Kenya to receive MD 530F Cayuse Warrior scout helicopter soon

September 18, 2019September 18, 2019 Military Africa kenya

MD Helicopters Inc (MDHI) is set to begin delivering the six MD 530F Cayuse Warrior scout and light-attack Kenya ordered for in 2018.

The Kenya Air Force plans to re-equip the army’s 50th Air Cavalry Battalion with the six MD 530F Cayuse Warrior scout and light-attack helicopters. As part of a wider efforts for a renewed fight against al-Shabaab and also in support of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM).

One of six MDHI MD 530F light attack helicopters for Kenya seen at the manufacturer’s facility in Mesa, Arizona, ahead of delivery. Source: MDHI

The MD 530F Cayuse Warrior Scout Attack Helicopter is an evolution of the OH-6 Cayuse light observation helicopter, it MD 530F is fast, agile and has the ability to operate in complex environment

Regarding Kenya’s order, the MD 530F helicopters will be fitted with advanced feature and weapons Systems including; FN Herstal Weapons Management System; the DillonAero Mission Configurable Armament System (MCAS); the DillonAero fixed-forward sighting system; 62 mm ballistic armour protection; FN Herstal 12.7 mm HMP 400 machine gun pods; and M260 seven-shot pods for 70 mm rockets.

For enhanced communication, they will be fitted with Harris RF-7850A and the Rockwell Collins HF-9000D radios.

In September, 2018 the Kenyan Air Force acquired four (or more) AS350 Ecureuil helicopters from UAE. Photos posted on Twitter shows four recently delivered AS350 Ecureuil (Fennec) helicopters.