At this week’s Army Aviation Mission Solutions Summit in Nashville, MD Helicopters is displaying its recently announced 969 twin attack helicopter equipped with a custom, seven-shot Common Launch Tube (CLT) System designed by Systima Technologies. “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,” said MD CEO Lynn Tilton.
The MD 969 CLT system will be able to deploy a range of guided munitions, sensors and small UAS/UAVs. It also can be configured with up to seven lightweight AGM-176 Griffin missiles, a range of munitions, and tactical off-board sensors (TOBS) including those for ground and sonobuoys. The 969’s 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 onboard sensors are insufficient, MD said.
“The CLT is part of a flexible, roll-on/roll-off launch system that is easily integrated into existing platforms,” said Systima president Tom Prenzlow. “The highly capable launcher has already allowed SOCOM [the U.S. Special Operations Command] forces to rapidly field a wide range of precision weapons and sensors necessary to support their people.”
MD began promoting the 969 last month as a potential entry in the Army’s upcoming Future Attack and Reconnaissance Aircraft (FARA) competition.