Our History

History favors the bold and time reveals trust. As we approach 70 years in business, we’re moving boldly ahead to rebuild and sustain our legacy. Rooted in the vision of the iconic Howard Hughes, our long and winding backstory has produced innovative and distinctive lightweight performance designs trusted around the world by individuals and governments alike for their superior agility and rock-solid reliability.

2022

Out of Bankruptcy, Fully Established as MD Helicopters, LLC (MDH)

2022

2022

New Leadership Established With Brad Pedersen as President and CEO

An investment consortium led by MBIA Insurance Corp., Bardin Hill, and MB Global Partners has acquired the company and established new leadership with Brad Pedersen, experienced aerospace leader, as President & CEO. Pedersen is supported by a highly experienced Board of Directors comprised of aerospace & defense executives and significant financial expertise.

2022

March 2020

Alan Carr and Barry Sullivan join as Sole Director and Chief Financial Officer, respectively, becomes MD Helicopters, INC (MDHI)

March 2020

2019

MD 969 Twin Attack Helicopter Debuts

2019

2017

MDH is Awarded a 5-Year $1.4 Billion 150-Unit IDIQ for Armed Scout Attack Helicopters

2017

2016

Malaysia Ministry of Defence Becomes the Launch Customer for MD 530G

2016

2015

Armed MD 530F Cayuse Warrior is Delivered to Coalition Forces in Afghanistan

2015

2014

MD 530G Scout Attack Helicopter is Introduced

2014

2010

Patriarch Partners Acquires MDH

MD Helicopters Holdings Inc. is acquired by Lynn Tilton, founder and owner of Patriarch Partners, LLC, a family office/private investment firm.

2010

1999

RDM Holdings Purchases Boeing Commercial Helicopter Division Company

Boeing sells the former MD commercial helicopter lines to MD Helicopter Holdings Inc., an indirect subsidiary of the Dutch company, RDM Holding Inc.

1999

1997

McDonnell-Douglas Merges with Boeing

The new company becomes The Boeing Company.

1997

1984

McDonnell-Douglas Purchases Hughes Aircraft

After years of successfully manufacturing such models as the Hughes 269, 300, 500, and 530F for civilian use and TH-55 Osage, OH-6 Cayuse, and the highly successful AH 64-Apache, Hughes sells its helicopter business to McDonnell Douglas, which opens its Mesa facility at Falcon Field.

1984