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| MD Helicopters
is in the process of certifying all its products in China, where it
recently appointed a distributor, according to John Hannay, MD's Asia-Pacific
sales manager. "That's where we see the longer term development in Asia, he told Show News. Interest from potential Chinese operators has been high, with most interest so far for inspection of power lines and sightseeing along The Great Wall. But market growth will depend largely on the development of infrastructure that allows commercial operation of helicopters, he said. "Notwithstanding that, we have letters of interest and draft sales contracts related to general commercial use," Hannay said. "They like new technology, and the improved safety and lower noise from our NOTAR (no tail rotor) systems." |
Seagoing Explorers Eyed by Asia
Asian Aerospace 2000 -- Asia's naval operators have turned the spotlight on an armed version of the MD Explorer light twin helicopter for operation on their small patrol vessels.
While Kaman and Westland slug it out to fill the region's needs for anti-submarine and shipping patrol helicopters, the much lighter Explorer has snuck in as an attractive option at the bottom level.
"The US Coast Guard program with the Explorer has attracted the attention of a lot of naval operators out here," said John Hannay, MD's Asia-Pacific sales manager. "They see it as a light twin that fits small vessels, being composite makes it largely marinized, and NOTAR (no tail rotor) makes it safer and easier to fly off very small decks.
"It's a whole new pitch for us, and it could become a very important market segment."
The US Coast Guard leased two Explorers last March for a six month evaluation against drug smugglers, and liked them so much they renewed for a second six months. The aircraft are commercially certified, but specially equipped with a pintle-mounted M240 7.62mm machine gun and a precision target .50 caliber gun. Availability rates for shipboard operations consistently hit 98%.
The Mexican Navy is also using the Explorer. Its first four out of 10
delivered are already in operation on its frigates.
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