Thales’ FZ220 Rocket Launcher Completes Qualification for MD 530G Helicopter

20 April 2018

FZ220 is a lightweight composite material high-drag, straight cylindrical 7-tube reusable launcher designed for helicopter use. The FZ220 is equipped with removable universal dual purpose FZ125 detent mechanism enabling to fire FFAR and WA rockets. (photo : FZ)

Thales Belgium’s FZ220 rocket launcher has completed its qualification process for MD Helicopters Inc’s (MDHI’s) MD 530G light attack helicopter.

The development follows comprehensive live-fire trials carried out in March at the US Army’s Yuma Proving Ground (YPG) facility in Arizona, Thales announced on 17 April at the Defence Services Asia 2018 (DSA 2018) exhibition in Kuala Lumpur.

MD530G of the Malaysian Army (photo : Bryan Suits)

The munitions fired during the trials consisted of the FZ275 70 mm laser-guided rocket (LGR) and of unguided ammunition using the FZ90 rocket motor. The warheads fitted to the munitions were not revealed.

The company pointed out that the qualification comes as “McDonnell Douglas is helping modernise the light helicopter fleet for multiple countries across the globe”, including Malaysia, which ordered six MD 530G platforms in 2016.

(Jane's)