D
Air ForcesUnited States

MD 530F Cayuse Warrior

Scout attack helicopterFielded 2011Pending verification

Also known as: MD530 Cayuse Warrior

Air ForcesUSA
MD 530F Cayuse Warrior
Photo: Staff Sgt. Perry Aston (USAF) · Public domain, Wikimedia Commons
Fact cardConfidence · Source
System
TypeScout attack helicopter
Alternative designationsMD530 Cayuse Warrior
Date of introduction2011
ProliferationOrigin country only
ManufacturerHughes Helicopters McDonnell Douglas Helicopter Systems MD HelicoptersMed[1]
Crew2Med[1]
Dimensions and weight
Height2.62 m9 ftMed[1]
Flight performance
Engine1 x 1 x Rolls-Royce 250-C30Med[1]
Thrust / power425 hpMed[1]
Rate of climb631 m/minMed[1]
Service ceiling5,700 m18,701 ftMed[1]
Endurance2.2 hoursMed[1]
Protection
Armor TypeKinetic Defense ballistic armor panelsMed[1]
Crew CabinThe crew cabin features a glazed nose for maximum forward visibility.Med[1]
NBC ProtectionYesMed[1]
Armament and payload
Hardpoints2 eaMed[1]
ArmamentHydra 70 RocketMed[1]
Fire control
RadioRhode & Schwarz M3AR tactical radio systemMed[1]
Transmitter/ReceiverHoneywell KY196 transmitter/receiver and KT76 transponder or a Rockwell Collins VHF-251 and TDR-950 transceiver and responderMed[1]
AntennasAviatech tactical communication antennasMed[1]
Direction FinderHoneywell KR-85 automatic direction finderMed[1]
Navigation SystemHoneywell dual KX175 navigation systemMed[1]
Night-Flying CapableYes, night-flying lightingMed[1]
GyroscopeAttitude and directional gyroscopesMed[1]
SightingDillon Aero mission configurable aircraft system and fixed forward sighting systemMed[1]
Variants
500D Scout DefenderArmed reconnaissance version[1]
500M DefenderMilitary export version of the 500 and 500C, built under license by Kawasaki in Japan (as the OH-6J)[7] and Breda Nardi in Italy.[1]
500M/ASW DefenderExport version for the Spanish Navy.[1]
NH-500M DefenderItalian-built version of the 500M Defender. Licensed by Breda Nardi before merge with Agusta.[1]
500MD DefenderMilitary version of the 500D. Korean Air's aerospace division from 1976 to 1984 with 200 choppers made. 50 were armed with TOW anti-tank missiles and 150 choppers used for transportation and support duties.[1]
500MD/ASW DefenderMaritime version of the 500MD Defender.[1]
500MD/TOW DefenderAnti-tank version of the 500MD Defender, armed with TOW anti-tank missiles.[1]
500MD/MMS-TOW DefenderAnti-tank version, fitted with a mast-mounted sight, armed with TOW anti-tank missiles.[1]
Weapons and payload options · 1Confidence · Source
Hydra 70 Rocket2.75-inch (70 mm) diameter fin-stabilized unguided rocket
Med[1]
Range
10.5 km7 mi · 6 nmi
Type
2.75-inch (70 mm) diameter fin-stabilized unguided rocket
Guidance
Unguided
Speed
739 m/s
Summary

An evolution of the fabled OH-6 Cayuse light observation helicopter and known for speed, safety, agility and the ability to operate with ease in confined spaces, the Armed MD530F Light Scout Attack Helicopter delivers increased operational capabilities, greater mission versatility and superior performance in the execution of a broad…

Draft entry. Values come from the cited public sources and are awaiting editor verification.
CompareShow on range mapJSON
Operators
United States
Sources
  1. MD 530F Cayuse Warrior American Scout Attack Helicopter, U.S. Army TRADOC G-2 Worldwide Equipment Guide (ODIN)
    Published/updated 2026-03-20 · Tier 1 · checked 2026-10-10
Change log
  • 2026-10-10 Entry created from the Worldwide Equipment Guide (ODIN), bulk import
  • 2026-10-10 Added photo (Public domain)