Mesa, Az., September 21, 2006   -   Chelton Flight Systems, a Cobham Avionics and Surveillance company, has been chosen to supply the Electronic Flight Instrument System (EFIS) for MD Helicopters' light singles program.

MD light helicopters will be available from the factory in late 2007 with 2 Chelton EFIS displays, a solid-state strap-down gyro AHRS (Attitude/Heading Reference Systems), an air data computer and a GPS/WAAS (Wide Area Augmentation System) receiver. The system also features a synthetic vision primary flight display, dual integrated head-up FMS, Class-B or -A helicopter TAWS (Terrain Awareness and Warning System), a master caution voice warning system, HITS (Highway-In-The-Sky navigation), a digital flight recorder, and Chelton's unique hover vector display. The system is NVG (Night Vision Goggle) friendly.

Chelton Flight Systems, in conjunction with Heritage Aviation in Grand Prairie Texas is beginning the STC process to certify Chelton EFIS retrofits on all existing MD light singles (MD 520N, MD 500E, MD 530F and the MD 600N). The twin-engine MD Explorer is currently flying with a four screen Chelton EFIS, and MDHI will offer it in VFR or IFR kit configurations.

"The MD light single helicopters incorporate new technology for high performance. Adding the Chelton EFIS will make them the most technically advanced helicopters in their class," said David Oglesbee, VP of Sales and Marketing for MD Helicopters. "The Chelton EFIS has been shown to enhance safety and minimize risk in complex missions, which our customers undertake daily."

"This is an example of market prediction," says Gordon Pratt, President of Chelton Flight Systems. "For example, the NTSB is calling for a TAWS mandate in medivac helicopters. Any helicopter with a Chelton EFIS will meet a TAWS mandate set forth in the future as well as protect the crews today."

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