MD Helicopters, Inc (MDHI) announced that it has received Type Certificate No. CT284 for its light twin engine helicopter, the MD Explorer® from Interstate Aviation Committee (IAC) Aviation Register (AR), Russian Federation.

The Certification project commenced in 2007 and culminated with approval this past December. As part of the vigorous process, 15 Engineers from the IAC AR (Equivalent of our FAA) spend two weeks at MD Helicopters facilities in Mesa, Arizona gathering compliance data and reviewing technical information on the MD 900. The Explorer was also evaluated by a Russian Test Pilot and MD Helicopters developed a special 90-page Flight Manual supplement to meet Russian requirements. Three FAA engineers were also present to provide oversight of the validation project.

"The Russian Certification of the MD Explorer opens a new market for our light twin helicopter," said Lynn Tilton, CEO of MD Helicopters, Inc. "We think the opportunities in Russia are myriad and we plan to certify the remainder of the fleet in the near future."

The MD Explorer is powered by two Pratt and Whitney Canada PW207E engines and features a fully articulated main rotor system, bearingless composite flexbeams and rotor hub. Anti-torque control is provided by the patented NOTAR™ system that reduces pilot workload and external noise levels, while significantly improving safety in confined areas and on offshore platforms.

The six-place MD Explorer® rear cabin is the largest in the light twin class and is accessed through two 52 inch (1.32m) sliding cabin doors and a large baggage compartment. Energy absorbing, stroking cabin seats meet stringent FAR Part 27.562 requirements up to 30g at 30 feet per second. The large cabin makes the MD Explorer® ideally suited for rapid role change from an Offshore/Onshore six-place passenger transport to Emergency Medical Services or Law Enforcement missions. Large selections of optional equipment have been fully qualified to meet various operational requirements. A heavy-duty cargo hook permits 3,000-pound (1360-KG) external load operations.

MD Helicopters delivered its first MD Explorer to the Russian Company Aerosuz last month.

Lynn Tilton, Chief Executive Officer, MD Helicopters, Inc. said, "The Russians were very demanding in their analysis of the aircraft with the request for metrics and analytics that commenced prior to their arrival and continued during and after their visit. I was proud of the performance of both team and product during this process and I am thrilled that this market is now open to us. "