Boeing to Sell Helicopter Unit to RDM

Boeing Co. said it will sell its light-helicopter unit to RDM Holding Inc., shedding one of the businesses it inherited in its purchase of McDonnell Douglas Corp. The price was not disclosed. The unit makes the MD-500, MD-600N and MD Explorer helicopters, used by customers such as the U.S. Border Patrol. Closely held RDM, a diversified manufacturer based in Europe, plans to build a new facility to make the aircraft in Mesa, Ariz., the site of Boeing’s plant. Separately, Seattle-based Boeing said it won a $345-million order for eight 737-700 jetliners from Panama-based COPA Airlines, the first carrier in Central America to order the model. Boeing shares fell 25 cents to close at $33.44 on the New York Stock Exchange.