Houston, TX, February 24, 2008  –  Responding to resounding customer demand, MD Helicopters, Inc. today announced the re-launch of its legacy Main Rotor Blade. The new 525 M/R Blade shares the qualities and characteristics of the proven 523 M/R Blade. The newly designed 525 M/R Blade will have Titanium Root Fittings and an enhanced paint scheme to improve field inspections. It is manufactured by Phlight of Phancy (IAC) in Haslet, Texas and is based upon the platform of the MD Helicopters, Inc. original highly successful 523 design that was discontinued in 2000.

“We are listening and responding to the concerns and desires of our customers,” said Lynn Tilton, Chief Executive Officer of MD Helicopters, Inc. “This is one of the many upgrades and improvements to our product offering scheduled for 2008. We have asked our customers what improvements they seek ---what they need most--- and we are responding accordingly. Last year at Heli-Expo, many of our operators asserted the desire for a return to the flight characteristics of the 523 blade; the new 525 M/R Blade is designed and carefully constructed to closely match those characteristics.”

The introduction of the 525 M/R Blade will allow MD Helicopters, Inc to meet expanding production schedules and to also fulfill customer requests. MD Helicopters, Inc is, at present, conducting formal company flight evaluations and anticipates the new blade to be approved and available by mid-year.

Tilton said that the company will make additional blade enhancements for each of the Company’s products over the next few years.

For more information about the 525 M/R Blade come to the MD Helicopters, Inc booth number 143 each day of Heli-Expo taking place in Houston, Texas today, February 24 through Tuesday, February 26, 2008. Interested customers can also contact their nearest MD Helicopters, Inc sales representative. Go to http://www.mdhelicopters.com to find the MD Helicopters sales representative closest to you.

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About MD Helicopters, Inc.
MD Helicopters, Inc. is a leading manufacturer of commercial and military helicopters. The MD Helicopters family of rotorcraft is world renowned for its value, versatility and performance. The MD Helicopters family includes the twin-engine MD Explorer®, and single engine versions of the MD 600N®, MD 520N®, MD 500E® and MD 530F®. The NOTAR® system for anti-torque control is used exclusively by MD Helicopters. The company is based in Mesa, Arizona. For more information about MD Helicopters, Inc. visit http://www.mdhelicopters.com.

About Patriarch Partners
Patriarch Partners, LLC is a private equity and investment firm in New York, North Carolina and Texas. Patriarch provides innovative financial solutions, strategic direction and operational expertise to companies undergoing periods of pervasive change. Funds affiliated with Patriarch manage assets in excess of $6 billion and include majority and minority ownership positions in more than 67 companies.

Contact: Debbie Jones
(480) 346-6474
debbie@mdhelicopters.com