Indian Air Force Signs €560 Million Contract For 12 AW101
Source: AgustaWestland, 11 Mar, 10
AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, is pleased to announce that a contract has been signed by the Government of India for the acquisition of twelve AW101 helicopters that will perform government transport duties. The contract, valued at around € 560 million, includes an extensive five year logistic support service and initial aircrew and technician training. Over 180 [...]
US Faces Helicopter Shortage in Afghanistan
Source: AOL News, 11 Mar, 10
U.S military was reportedly so desparate for helicopters in December that, even after scouring the marketplace for private companies to provide the needed aircraft, it could only find one firm able to offer the necessary cargo helicopters.
HeliHub.com provides news via Google Buzz for GMail users
Source: HeliHub.com, 10 Mar, 10
As part of the continued expansion of HeliHub.com, all of our news articles are now available on the Google Buzz platform. Seen initially as a cross between Facebook and Twitter, Buzz is fast carving out its own niche in the social networking world. Google’s launch of Buzz was not without its controversy, but has now [...]
Rolls-Royce awarded $75M contract for V-22 Osprey engine support
Source: Rolls-Royce, 10 Mar, 10
Indianapolis, IN — Rolls-Royce, the global power systems company, has been awarded a $75 million MissionCare™ contract by the U.S. Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR). Under the eleven-month contract, which includes four option years, logistics support will be provided for the Rolls-Royce AE 1107C-Liberty engines that power the U.S. Marine Corps’ MV-22 Osprey and U.S. [...]
Bell to Modify Final 30 Aircraft in OH-58D Safety Enhancement Program
Source: Bell, 10 Mar, 10
FORT WORTH, TEXAS (Mar. 9, 2010) – Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, announced today that it has been awarded a contract by the U.S. Army to modify the final 30 OH-58D aircraft under the Kiowa Warrior Safety Enhancement Program (SEP).
These 30 aircraft will form Lot 13 of the Kiowa Warrior SEP program. [...]
AgustaWestland reveals 2009 results
Source: Rotorhub, 8 Mar, 10
AgustaWestland saw new orders for helicopters fall by nearly 40 % in 2009, the company’s results have revealed.
British Sea King helicopter pilot receives Distinguished Flying Cross
Source: Yeovil Express, 5 Mar, 10
LIEUTENANT Commander Gavin Simmonite, of RNAS Yeovilton, was last week presented with the Distinguished Flying Cross by the Queen during a ceremony at Windsor Castle. (Photo Crown Copyright/MoD)
EADS North America delivers 100th UH-72A Lakota to the US Army
Source: EADS North America, 5 Mar, 10
Arlington, Virginia and Columbus, Mississippi, March 04, 2010
Latest milestone marks another accomplishment for one of the most successful acquisition programs in U.S. Army aviation history
EADS North America delivered its 100th UH-72A Lakota Light Utility Helicopter to the U.S. Army today, marking another on-time and on-budget achievement for a highly successful program that supports America’s warfighters [...]
UK showcases Mi-17 training work with Afghan crews
Source: Flightglobal, 4 Mar, 10
The UK Ministry of Defence has lifted the veil on a previously secretive helicopter training service being provided to future Afghan national security force pilots.
S92 cabin manufacture moving from Japan to India
Source: Express Buzz, 3 Mar, 10
“The Japan plant, which produced more than 100 cabins so far, will stop production from now on,” AJS Walia, the Managing Director (India & South Asia) for Sikorsky said
British Army to extend Lynx upgrade, review training system
Source: FlightGlobal, 3 Mar, 10
he British Army’s remaining Lynx AH9 utility helicopters will be modified to AgustaWestland’s improved AH9A configuration, following MoD approval to extend the effort to all 22 aircraft.
Chile earthquake response includes two UH-60s from Brazil
Source: Milenio, 3 Mar, 10
The Brazilian government sent two UH-60 helicopters to Chile to help victims of the earthquake of 8.8 Richter scale
Elbit wins Boeing Excellence Award for Apache Integrated Helmet and Display Sight System
Source: Elbit Systems, 3 Mar, 10
FORT WORTH, TEXAS, March 3, 2010 – Elbit Systems of America, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Elbit Systems Ltd. (NASDAQ: ESLT) has been awarded the Silver Level of recognition by The Boeing Company for superior performance in 2009.
Elbit Systems of America, Service and Support Solutions’ (International Enterprises, Inc.) repair facility in Warner Robins, Georgia [...]
HeliHub.com adds gallery on Flickr for website user photos
Source: HeliHub.com, 3 Mar, 10
HeliHub.com continues its expansion with the addition of a gallery on the popular image bank website Flickr.com
The Flickr gallery provides users of HeliHub.com the opportunity to upload their own photos, and over time this will become a very valuable resource. In time, HeliHub.com will utilise this gallery to provide imagery on the website itself to [...]
Malaysia looking for 6 to 12 attack helicopters
Source: New Straits Times, 3 Mar, 10
Army chief Gen Tan Sri Muhammad Ismail Jamaluddin said Malaysia is looking at procuring attack helicopters for the purpose of tank-hunting and to destroy enemy radars, bunkers and troop formations
Philippines orders eight W3A Sokols from PZL
3 Mar, 10
Philippine Air Force chief Lt. Gen. Oscar Rabena told reporters the eight W-3A Sokol helicopters would cost P3 billion or roughly P375 million each
Poland to acquire five more Mi-17 helicopters for Afghanistan ops
Source: Polish Ministry of Defence, 3 Mar, 10
Defense Minister Bogdan Klich has announced the completion of the tender to purhase an additional five helicopters Mi-17 designed to strengthen the Polish Military Contingent in Afghanistan.
The tender winner was Metalexport company whose bid has been set at 313 million złoty (around US$106M). The tender was carried out the “same but cheaper” principle adopted in [...]
Australia cautiously defend NH90 choice after German criticism
Source: Sydney Morning Herald, 2 Mar, 10
Problems cited include limited clearance for getting in and out, rear ramp too weak, seats unable to accommodate soldiers weighing >110kg and no room for a door gunner.
Osprey desployment to Okinawa may throw wrench in MCAS Futenma relocation
Source: Mainichi Daily News, 2 Mar, 10
The environmental assessment of the area around Camp Schwab, Okinawa may need to restart after officials hinted MV-22 Osprey could be deployed to the new base.
Technology gives Apache Block III more capability
Source: US Army, 2 Mar, 10
The U.S. Army is leveraging cutting-edge technologies from its Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) to give the Block III Apache aircraft increased power, lift, maneuverability and hard-landing ability, service officials said.
The Army S & T community, a subset of the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics and Technology (ASA ALT), has been [...]
Adelaide company Mincham Aviation wins first contract for Chinook parts
2 Mar, 10
SOUTH Australia-based Mincham Aviation has won a key contract to supply parts for international defence giant Boeing’s globally-used helicopters, the CH-47 Chinooks.
Boeing offers to assemble Chinooks in Britain
Source: Financial Times, 2 Mar, 10
Boeing makes Chinooks in Philadelphia and is due to deliver 10 of the 22 new ones direct from the US during the course of 2012 and 2013. It has now offered to shift final assembly for half the order to Britain.
Russian helicopter production up 8.3% in 2009
Source: Russian Helicopters, 1 Mar, 10
The Russian helicopter industry continued to increase its output in 2009: Russian Helicopters enterprises produced 183 helicopters for local and international customers, increasing the total by 14 compared to 2008. The 8.3% growth was made possible through a joint effort by all Russian rotorcraft industry specialists.
The deliveries breakdown stayed similar to that of 2008: 105 [...]
Luminator to supply LS16 Searchlight for US Army’s UH-72A Lakota
Source: Luminator, 1 Mar, 10
Luminator is selected to provide its LS16 Searchlight on the U.S. Army’s UH-72A Lakota Light Utility Helicopter for Security and Support missions.
From Luminator’s initial design stage our objective for the LS16 searchlight is to improve flight safety, integrate the latest technology, improve reliability, simplify assembly, and lower maintenance cost. The search light uses solid-state electronics, [...]
Kaman cuts composite blade development time by approx 80% with FiberSIM® Software
Source: Vistagy, 28 Feb, 10
VISTAGY, Inc., a leading provider of industry-specific engineering software and services, today announced that Kaman Helicopters, a division of Kaman Aerospace Corporation (NASDAQ-GS: KAMN) has entered into an agreement to license FiberSIM® composites engineering software. The software will be used to streamline the design-to-manufacturing process for large composite helicopter blades by providing early visibility into [...]
Latvia, Lithuania oppose possible selling of Mistral helicopter ship to Russia
Source: ITAR-TASS, 28 Feb, 10
“The European Union and NATO should sell armaments and military hardware to countries, which do not pose the risk of regional tensions,” Latvian Defense Minister Imants Liegis said. “Before concluding strategic deals, EU member countries should hold internal consultations on items that may call into question the security of other members,” he noted.
US to expand Yemen’s air forces with ten Mi-17s to counter al Qaeda
Source: Reuters Alertnet, 27 Feb, 10
The United States plans to provide Yemen with helicopters, transport equipment and training to expand its air and ground offensive against al Qaeda, a Pentagon document showed on Thursday.
Russia to supply Mi-24 gunships to Lebanon
Source: Ya Libnan, 27 Feb, 10
Lebanese President Michel Suleiman returned Friday from a two-day official visit to Moscow and announced that Russia had agreed to provide his country with Mi-24 helicopters
Helicopter parts bribery case potentially linked to Algeria police chief murder
Source: Al-Jazeera, 27 Feb, 10
Several newspapers said an inquiry ordered by [the late police chief] Tounsi into bribery allegations involving helicopter parts suppliers had implicated Woustache. “The perpetrator did not accept the conclusions of this inquiry,” the Arabic-language Echorouk daily said
U.S. Helicopter completing $14 million government contract
Source: Dothan Eagle, 27 Feb, 10
Company officials said workers spent about a year converting a former U.S. Army UH-1 Huey airframe into a Bell Huey II for the U.S. Customs and Border Protection
Selex Galileo’s sonic system OTS-90 successfully showcased in Sydney on board the NH-90
Source: Selex Galileo, 27 Feb, 10
SELEX Galileo’s sonic system OTS-90 was demonstrated successfully during recent flight trials performed in Australia.
In a demo flight during the PAC2010 Exhibition, the helicopter NH90 (NHF) deployed the sonic sensor for a dip just in front of the Sidney Opera House (see picture).
SELEX Galileo’s OTS-90 is an integrated system combining dipping sonar and sonobuoys. The [...]
Northrop Grumman’s Fire Scout Deploys Unmanned Ground Vehicles
Source: Northrop Grumman, 27 Feb, 10
Northrop Grumman Corporation’s (NYSE:NOC) Fire Scout Vertical Unmanned Aircraft System (VUAS) demonstrated how the U.S. Army and other land forces could rely on its ability to ferry unmanned ground vehicles (UGV) and other logistics items into combat zones during the Army’s recent Expeditionary Warrior Experiment (AEWE) at Fort Benning, Ga.
Fire Scout demonstrated how the soldier [...]
Boeing Signs Au$44M Contract Expansion for Australian Army Rotary Wing Support
Source: Boeing, 27 Feb, 10
Boeing [NYSE: BA] has signed an AU$44 million change proposal with the Commonwealth of Australia to increase the scope of the Army Aviation Training and Training Support (AATTS) contract.
Awarded the contract in 2007, Boeing subsidiary Boeing Defence Australia has been supporting the Australian Army’s Black Hawk and Kiowa helicopters with pilot, aircrew and technician training, [...]
Swedish Helicopter units prepare for worldwide operations
Source: Rotorhub, 27 Feb, 10
The first Swedish AgustaWestland AW109s – locally designated Hkp15 – have been modified in Italy ready for anti-piracy operations in Africa.
Night Flight Concepts and Gladstone Aerospace Announce New NVG Capability in Canada
Source: Night Flight Concepts, 26 Feb, 10
Night Flight Concepts (NFC) of Port Saint Lucie, FL, a leading provider of comprehensive night vision technology (NVT) solutions and Gladstone Aerospace Corporation (GAC) a leading solution provider to the aerospace, defense and security (ADS) markets based in Ottawa, ON today announced they are working together to deliver a new Night Vision Goggle (NVG) inspection, [...]
Enstrom Wins Royal Thai Army Training Program
Source: Enstrom, 26 Feb, 10
Enstrom Helicopter Corporation would like to announce that they will be providing 16 480B advanced turbine training helicopters for the Royal Thai Army. The 480B was selected in a competitive bidding process that included aircraft from 7 different major manufacturers. In October Enstrom hosted a delegation of officials from the Royal Thai Army led by [...]
Australian Government confirms naval tender is NH90 v MH-60R
Source: Australian Government, 25 Feb, 10
The Minister for Defence, Senator John Faulkner, today announced that the Government has given first pass approval for a major project to provide the Australian Defence Force with a new naval combat helicopter.
Project AIR 9000 Phase 8 is included in the Defence Capability Plan to provide naval warships with a new combat helicopter.
Senator Faulkner [...]
Australian Government confirms funding for seven CH-47F Chinooks
Source: Australian Government, 25 Feb, 10
The Minister for Defence, Senator John Faulkner, today announced that the Government has given second pass approval to a major project to acquire seven CH‑47F Chinook helicopters for the Australian Defence Force (ADF) at a cost of around $755 million.
“The Government has now approved the details of this procurement, announced in last year’s White Paper, [...]
Sikorsky X2 Aims for World Speed Record
Source: Aviation Week, 25 Feb, 10
The Sikorsky X2’s attempt to break the world speed record for rotorcraft later this year could determine the future path of helicopter development at the Connecticut-based company.
Lockheed Martin Awarded Apache M-TADS/PNVS Performance Based Logistics Follow-On Contract
Source: Lockheed Martin, 24 Feb, 10
The U.S. Army awarded Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] a follow-on Performance Based Logistics (PBL) contract to support the Target Acquisition Designation Sight/Pilot Night Vision Sensor (TADS/PNVS) and Modernized TADS/PNVS (M-TADS/PNVS) systems on the AH-64 Apache helicopter. The contract has a potential value of $90 million for 2010.
This is the third option for the original PBL [...]
Longbow LLC Awarded $86M to Support and Sustain UK Apaches
Source: Lockheed Martin, 24 Feb, 10
The LONGBOW Limited Liability Company, a joint venture of Lockheed Martin (NYSE:LMT) and Northrop Grumman (NYSE:NOC), was recently awarded an $86 million contract from AgustaWestland to support LONGBOW FCR systems on the United Kingdom Apache AH Mk-1 aircraft.
“The LONGBOW FCR is an essential element of U.K. Apache operations in Afghanistan,” said Jerry Garman, LONGBOW LLC [...]
German army complains NH90 is not sturdy enough
Source: Earth Times, 24 Feb, 10
The German army has complained that a new battlefield helicopter is too poorly-constructed for soldiers, with flimsy seats and thin floors easily dented by heavily armed men, it emerged Tuesday
Vector Aerospace receives Gold Boeing Performance Excellence Award
Source: Vector Aerospace, 23 Feb, 10
Vector Aerospace Component Services – UK (Vector – www.vectoraerospace.com ), one of the world’s leading independent providers of aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services today announced that it has received a 2009 Boeing Performance Excellence Award. The Boeing Company issues the award annually to recognise suppliers who have achieved superior performance. [...]
US Army Selects SRT Helicopters
Source: SRT Helicopters, 23 Feb, 10
SRT Helicopters, the world’s leading provider of high risk operational services and training, recently conducted a mountain flying and pre-deployment training course for the U.S. Army’s 12th Combat Aviation Brigade (12th CAB)
The Brigade’s Standardization Pilot found the SRT training to be very beneficial and very challenging. “Based on my personal experience with this course, I [...]
Boeing to Emphasize “Adaptability in a Changing Strategic Environment” at AUSA Winter Symposium & Expo
Source: Boeing, 22 Feb, 10
The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] will showcase a wide array of ground, aviation, support and technology solutions for the U.S. Army at the Association of the United States Army Winter Symposium & Exposition. Army modernization initiatives, unmanned systems, rotorcraft platforms, network-centric technologies and logistics-support programs will be highlighted at the company’s exhibit and in discussions [...]
AgustaWestland positive about ‘new’ VXX
Source: Key Aero, 22 Feb, 10
AgustaWestland’s Chief Executive Officer, Giuseppe Orsi, has welcomed the issuing of the US Presidential helicopter request for information (RfI)
Bell’s Garrison Calls 2009 “Challenging”
Source: Rotor & Wing, 22 Feb, 10
During his address to the media Saturday afternoon, John L. Garrison, president and CEO, Bell Helicopter said that the company enjoyed record operating earnings and cash generation under a “very challenging environment.”
Rolls-Royce forecasts global demand for 16,400 new turbine helicopters in next 10 years
Source: Rolls-Royce, 22 Feb, 10
Rolls-Royce, the global power systems company, which offers one of the broadest power ranges of helicopter turboshaft engines in the world, today forecast a market characterized by emerging near-term recovery followed by long-term growth. Over the ten year period, total helicopter deliveries are predicted to be more than 16,400 units as the market responds [...]
Asia orders boost Enstrom business
Source: AIN, 22 Feb, 10
Enstrom is finalising an order for 16 480Bs to the Royal Thai Army, and up to 30 to Japan’s Self Defense Force
Turbomeca announces Arriel 1D1 “Plus” – a technical upgrade with 3600 hour TBO
Source: Turbomeca, 22 Feb, 10
The time between overhaul (T.B.O.) of the Turbomeca Arriel 1D1 engine will be increased from 3,000 to 3,600 hours.
This extension of the T.B.O. is possible, first, thanks to customers’ feedback and enhanced customer communication which included the exchange of valuable experience from the field. Secondly, this extension is also due to engineering efforts engaged by [...]
PR games after MV-22 Osprey starts (another) grassfire…
Source: Next Navy, 22 Feb, 10
This week, an MV-22 Osprey released flares and, for the second time, started forest fire out on the East Coast.
US State Dept to Purchase up to 110 Sikorsky S-61T(TM) Helicopters for Use in Afghanistan
Source: Sikorsky, 22 Feb, 10
Sikorsky Aerospace Services announced today at Heli-Expo that the U.S. State Department has entered into an IDIQ (indefinite delivery-indefinite quantity) agreement to purchase up to 110 modernized S-61™ aircraft for passenger and cargo transport missions in support of its worldwide operations. Delivery of the first four modernized S-61™ aircraft will support missions for the U.S. [...]
Pall Teams with Carson Helicopters on S-61 Modernization Program
Source: Pall Corp, 22 Feb, 10
Pall Corporation (NYSE:PLL), a global leader in filtration, separation and purification, today announced that it has signed an agreement with Carson Helicopters, Inc. Pall will supply its Centrisep® engine advanced protection systems (EAPSs) to support a joint modernization program for the Sikorsky S-61 helicopter.
With approximately 620 aircraft in service today, the S-61 model is one [...]
Rolls-Royce selects Hamilton Sundstrand as exclusive provider for new small gas turbine FADEC
Source: Rolls-Royce, 22 Feb, 10
Rolls-Royce, the global power systems company, has selected Hamilton Sundstrand as the exclusive provider for a new small gas turbine FADEC (Full Authority Digital Engine Control) system. The FADEC is being developed for use on Rolls-Royce engines under 2000 shaft horsepower (shp).
Ken Roberts, President of the Rolls-Royce Helicopter Engine business, said: “This new FADEC will [...]
Rolls-Royce awarded U.S. Army contract for new M250 FADEC
Source: Rolls-Royce, 22 Feb, 10
Rolls-Royce, the global power systems company, has been awarded a multi-million dollar contract by the U.S. Army to design and develop a dual channel FADEC (full authority digital engine control) for the M250 powered OH-58 Kiowa Warrior helicopter.
Ken Roberts, President of the Rolls-Royce Helicopter Engine business, said: “The dual channel FADEC is an example of [...]
Rolls-Royce unveils restructured Model 250 FIRST network™
Source: Rolls-Royce, 22 Feb, 10
Rolls-Royce, the global power systems company, today unveiled a newly restructured Model 250 Full-service Integrated Rolls-Royce Support Team (FIRST) network, which offers full-capability repair and overhaul (R&O) support to the 4,000 plus operators of M250 turboshaft and turboprop engines operating around the world. The Model 250 FIRST network consists of thirty full-service engine and component [...]
LHTEC CTS800 reaches 50,000 in-service hours powering trio of first flights in 2009
Source: Rolls-Royce, 22 Feb, 10
The CTS800 engine, produced by Light Helicopter Turbine Engine Company (LHTEC), a 50:50 joint venture between Honeywell and Rolls-Royce, has surpassed 50,000 in-service flight hours primarily powering the AgustaWestland Super Lynx 300 and ShinMaywa US-2 aircraft. This significant milestone also includes time achieved while powering first flights on three different helicopter types in 2009.
The CTS800 [...]
Sikorsky Innovations Expected to Develop Mission-Adaptive Rotorcraft Under Prospective DARPA Contract
Source: Sikorsky, 22 Feb, 10
Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. announced today that its Sikorsky Innovations group has been selected by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) for a contract to develop active rotor technologies that will allow aircraft to adapt to a changing environment and dynamically enhance performance. Sikorsky Aircraft is a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX).
Once [...]
Bell Academy Awarded Multi-Year Contract With the U.S. Government Service Administration
Source: Bell, 22 Feb, 10
Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, today announced the Bell Helicopter Training Academy has been awarded a five (5)-year contract with the U.S. Government Service Administration’s (GSA) Acquisition schedule. The academy’s entire course catalog has been added to the GSA schedule at Bell’s Fort Worth/Alliance location.
The GSA program streamlines the purchasing process for [...]
New Authorized Dealer for Australia and New Zealand signed by Vector Aerospace
Source: Vector Aerospace, 21 Feb, 10
Vector Aerospace Corporation (Vector) www.vectoraerospace.com,one of the world’s leading independent providers of aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services is pleased to announce the selection Mavana Air Support (Mavana) as its Authorized Dealer in Australia and New Zealand.
Now representing Vector’s Engine Services-Atlantic and Helicopter Services-North America divisions, Mavana offers customers in Australia and New Zealand [...]
Honeywell Announces completion of LTS101 upgrade flight tests
Source: Honeywell, 21 Feb, 10
Honeywell (NYSE: HON) announced today that flight testing of the LTS101 engine upgrade from Airwork New Zealand for the Eurocopter BK117 has been completed.
All flight testing has been completed and paperwork has been submitted to the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) of New Zealand. A Supplemental Type Certificate is anticipated shortly. This will be followed shortly [...]
Vector Aerospace establishes new business office near Fort Rucker
Source: Vector Aerospace, 21 Feb, 10
Vector Aerospace Helicopter Services-North America (Vector) www.vectoraerospace.com,one of the world’s leading independent providers of aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services has established a business office in Daleville, Alabama–adjacent to Fort Rucker Army Airfield in a strategic move to enhance support of existing and potential future maintenance, repair and overhaul support for the US Army [...]
Turbomeca’s Arriel logs 30 million hours flight
Source: Turbomeca, 21 Feb, 10
With over 60% global market share in its power segment (from 700 to 900 shp), the Arriel is today the engine of choice of 1,300 customers in 110 countries. Since 1977, the Arriel engine has been significantly contributing to the helicopter industry.
The 28 Arriel versions power modern and successful light and medium, single and twin-engines [...]
Sikorsky eyes helicopter deal with Indian Navy
19 Feb, 10
The firm is offering the S-70B through the direct commercial sale route. Simultaneously, the US Air Force has responded to the Indian Navy’s RFP for a $1 billion multi-role helicopter with the Lockheed Martin-Sikorsky MH-60R.
Northrop Grumman’s Fire Scout UAV Demonstrates Critical Resupply Capability
Source: Northrop Grumman, 19 Feb, 10
Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) has successfully demonstrated that its MQ-8B Vertical Unmanned Aerial System (VUAS) can resupply U.S. or coalition troops deployed on a combat mission.
The company conducted the autonomous proof-of-principle resupply capability during the current Army Expeditionary Warrior Experiment (AEWE) at Fort Benning, Ga. AEWE gives soldiers a first-hand look at emerging technologies and [...]
Sikorsky awards Cobham contract for CH-53K blades
Source: London Evening Standard, 18 Feb, 10
Defence group Cobham has won a contract to make components for US army helicopters, helping its American expansion plans.
UNAMID Hails Arrival of Tactical Helicopters from Ethiopia
Source: AllAfrica, 18 Feb, 10
The African Union-United Nations Mission in Darfur (UNAMID) have received five MI-35 tactical helicopters from Ethiopia. The helicopters arrived in Nyala, South Darfur, with 15 pilots and crew members onboard.
FlightSafety introduces heli-specific enhanced Vital X visual system
Source: FlightSafety, 18 Feb, 10
FlightSafety International introduces an enhanced version of its VITAL X Visual System designed specifically for use in helicopter training programs and simulators.
“FlightSafety will be demonstrating the enhanced VITAL X visual system during Heli-Expo 2010 in Houston, Texas from February 21-23. Attendees will be able to view newly created high resolution scenes developed specifically for Emergency [...]
Sikorsky Aircraft Launches Twitter Page
Source: Sikorsky, 18 Feb, 10
Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. today launched its own page on the Twitter social media Web site, reaching out to a broader audience to provide information on company news, products and services. Sikorsky is a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE:UTX).
Sikorsky’s new Twitter page can be found by visiting http://twitter.com/SikorskyAircrft
The page also can be accessed via [...]
New Zealand A109LUH makes its first flight
Source: Scoop, 17 Feb, 10
The first of the Royal New Zealand Air Force’s five new A109 helicopters has taken to the air in Italy.
India to get 12 VVIP AgustaWestland AW101s in four years
Source: Brahmand, 17 Feb, 10
AgustaWestland said it would be able to deliver the 12 VVIP choppers to the Indian Air Force within four years of signing the contract.
UK military in fresh talks with Boeing and AgustaWestland over Chinook order
Source: This is the West Country, 17 Feb, 10
MP David Laws today welcomed a commitment from Defence Secretary Bob Ainsworth to look at the potential for AgustaWestland to work with Boeing on the new order for 22 Chinook helicopters.
More setbacks in Sikorsky’s delivery of new helicopters to Canadian military
Source: Globe and Mail, 17 Feb, 10
There is one more twist in the seemingly never-ending saga of the replacement of Canada’s Sea King helicopters.
Ka226 in high-altitude tests ahead of Indian Army bid
Source: Press Trust of India, 17 Feb, 10
Russia has brought three of its Kamov-226 light multi-purpose helicopters to join trials in high altitude areas of Jammu and Kashmir for the Indian armed forces’ requirement for 197 such choppers.
“We have brought the Ka-226 helicopters for the high altitude trials that are going on at present. We are competing in the bids against Eurocopter [...]
Eurocopter bids for $8 billion in Indian defence contracts
17 Feb, 10
Eurocopter said Tuesday it was bidding for Indian military contracts worth up to eight billion dollars, including a deal scrapped in 2007 after it was awarded to the European helicopter maker.