DALLAS, TX, Feb. 27, 2006  -  One never knows what lies on the other side until one lands there. In sync with their respective long-term vision, MD Helicopters, Inc. (MDHI) and Kamatics Corporation have created a multi-year supplier agreement for 13 components used in the assembly of the MD Explorer®, MD 500E®, MD 530F®, MD 520N® and MD 600N® helicopters.

“These Kamatics components, while generally small in size, are critical to the operation of our helicopters. Reliability, safety and manufacturing excellence – those qualities that underscore Kamatics’ success – are that which we need to ensure the enduring operation of our customers’ helicopters,” said MDHI Chairman Lynn Tilton. Tilton, a frequent helicopter passenger (and troubleshooter!) before acquiring MDHI, adds, “The Kamatics business model is built upon customer concern and product quality, a model that MDHI promotes and one worthy of emulation by all companies that promise loyalty to the users of their equipment.”

Kamatics supplies main driveshaft and tail rotor self-lubricating, high performance Karon bearings and other components for each of MD Helicopters’ products.

“Kamatics is very encouraged by the recent developments at MD Helicopters. The new management team has impressed us with their commitment to us as an integral supplier. Following a very difficult period, we are now at a point where we are once again in production of much needed product to MDHI and their customers,” said Rob Paterson, Kamatics Vice President of Marketing. “MDHI has an impressive resumé of products that are recognized worldwide. We are pleased to be part of their reinvigorated team and predict an exciting and prosperous future.”

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About MD Helicopters:
MD Helicopters is a leading manufacturer of commercial and military helicopters. The MDHI family of rotorcraft is world renowned for their 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 the exclusive property of MD Helicopters. The Company is based in Mesa, Arizona.

About Patriarch Partners, LLC
Patriarch Partners, LLC is an investment firm in New York and Charlotte, North Carolina which together with its affiliates, provides portfolio management services and serves as investment advisor to multiple leveraged funds and a private equity fund. Founded in 2000 by Lynn Tilton, Patriarch provides innovative financial solutions, strategic direction and operational expertise to companies undergoing periods of pervasive change. Patriarch currently monitors credit facilities in respect to approximately $5 billion dollars of assets under its management, including  equity positions (majority and minority) in more than 65 companies. Lynn Tilton serves as Chairman of the Board of MDHI. Funds managed by Patriarch Partners own a majority and controlling interest in MDHI.

Contact: Kris Brown
MD Helicopters, Inc.
(480) 346-6254
kris.brown@mdhelicopters.com