4-Aug-2015
Helicopter on low-level anti-drug operation crashed, reportedly having been shot at from the ground by an improvised mortar device. Initial reports said 15 fatal and 2 survivors, later raised to 16+2 List deceased includes – Assistant Superintendent Gualdrón Diego Rodriguez. Patrolman Jesus Antonio Polo. Patrullero Enrique Escobar. Patrolman Wilson Reyes Martinez. Patrullero Norberto Cáceres Baptist. ... Read more
3-Aug-2015Source: The Helicopter Museum
World Helicopter Day takes place on Sunday August 16th and to mark the occasion The Helicopter Museum in Weston-super-Mare is going to open up some of its more unusual exhibits, that have rarely been open to the public before. The day aims to raise awareness of the contributions that helicopters make to society and to... Read more
2-Aug-2015
During a display of the “Golden Eagles” display team, one of the helicopters started to spin on its axis and gradually descend until it hit the ground hard, killing the pilot and seriously injuring the co-pilot. Post crash fire Full video of the accident here and here (second one shows co-pilot emerging from the helicopter)... Read more
31-Jul-2015Source: Bell Helicopter
Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company and BIRD Aerosystems, announced today the signature of a cooperation agreement to integrate the BIRD Aerosystems Surveillance, Intelligence and Observation (ASIO) package as a complete end-to-end airborne information surveillance and reconnaissance solution (ISR) for the Bell 407GXP. “Bell Helicopter and BIRD Aerosystems have worked closely together to... Read more
29-Jul-2015Source: Waterdown Daily Times
After 20 years of operations in the north country, the post’s Kiowa helicopters will fly for the final time today. See full story... Read more
28-Jul-2015Source: Airbus
Airbus Helicopters has achieved Factory Acceptance of HATS01, the first of fifteen helicopters of the H135 family (EC135 T2+) for the Helicopter Aircrew Training System (HATS) for the Australian Defence Force (ADF). Boeing Defence Australia as the prime contractor for the new training system for the ADF, joined with representatives of the Royal Australian Navy... Read more
28-Jul-2015
The helicopter crashed during a routine training exercise and the helicopter burnt out in the post-crash fire. One fatal, two seriously injured... Read more
27-Jul-2015
Weather played a significant part in this accident, and helicopter wreckage was found on the slopes of a mountain. Helicopter had made three attempts to take off from the capital Vientiane due to the weather.... Read more
24-Jul-2015
An astonishing new building was recently unveiled at the Marignane plant in southern France. Built in under a year, the giant cylinder known as DHC0–Dynamic Helicopter Zero–now makes it possible to perform dynamic integration testing for the H160 and future helicopters in the Airbus Helicopters range. Gary Clark, head of vehicle test and integration at... Read more
24-Jul-2015Source: PerriQuest
Following a string of recent high-profile events, PerriQuest Defense Research Enterprises unveiled the world’s most advanced laser-protective eye wear to dozens of aviation industry stakeholders. PerriQuest’s patent-pending technology protects the wearer from harmful red, green, and blue laser light without compromising the wearer’s ability to perceive and distinguish color. Production of the groundbreaking technology is... Read more
24-Jul-2015Source: Morningstar
India plans to buy 48 military helicopters from Russia, in a deal valued at 1.1 billion dollars. See full story... Read more
23-Jul-2015Source: Roger Wicker
U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., today questioned Gen. Mark Milley, nominee to be Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army, about reports that the Army intends to implement the Aviation Restructure Initiative (ARI) as early as October 1, 2015. The plan would begin the transfer of Apache helicopters from the National Guard to the Army... Read more
23-Jul-2015Source: Bell
A helicopter delivered to Dunbar High School on Tuesday will serve as a symbol of aviation education at the school. The OH-58 mock-up was a gift from Fort Worth-based Bell Helicopter and will be displayed at a 12,000-square-foot hangar that will open at Dunbar this fall. The school offers two aviation-related programs under the Fort... Read more
23-Jul-2015Source: WDAM
A Vietnam War helicopter on display at the Mississippi Armed Forces Museum, located at Camp Shelby Joint Forces Training Center, will be dedicated in honor of Dr. Mac Huddleston of Pontotoc, Mississippi on July 29, 2015 at 9:30 a.m. See full story... Read more
22-Jul-2015Source: Era
Era Group Inc. (NYSE: ERA) (“Era”), a leading helicopter transport operator based in the United States, today announced participation in the U.S. Coast Guard’s Arctic Technology Evaluation 2015 Search and Rescue Exercise (SAREX 2015) on Alaska’s North Slope. SAREX 2015 was designed to identify the benefits to search and rescue (SAR) missions brought forth by... Read more
21-Jul-2015Source: The Economic Times
Japan has awarded Fuji Heavy Industries and Textron Inc’s Bell Helicopters a $3.02 billion deal to build a fleet of military transport aircraft that would also be sold overseas. See full story... Read more
21-Jul-2015Source: The Herald
The Ministry of Defence has applied for permission to build a new helicopter landing pad and Forward Operating Base in Plymouth. See full story... Read more
21-Jul-2015Source: SAAB
This new contract covers component maintenance for the TMS to ensure full system availability. This will include, among other capabilities, the helicopter’s sonar system for anti-submarine warfare. Saab is now responsible for the support and maintenance of the entire Hkp 14 TMS. “This agreement confirms our strength as a support provider who ensures the availability... Read more
21-Jul-2015Source: Sogitec
SOGITEC INDUSTRIES announces that NAHEMA and the Finnish Defence Forces Logistics Command have declared ready for training the Finnish Army NH90 Multi-Role Training Device (MRTD). The MRTD is now operational within the helicopter battalion at Utti Jaeger Regiment, South-Eastern Finland. The MRTD addresses NH90 training needs for the 3 main areas of missions assigned to... Read more
21-Jul-2015Source: HeliHub.com
Lockheed Martin has issued an updated infographic today to show the Key Sikorsky Milestones from the founding of the company by Igor Sikorsky in 1923 through to its acquisition from United Technologies by Lockheed Martin, announced yesterday, Monday 20th July 2015. Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Sikorsky Aircraft,... Read more
21-Jul-2015
Precautionary landing by a road after warning light illuminated – later cleared for direct flight back to base... Read more
21-Jul-2015
Main blades contacted tail boom in night training landing... Read more
20-Jul-2015Source: US DoD
Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., Annapolis, Maryland, is being awarded a not-to-exceed $14,761,000 value cost-plus-fixed-fee, firm-fixed-price contract for the design, development, fabrication, testing, production and delivery of AN/AQS-24C mine hunting sonar systems. The purpose of this effort is to meet an urgent operational need for volume search minehunting capability deployed from the MH-53E Sea Dragon helicopter.... Read more
20-Jul-2015
Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Sikorsky Aircraft, a world leader in military and commercial rotary-wing aircraft, for $9.0 billion. The price is effectively reduced to approximately $7.1 billion, after taking into account tax benefits resulting from the transaction. “Sikorsky is a natural fit for Lockheed Martin and complements our broad portfolio... Read more
20-Jul-2015Source: University Of Texas Arlington
A University of Texas at Arlington professor is collaborating with Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. through a $1.35 million grant to design more durable materials and accelerate their implementation in composite aircraft. Andrew Makeev, professor in the Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Department and director of the UT Arlington Advanced Materials and Structures Lab, received the grant from... Read more
20-Jul-2015Source: USMC
Marines pride themselves on being willing to take the fight to the enemy in any clime and place, but will never complain about getting a lift. Since the introduction of helicopter squadrons in military operations, Marines have been able to go farther and faster to protect America’s interests. Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron-165 is one such... Read more
20-Jul-2015Source: Bombardier
Bombardier Inc. announced today the appointment of John Di Bert as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (CFO), effective August 10, 2015. Mr. Di Bert was selected following an international search to find a successor to Pierre Alary, who is retiring. “I’m very pleased to announce the appointment of John Di Bert as our... Read more
18-Jul-2015Source: http://www.defenceweb.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=40001:saaf-oryx-damaged-in-drc-taxiing-incident&catid=111:sa-defence&Itemid=242
Nosewheel collapsed during ground taxi after hitting 5cm edge of newly laid tarmac. operating for UN... Read more
17-Jul-2015Source: WSJ
Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. has been forced to delay the first flight of its largest helicopter until later this year while it completes testing fixes to its gearbox and other problems, the U.S. Navy said Tuesday. See full story... Read more
17-Jul-2015Source: Kaman
Kaman Corp. (NYSE:KAMN) announced today that it will report its second quarter 2015 results after the stock market closes on Thursday, July 30, 2015, and host a live webcast and conference call at 8:30 am ET on Friday, July 31, 2015. The call will be accessible by telephone within the U.S. at (866) 291-5954 and... Read more
16-Jul-2015Source: Russian Helicopters
[electronic translation] Within the framework of the International Industrial Exhibition “Innoprom” held in Yekaterinburg from 8 to 11 July, experts holding “Helicopters of Russia” State Corporation Rostec took part in the roundtable “Digitization – a way to increase the competitiveness of Russian goods.” At the event, the Deputy General Director for Production holding “Helicopters of... Read more
16-Jul-2015Source: Russian Helicopters
[electronic translation] During the first day of the VI International Industrial Exhibition “Innoprom-2015” in Yekaterinburg, Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev on the stand holding “Helicopters of Russia” State Corporation Rostec it was demonstrated a new multipurpose helicopter “ANSAT” . The presentation was held aircraft Deputy General Director of holding “Helicopters of Russia” for the production... Read more
16-Jul-2015Source: Irish Health Dept
The Ministers for Defence and Health, Simon Coveney and Leo Varadkar, have announced the establishment of the Emergency Aeromedical Support Service on a permanent basis. This very valuable service ensures that seriously ill or injured people in remoter areas have timely access to appropriate high quality clinical care. The National Ambulance Service (NAS) and the... Read more
16-Jul-2015Source: Forbes
After more than 180 years building fire trucks, American LaFrance finally shuttered on a cold January day last year. The company’s approximately 150 employees, most at the main factory in the tiny South Carolina town of Moncks Corner, found out that same day that they no longer had a job. See full story... Read more
16-Jul-2015Source: Sikorsky
Sikorsky Innovations will award a $25,000 cash prize to the winner of the next Entrepreneurial Challenge, a competition to accelerate innovators and disruptive technology concepts with applications in the vertical flight market. Sikorsky Innovations is the technology development division of Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, a subsidiary of United Technologies Corporation (NYSE: UTX). Along with the news... Read more
16-Jul-2015Source: CMS
The future of rotorcraft, and especially the requirement for faster, versatile platforms is a pressing issue for militaries around the world, many of which will be at Defence & Security Equipment International (DSEI) in September. This will be discussed in one of DSEI 2015’s four Strategic Conferences, The Future of Military Rotorcraft: 2030 and Beyond,... Read more
15-Jul-2015
MD Helicopters Inc.,* Mesa, Arizona, was awarded a $13,172,766 firm-fixed-price foreign military sales contract (Afghanistan) for the procurement, installation, integration, testing, and Army-approved airworthiness qualification support of M260 rockets and the fixed forward weapon sights on the armed MD530F Mission Equipment Package (MEP) aircraft. Integration on one U.S. government furnished armed MD530F MEP unit will... Read more
15-Jul-2015Source: US DoD
Bell Helicopter Textron Inc., Hurst, Texas, was awarded a $55,600,000 cost-plus-fixed-fee foreign military sales contract (Iraq) for technical advice and maintenance and logistics support for maintenance and logistics for Bell aircraft. Work will be performed in Iraq with an estimated completion date of Aug. 7, 2016. One bid was solicited with one received. Fiscal 2015... Read more
15-Jul-2015Source: Rostec
During the international military technology forum Army-2015 on 16 June 2015, Russian Helicopters (part of State Corporation Rostec) announced that a contract has been signed with the Belarusian Defence Ministry for delivery of 12 Russian-made Mi-8MTV-5 military transport helicopters over 2016-2017. “The Republic of Belarus is an important partner for Russia in military technical cooperation,”... Read more
14-Jul-2015
The Boeing Co., Ridley Park, Pennsylvania, was awarded a $7,451,859 modification (P00024) to a foreign military sales contract (W58RGZ-13-C-0002) to add additional unique statement of work effort for foreign military sales to Turkey and the United Arab Emirates for CH-47F Chinook cargo helicopters. Purpose of the modification is to incorporate unique tasks required by the... Read more
14-Jul-2015Source: US DoD
Bell Boeing, a strategic alliance between Bell Helicopter, a Textron [NYSE: TXT] company, and Boeing [NYSE: BA], was awarded a U.S. Navy contract today for five Bell Boeing V-22 Osprey tiltrotor aircraft to be delivered to Japan, marking the first sale of the aircraft through the U.S. government’s foreign military sales program. The contract for... Read more
14-Jul-2015Source: The Times Of India
For the first time, an indigenously developed anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) has been successfully test-fired from a helicopter platform. See full story.... Read more
14-Jul-2015
Helicopter on anti-drug operation landed in a clearing which was mined – the mine exploded, killing four, seriously injuring two and minor injuries to another four. Full infra-red video released from second helicopter providing top cover above.... Read more
14-Jul-2015Source: Bell
Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, announced today that Glenn Isbell will assume the role of Senior Vice President for the Customer Support and Service organization, effective immediately. “Glenn is a proven, innovative leader. He knows our products and our business and I’m confident that the CSS business will continue to grow and... Read more
13-Jul-2015Source: Harris
Harris Corporation (NYSE:HRS) today announced that it will reorganize its business segments to increase operational efficiency and capture synergies that result from Harris’ recent acquisition of Exelis. “We combined Harris’ and Exelis’ top talent and technology to create four market-focused segments aligned with Harris’ strategic growth platforms,” said William M. Brown, chairman, president and chief... Read more
13-Jul-2015Source: HeliHub.com
In the last week, Reuters were first to announce the apparent reduction in bidders for Sikorsky to two – Bell’s parent company Textron and Lockheed Martin. Now the balance is clearly tipping in favour of Lockheed Martin, and figures around $8 billion are being suggested by the Sunday Times in the UK and the Wall... Read more
13-Jul-2015Source: Want China Times
The Future Helicopter Designer Competition held which began on July 8 in Beijing and is sponsored by the Aviation Industry Corporation of China will decide what kind of military helicopter the country will develop over the next five years, reports state-run Global Times. See full story... Read more
13-Jul-2015Source: Airbus Helicopters
Airbus Helicopters and Patria, the company responsible for the local assembly of the NH90, marked the important milestone of the delivery of the 20th and last serial NH90 during a ceremony with the customer at Patria’s facility in Halli, Finland. “These helicopters are used for various tasks of the Finnish Defense Forces such as national... Read more
13-Jul-2015Source: AgustaWestland
AgustaWestland is today celebrating the centenary of the formation of the Westland Aircraft Works in Yeovil and the many aeronautical achievements that have been made during 100 years of continuous aircraft manufacturing on the site. Established in 1915 Westland has produced many famous fixed wing aircraft designs such as the Whirlwind, Welkin, Wapiti, Lysander before... Read more
10-Jul-2015Source: CAE
CAE today announced the appointment of Andrew “Andy” Jazwick as Vice President, Washington Operations for its Defense and Security business unit. In this newly established position for the company, Mr. Jazwick will serve as the senior executive for CAE Defense and Security in Washington, DC and have responsibility for all CAE worldwide efforts involving the... Read more
10-Jul-2015Source: US Navy
Cmdr. Kenneth P. Ward relieved Cmdr. Lonnie L. Appleget as commanding officer of the “Saberhawks” of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 77 during an airborne change of command ceremony with the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73), July 4. Appleget, a plankowner of George Washington, completed his command tour not only on the... Read more
10-Jul-2015Source: Boeing
Boeing [NYSE: BA] and members of its AH-64E Apache industry team – General Electric, Lockheed Martin, Raytheon and Longbow Ltd. – launched an initiative with Polish Armaments Group (PGZ) to explore opportunities for collaboration with Polish industry. More than 10 Polish companies participated in the two-day workshop with Boeing and its teammates to forge partnerships... Read more
10-Jul-2015Source: Russian Helicopters
Russian Helicopters (part of State Corporation Rostec) will showcase its latest developments for maritime use during the 7th International Maritime Defence Show (IMDS 2015), which is being held in St. Petersburg from 1 to 5 July 2015. “We are actively working to expand operational uses of our commercial and military helicopters on land and sea,”... Read more
10-Jul-2015Source: Rostec
Russian Helicopters (part of State Corporation Rostec) is taking part in the sixth international industrial exhibition Innoprom-2015, which is being held from the 8th to the 11th of July 2015. The company will showcase its Ansat multipurpose helicopter at Innoprom, which is taking place at the Ekaterinburg-Expo International Exhibition Centre. Russian Helicopters’ exhibition can be... Read more
10-Jul-2015Source: Russian Helicopters
Russian Helicopters (part of State Corporation Rostec) held its Annual General Meeting of Shareholders (AGM) in Moscow on 30 June. The AGM elected the Board of Directors, approved the Company’s annual report and annual financial statements for 2014, and discussed other items on the agenda. The AGM approved the new Board of Directors as follows:... Read more
10-Jul-2015Source: Northrop Grumman
Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) was recently awarded a contract from Naval Air Systems Command to deliver its next-generation mission computer for Lot 12 of the Marine Corps’ H-1 helicopter upgrade program. Under this contract, Northrop Grumman will provide FlightPro™ Gen III mission computers for the UH-1Y and AH‑1Z aircraft. These aircraft are expected to... Read more
10-Jul-2015
Flight with Ghana’s President John Mahama and First lady Lordina Maham on board. Landed due to severe weather. No mention in local press as to whether pilot obtained a forecast before take-off... Read more
9-Jul-2015Source: US DoD
Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., Stratford Connecticut was awarded an $11,278,955 modification (P00273) to foreign military sales contract W58RGZ-12-C-0008 (Jordan) for and additional UH-60M helicopter. Work will be performed in Stratford, Connecticut with an estimated completion date of Dec. 31, 2015. Fiscal 2015 other procurement funds in the amount of $ $11,278,955 were obligated at the time... Read more
9-Jul-2015Source: EDA
The latest flying event organised as part of the Helicopter Exercise Programme (HEP) was successfully conducted from 22 June to 3 July in Viterbo, Italy. More than 1000 personnel and 30 helicopters from seven countries attended this multinational training, the largest of its kind organised in Europe this year. Over the course of Italian Blade... Read more
9-Jul-2015Source: CAE
CAE was awarded a contract by Airbus Defense and Space, Inc. to manufacture two additional UH-72A Lakota flight training devices (FTDs). These UH-72A FTDs, the seventh and eight being produced by CAE for the U.S. Army, will be delivered to Fort Rucker, Alabama during the spring of 2016. These training devices, which are Federal Aviation... Read more
9-Jul-2015Source: CAE
CAE was awarded a contract to develop an MH-60R composite maintenance trainer (CMT) as well as procure an MH-60R rear crew trainer (RCT) for the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) under the United States foreign military sale (FMS) program. CAE USA will be the prime contractor responsible for the design and development of the MH-60R CMT... Read more
9-Jul-2015Source: Inquirer.net
The US-based supplier for a P1.2 billion helicopter contract with the military has accused the whistleblower in the supposed anomalies in the deal of extortion, and alleged that whenever she failed to get what she wanted, she made things difficult for the company.See Full Story.... Read more
9-Jul-2015Source: The Telegraph
Nadia Savchenko, 34, a Ukrainian army helicopter pilot who has spent nearly a year in Russian jails, now stands accused of the murder of two Russian journalists.See Full Story... Read more
9-Jul-2015Source: Bluedrop
Bluedrop Training & Simulation Inc. a subsidiary of Bluedrop Performance Learning Inc. (“Bluedrop”) (TSX-V: BPL) and The Boeing Company (Boeing) today announced a commitment to develop the next generation rear crew trainer for the CH-47 Chinook (Chinook) helicopter along with a five year commitment to support development and ongoing international sales. The Honourable Ed Holder,... Read more
8-Jul-2015Source: Independent
The Armed Forces of Malta will soon have its third helicopter, as the government has signed a contract for a €14 million deal part of which will be financed by the European Union. See full story... Read more
7-Jul-2015Source: Airbus
A quieter and more fuel efficient future for rotorcraft flight was unveiled by Airbus Helicopters today with its Bluecopter demonstrator, which has validated leading-edge technologies ranging from an advanced Fenestron®, improved rotor and airframe design to intelligent engine power management. In the more than 28 flight hours logged during evaluations performed throughout its operating envelope,... Read more
7-Jul-2015Source: AgustaWestland
On 18th June, HeliHub.com ran the story Guardia Costiera increases AW139 fleet On 6th July, AgustaWestland issued the following press release AgustaWestland announced today a major milestone in the modernization of the Italian Coast Guard’s helicopter fleet, with the delivery of three further AW139 intermediate twin aircraft and an order for two more aircraft. The... Read more
7-Jul-2015
Technical issues on approach led to emergency landing in an unsuitable location, leading to severe injuries to the 2 POB. Both died in the hospital later the same day... Read more
7-Jul-2015
helicopter was on a routine flight when the crew noticed a drop in hydraulic pressure and were forced to land... Read more
6-Jul-2015Source: Airbus
Airbus Helicopters is joining hands with Mahindra Group subsidiary, Mahindra Defence, to produce helicopters in India in order to meet the country’s military requirements. The strengths of both the companies will ensure a strong partnership to present the best rotorcraft solutions for India’s needs and strengthen indigenous industrial capabilities. The teaming represents a significant step... Read more
6-Jul-2015Source: Helicopter Museum
If you have ever wanted to take to the controls of a jumbo jet or test out your top gun fighter pilot skills then you will be able to do just that when the annual Flight Simulator Convention returns to The Helicopter Museum, Weston-super-Mare on the 18th and 19th July. Flight simulators will be set... Read more
6-Jul-2015Source: Russian Helicopters
During the 7th International Maritime Defence Show (IMDS 2015), which is being held in St. Petersburg from 1 to 5 July 2015, Russian Helicopters (part of State Corporation Rostec) showcasing potential plans for the renewed production of the unique amphibious Mi-14 helicopter. This multirole helicopter can land and taxi on water, and also take-off from... Read more
6-Jul-2015Source: Russian Helicopters
Russian Helicopters (part of State Corporation Rostec) held its Annual General Meeting of Shareholders (AGM) in Moscow on 30 June. The AGM elected the Board of Directors, approved the Company’s annual report and annual financial statements for 2014, and discussed other items on the agenda. The AGM approved the new Board of Directors as follows:... Read more
6-Jul-2015Source: Russian Helicopters
Russian Helicopters (part of State Corporation Rostec) will showcase its latest developments for maritime use during the 7th International Maritime Defence Show (IMDS 2015), which is being held in St. Petersburg from 1 to 5 July 2015. “We are actively working to expand operational uses of our commercial and military helicopters on land and sea,”... Read more
6-Jul-2015Source: finmeccanica
Fincantieri, one of the world’s largest shipbuilding groups and reference player in the naval shipbuilding industry, and Finmeccanica, Italy’s leading manufacturer in the high technology sector, have been awarded the contract for the construction and equipment of one multipurpose amphibious unit (LHD) for the Italian Navy. The total value of the contract is over €1.1... Read more
