cronies, i mean local contractors can still take up the sustainment/maintenance/servicing part. Or is it servicing margins are tiny compared to selling/leasing stuff?
There will be a big fight to get the maintenance contract, that is why I believed, PUTD, started the WMS first. Margins will be big as there is no longer agents selected to stock parts.
That was one of the reason they cancelled the M109 deal as the upgrade and sustainment was supposed to be done Deftech.
... - ''Unfortunately we are allergic to used stuff. ''
Depends what ''used stuff''..... You're seeing things in a vacuum. Some ''used stuff'' we should get; others we shouldn't. Used jets for example tend to get expensive after they age; irrespective of being in good condition and low houred. This is the issue with the Hornets; not getting them which is the easy part. I'll also point out - again - that by and large we don't have a positive experience with used stuff.
... - ''replace with Bell V-280 Valor in 2040.''
So you're convinced but there is no firm indication it will be available then; if we can afforded it or if it will be exported. A the moment there's lots of hype about it but it remains to be seen how things turn out on paper.
Hope in the future we will acquired the laser guided version of 70mm rocket
" You’re seeing things in a vacuum "
I am specifically talking about blackhawks here. Azlan as usual will go off tangent.
" there is no firm indication it will be available then; if we can afforded it or if it will be exported "
No firm indication? Below is the V-280 current plans.
https://www.defensenews.com/land/2024/08/02/armys-long-range-tiltrotor-aircraft-moves-to-next-development-phase/
User test 2027-28
Low rate production 2028
First army unit equipped with V-280 2031
It will be available for FMS sales.
So in less than 10yeara it will be in full operational readiness. A reason why buying brand new 40year old helicopter design now would not be a great proposition.
"This is the issue with the Hornets"
TUDM chiefs arent convinced...
There's really little guarantees that the valor won't go the way of the osprey.
Which is probably why OZ had bought while UK is in the process of buying a traditional helo and would utilise it for the next 30 years.