The following is a press release from MD Helicopters where they confirm the story we ran two weeks previously.  

MD Helicopters, LLC (MDH) is pleased to announce the Atlanta Police Department has signed a USD$10 million purchase agreement for two MD 530F helicopters. Additionally, the department signed an agreement to convert one of its MD 500E helicopters to an MD 530F through MDH’s FAA-approved E-to-F conversion program.

“The purchase of two new MD 530Fs and the upgrade of our MD 500E converting it to an MD 530F, will standardize and modernize our fleet, reducing risk, improving safety, and increasing operational efficiency at a low operating cost,” says Sgt. Newman of the Atlanta Police Department, Aviation Unit. “This will allow the helicopters to be airborne more frequently contributing to the department’s mission of creating a safer Atlanta.”

The two new MD 530F helicopters will be delivered in 2023. The MD 500E will remain in service until the 530Fs are operational. At that time the 500E will go through a three-month conversion process.

Updated from the MD 500E, the MD 530F model delivers increased operational capabilities, greater mission versatility, and superior performance with a more powerful RR250-C30 engine, upgraded main rotor gearbox, and upgraded tail rotor drive shaft. The E-to-F conversion program upgrades the MD 500E to an MD 530F by replacing the engine, gearbox, and drive shaft as well as adding new main and tail rotor blades.

All three Atlanta Police Department aircraft will feature a higher 3,350 lb gross weight, increased cruise speed, improved flight characteristics in confined areas, and lower direct operating costs compared to the older aircraft.

Each of the department’s technologically advanced MD helicopters will also include a tactical mapping system, an IR-capable camera system, a searchlight, and a downlink system.