The Atlanta Police Department last week signed a $10 million purchase agreement for two MD 530F helicopters and will enroll its 2001 model year MD 500E in MD Helicopters’ FAA-approved E-to-F conversion program. The new-production MD 530Fs will be delivered next year and the MD 500E will go through a three-month conversion process after the 530Fs are operational.
All three aircraft will be equipped with a tactical mapping system, an IR-capable camera system, a searchlight, and a downlink system. The helicopters will also feature a higher 3,350-pound gross weight, increased cruise speed, improved flight characteristics in confined areas, and lower direct operating costs compared to the older aircraft.
Updated from the MD 500E, the MD 530F delivers increased performance via a more powerful Rolls-Royce RR250-C30 engine, upgraded main rotor gearbox, and improved tail rotor drive shaft. The E-to-F conversion program upgrades the MD 500E to an MD 530F by replacing the engine, gearbox, and drive shaft, as well as adding new main and tail rotor blades.
“The purchase of two new MD 530Fs and the upgrade of our MD 500E converting it to an MD 530F will standardize and modernize our fleet, reducing risk, improving safety, and increasing operational efficiency at a low operating cost,” said Sgt. Chris Newman of the Atlanta Police Department Aviation Unit.