MD Explorer

[HeliHub News]

Second Explorer for HeliServices Hong Kong

Hong Kong operator Heliservices will soon take delivery of their second MD Explorer. The aircraft has been bought from Swiss operator Fuchs Helicopter, leaving them without a twin-engined helicopter - at least in the short term. Heliservices is moving to a twin-engined fleet as their Lamas are gradually retired and the local CAA stopped them operating from the rooftop helipad on the Peninsula Hotel with single-engined helicopters.


HeliServices MD902 at Gloucester Staverton Airport on 21st April 2014

The helicopter has been prepared for Heliservices by Specialist Aviation Services at Gloucestershire Airport in the UK. The Explorer flew in there as HB-ZKE from Switzerland on 28th March and first appeared on the SAS ramp in its new livery on 21st April as B-HUM. The aircraft was first delivered from MD Helicopters to Fuchs in 2009.

HeliHub.com understands that there is at least one more Explorer to join the Heliservices fleet.

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Video from previous Explorer delivery

[Aviafora Newsdesk]

MDX Flight Deck To Be Upgraded

The next generation flight deck development program for the MD Explorer light-twin engine helicopter has achieved several significant milestones. Universal Avionics and MD Helicopters have completed final vendor selections for all peripheral avionics systems. Additionally, the engineering prototype helicopter that will be the conforming article for FAA ground and flight testing is currently undergoing major overhaul to meet certification standards.


The MDX flight deck is to upgraded with an avionics fit from Universal

“The Universal Avionics next generation flight deck development for the MD Explorer helicopter is advancing as expected,” said Grady Dees, Universal Avionics’ director of technical sales. “Universal Avionics is currently working on finalizing specifications for engine and [Close Air Support] CAS development as well as design and construction on the systems integration test rig that will be used for both integrated testing and for demonstration / human factors evaluations."

Universal Avionics is planning to make the next generation flight deck available for production and retrofit of any MD Explorer helicopter. This week, the Tucson, Ariz.-based avionics manufacturer is displaying a functional and interactive demonstration of the flight deck at Helitech International in Amsterdam.

"Our joint development with Universal of this Next Generation flight deck is sure to make this already iconic helicopter — known for its proprietary NOTAR technology and superior mission performance — the premier light-twin in our space,” said Bill James, MD Helicopters' chief technology officer.

http://www.aviationtoday.com/rw/tops...VD9cYmeSwnk​