Three “Little Birds” Join the Salvadoran Air Force

The three helicopters were shown to Salvadoran media.

Ambassador Mari Carmen Aponte and Salvadoran Minister of Defense Gen. Atilio Benítez Parada presided over a donation ceremony on October 16 for three MD-500E helicopters, also known as Little Birds.

The donation, valued at $9.7 million, includes the three helicopters plus a complete maintenance and spare parts package. The Salvadoran Air Force will use the helicopters to carry out surveillance flights, rescue missions, and to support the ongoing fight against drug trafficking and organized crime.

MD-500Es are compact, high capacity helicopters capable of lifting up to 1,535 pounds. Their cockpit has space for a pilot, a copilot and two passengers.