Products
Phoenix Heliparts to do first conversion of an MD 500E to an MD 530FF
February 24, 2009 By Administrator
Feb. 24, 2009 – MD Helicopters, Inc (MDHI) today announced that Phoenix Heliparts, part of the Heli-Mart Inc. family, will be licensed to do MD 500E to MD 530FF conversions and that Wilson Construction has placed an order at the Heli-Expo for the first such modification.
MD Helicopters, Inc (MDHI) today announced that Phoenix Heliparts, part of the Heli-Mart Inc. family, will be licensed to do MD 500E to MD 530FF conversions and that Wilson Construction has placed an order at the Heli-Expo for the first such modification.
Phoenix Heliparts recognized that economically upgrading the MD 500E to the performance of an MD 530FF could benefit many operators. The conversion is done by modifying the original helicopter to install a Rolls Royce 250-C30 engine. The upgrade will provide an additional 200 SHP in performance, enabling the operator to consider alternate missions due to increased payload. Historically, the MD 530FF has been an exceptional performer in ‘high and hot’ environments and this new conversion option will provide MD 500E in service operators with an option to achieve these performance standards.
Included in the replacement process are longer main rotor blades, and extended tail boom, and new tail rotor blades. Phoenix Heliparts will perform a complete and thorough inspection of the MD 500E to validate and conform the aircraft to the current factory design.
Phoenix Heliparts will be the first MD Service Center licensed to make the conversions.
Wilson construction builds power lines and owns five other aircraft. This will be their first MD 530 FF.
Commenting on today’s announcement, Tina Cannon, President of Phoenix Heliparts said, “We are thrilled to have this opportunity to do the first E to FF conversion for MD Helicopters. We think this is a logical, cost effective way to provide more power, more speed and great hot and high capability while maintaining the superior characteristics of the MD 500 series aircraft. It is also a clear indication of MD continued capabilities in the marketplace and the continued revitalization of a leading manufacturer in the industry.
For more information about the MD 500E to MD 530FF conversion, come to the Phoenix Heliparts Booth Number 818 at the Heli-Expo 2009 in Anaheim, California where an actual conversion of the Pima County Sheriff’s aircraft is on display.
About MD Helicopters, Inc.
MD Helicopters, Inc., is a leading manufacturer of commercial and military helicopters. The MDHI family of rotorcraft is world renowned for its value, versatility and performance. The MD Helicopters family includes the twin-engine MD Explorer®, and single engine versions of the MD 600N®, MD 520N®, MD 500E® and MD 530F®. The NOTAR® system for anti-torque control is used exclusively by MD Helicopters. The Company is based in Mesa, Ariz. For more information about MDHI visit http://www.mdhelicopters.com .
About Patriarch Partners, LLC
Patriarch Partners is a vertically integrated private equity firm with robust in-house operational turn-around expertise. Founded in 2000, Patriarch was built upon a patented financial model designed to manage and monetize the distressed portfolios of financial institutions. Patriarch has since evolved into a global investment firm that concentrates on direct investments in and the transformation of complex businesses, building large industry platforms. Patriarch manages funds with over $6 billion of equity and secured loan assets with equity investments in more than 65 companies, and controlling interests in approximately two-thirds of these. For more information, please visit www.patriarchpartners.com .
