Bell-Boeing awarded $40M for long-lead V-22 components
Source: US DoD, 17-May-13
Bell-Boeing Joint Project Office, Amarillo, Texas, is being awarded a $40,013,000 modification to the previously awarded advance acquisition contract (N00019-12-C-2001) to procure additional long-lead components associated with the manufacture and delivery of 19 Lot 18 MV-22 tiltrotor aircraft. Work will be performed in Fort Worth, Texas (24.6 percent); Ridley Park, Pa. (19.2 percent), Amarillo, Texas [...]
Breeze-Eastern to Design and Produce New Winch for MV-22
Source: Breeze-Eastern, 16-May-13
Breeze-Eastern Corporation (AMEX: BZC), the aerospace industry’s only dedicated hoist and winch specialist, has been selected by The Boeing Company to design, develop and produce a new cargo winch for the MV-22 Osprey. Breeze-Eastern will initially manufacture 18 winches, with first deliveries in 2014. “Breeze-Eastern is proud to bring this product to the U.S. Marine [...]
US Marine Corps dismisses leaders of HMM-262 and HMM-364 squadrons
Source: Marine Corps Times, 08-May-13
The commanding officers of two Marine Corps helicopter squadrons were removed from their jobs in recent weeks after senior leaders lost confidence in them, Marine Corps Times has learned. (See Full Story)
V-22s delivered to USMC’s presidential squadron
Source: US Marine Corps, 07-May-13
The helicopter squadron responsible for carrying the President of the United States and his staff, Marine Helicopter Squadron One, received its first of 12 MV-22 Ospreys to be assigned to its fleet, April 5, at Marine Corps Base Quantico in Virginia. The Ospreys will conduct presidential support missions, which means these aircraft will carry presidential [...]
VMM-266R conducts MV-22B maintenance aboard USS Kearsarge
Source: US Marine Corps, 07-May-13
With the help of sailors assigned to the USS Kearsarge (LHD 3), Marines with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 266 (Reinforced), 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, conducted maintenance on MV-22B Ospreys on the flight deck of the Kearsarge’s flight deck, at sea, May 4, 2013. Due to the nature of being out at sea, it can be [...]
‘Phrogs’ retire as Corps transitions to Osprey
Source: US Marine Corps, 07-May-13
The Marine Corps has a long and storied history with the bird they affectionately call the “Phrog.” More than four decades have passed since the CH-46A Sea Knight entered the Corps’ arsenal, and now, 49 years later, the birds will be resting their wings as their last flights come to an end as the Corps [...]
HMLA-467 bids farewell to Hueys, anticipates more Venoms
Source: US Marine Corps, 03-May-13
Just a week after receiving its first UH-1Y Venom, Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 476 inducted three UH-1N Hueys into the 309th Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group at Davis Monthan Air Force Base April 24. Two of the Hueys were flown from Naval Air Facility El Centro, Calif., where the squadron was supporting the Weapons [...]
US Navy dry cargo ship conducts MV-22 flight trials
Source: US Navy, 12-Apr-13
Marine Corps pilots from the Okinawa-based “Dragons” of Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron VMM-265, flying MV-22B Ospreys, conducted first-of-its-kind training with USNS Sacagawea (T-AKE 2) April 6 off the coast of Subic Bay, Philippines. Flight operations with the tilt-rotor Osprey, designed to combine the functionality of a conventional helicopter with the long-range, high-speed cruise performance of [...]
HMLA-167 celebrates 45 years of warfighting
Source: US Marine Corps, 12-Apr-13
Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 167 celebrated its 45th birthday aboard Marine Corps Air Station New River with spirited competition, food and tunes at the air station soccer fields, March 28. The squadron participated in its own version of the Highland Games, an annual Scottish competition consisting of traditional Scottish athletic events. More than 10 [...]
Hawaii Medal of Honor ceremony salutes fallen heroes
Source: US Marine Corps, 02-Apr-13
Families, fellow service members, state senators and representatives gathered at the state Capitol to remember fallen Marines and soldiers by awarding them the Hawaii Medal of Honor, March 27. Family members came from across the U.S. to accept the award for their loved ones who made the ultimate sacrifice. “My daughter and I came all [...]
Hydraulics International awarded $7M for V-22 hydraulic power supply carts
Source: US DoD, 02-Apr-13
Hydraulics International, Inc.*, Chatsworth, Calif., is being awarded a $7,406,593 firm-fixed-price contract for the procurement of 40 diesel portable hydraulic power supply carts for use on the V-22 aircraft, including logistics requirements and technical data, drawings and unlimited technical data rights. Work will be performed in Chatsworth, Calif., and is expected to be completed in [...]
Israel receives surplus CH-53s for spares
Source: FlightGlobal, 22-Mar-13
Five surplus US military Sikorsky CH-53 transport helicopters purchased for use as spares have arrived in Israel (see full story)
VMM-365 flies the barn – all ten V-22s fly together
Source: US Marine Corps, 28-Feb-13
Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 365 conducted the largest Osprey flight in the squadron’s history, Feb. 20. The squadron flew all 10 of its operational MV-22B Ospreys at the same time in what is referred to as “flying the barn.” “It’s slang to call an aircraft hangar a barn,” said VMM-365 Commanding Officer Lt. Col. Christian [...]
The last eight crew chiefs graduate on CH-46 Sea Knight
Source: US Marine Corps, 26-Feb-13
The last eight crew chiefs to earn their flight designations in the CH-46 Sea Knight graduated aboard Marine Corps Air Station Camp Pendleton, Calif., Feb. 20. Marines and families watched as four Sea Knights carrying these historical flight aids landed on the flight line and exited the aircraft to graduate and earn their wings. “We [...]
Sundown Flight: Final flight of the UH-1N Huey
Source: US Marine Corps, 14-Feb-13
Marines with Marine Light Attack Helicopter 269 bid fair winds and following seas to the UH-1N Huey as it completely transition to the new up-to-date model UH-1Y Huey, Feb. 5. The squadron held a “sundown” ceremony for the aircraft to commemorate its final flight with the squadron. Col. Scott S. Jensen, Marine Aircraft Group 29 [...]
Ospreys make debut in Thailand
Source: US Marine Corps, 14-Feb-13
Four MV-22B Ospreys landed at Wing One Royal Thai Air Force Base, Nakhon Ratchasima, Kingdom of Thailand, Feb. 8 in preparation for exercise Cobra Gold 2013. This marks the first time the aircraft has appeared in Thailand, which can be added to its list of accomplishments. The Ospreys are assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron [...]
2nd MAW squadrons team up to prepare for WTI
Source: US Marine Corps, 14-Feb-13
Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 467 provided command and control functions as well as strike and escort support during an exercise for various 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing assets Jan. 31. The exercise was conducted to prepare Marines for the Weapons and Tactics Instructors course, where pilots from every branch of Marine aviation learn how to [...]
HMHT-302 welcomes new sergeant major
Source: US Marine Corps, 14-Feb-13
Sgt. Maj. Johnny L. Higdon Jr. relinquished the role of Marine Heavy Helicopter Training Squadron 302 sergeant major to Sgt. Maj. Kenneth L. Redemacher during a relief and appointment ceremony at the squadron’s hangar, Feb. 8. Higdon has been the squadron sergeant major for two years. “His success is a direct reflection for his need [...]
MV-22s train in the Philippines with local Air Force
Source: US Marine Corps, 05-Feb-13
Three MV-22B Osprey aircraft with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 265, Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force, based out of Okinawa, Japan, arrived in Puerto Princesa, Palawan on Jan. 22 to conduct bilateral training with elements of the Philippine Air Force. “The flights we are conducting are important for our [...]
PKL Services awarded $16M more for USMC helicopter maintenance
Source: US DoD, 05-Feb-13
PKL Services Inc.,* Poway, Calif., is being awarded a $16,321,932 modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (N00421-09-C-0023) to exercise an option for reset organizational level maintenance services in support of Marine Corps AH-1W, UH-1N, CH-53D/E, and CH-46E aircraft platforms. Work will be performed in Camp Pendleton, Calif. (30 percent); Jacksonville, Fla. (25 percent); Iraq/Afghanistan [...]
First Presidential V-22 takes flight
Source: US Navy, 25-Jan-13
Aircraft 197, the first MV-22 to be assigned to Marine Helicopter Squadron (HMX) 1, hovers over the runway during a test flight at the Bell-Boeing V-22 assembly plant in Amarillo, Texas, on Jan. 22. The aircraft, crewed by pilot Marine Corps Maj. Chuck Bodwell, co-pilot Capt. William Thomas and crew chief Staff Sgt. Ronald Benton [...]
MV-22 Ospreys conduct first flights in Japan
Source: US Marine Corps, 18-Jan-13
Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 265 aircrews conducted MV-22B Osprey functional check flights aboard Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Sept. 21, 2012, marking the first time the Osprey has flown in Japan. Once VMM-265, a part of Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force, completes functional check flights and pilot [...]
USMC Reserves receive first MV-22 Osprey squadron
Source: US Marine Corps, 17-Jan-13
Marine Forces Reserve has never had a V-22 Osprey squadron—until now. Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 764 (HMM-764) transitioned into the Reserve’s first Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM-764) during a three-part ceremony here Jan 12, 2013. “It was kind of one big last event to say goodbye,” said Lt. Col David A. Weinstein, commanding officer of [...]
Bell delivers 100th H-1 to the US Marine Corps
Source: Bell, 17-Jan-13
Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company (NYSE: TXT), today delivered the 100th of a planned total of 349 H-1 helicopters during a ceremony at its Amarillo Assembly Center. The US Marine Corps H-1 helicopter program is comprised of both the UH-1Y utility helicopter and the AH-1Z attack helicopter. John Garrison, president and CEO of Bell Helicopter said, “We are [...]
Unmanned K-MAX Wins Top Innovation Honors, USMC Praise
Source: Kaman, 09-Jan-13
The unmanned K-MAX(R) helicopter’s peerless ability to resupply combat troops safely, precisely and efficiently has won top honors from the prestigious magazines Popular Science and Aviation Week and has garnered high praise from the U.S. Marine Corps, which is expanding the aircraft’s role in Afghanistan. “We are proud of the Unmanned K-MAX’s performance in supporting [...]
New rotary wing hangar at MCAS New River breaks ground
Source: US Marine Corps, 04-Jan-13
Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 366 and Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 467 are scheduled to return to Marine Corps Air Station New River in 2014, pending the completion of a new hangar complex that recently broke ground. When Osprey squadrons with Marine Aircraft Group 26 move into the new hangars, HMH-366 and HMLA-467 will take [...]
Bell-Boeing awarded $33M delivery order for V-22 avionics
Source: US DoD, 02-Jan-13
Bell-Boeing Joint Project Office, Amarillo, Texas, is being awarded a $33,555,001 cost-plus-fixed-fee delivery order against a previously issued basic ordering agreement (N00019-12-G-0006). This order provides for engineering and technical support for V-22 flight control system and on-aircraft avionics software, flight test planning and coordination of changed avionics and flight control configurations; upgrade planning of avionics [...]
Bell-Boeing awarded $1.4 Billion for 17 MV-22 and 4 CV-22
Source: US DoD, 01-Jan-13
Bell-Boeing Joint Project Office, Amarillo, Texas, is being awarded a $1,405,744,559modification to the previously awarded V-22 lot 17 advance acquisition contract (N00019-12-C-2001) for 17 fiscal 2013 MV-22 Tiltrotor aircraft for the Marine Corps and four fiscal 2013 CV-22 Tiltrotor aircraft for the Air Force. In addition, this modification provides funding for long lead components required [...]
VMM-266 Marines Awarded Air Medal with Combat Distinguishing Device for Valor
Source: US Marine Corps, 19-Dec-12
Three Marines from Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 266 will be awarded the Air Medal with the combat distinguishing device for valor, during a ceremony at the VMM-266 hangar at 4 p.m. Thursday, December 20, 2012. Captains Erik Kolle and David Potter, along with Sergeant Daniel Howington will receive the award for meritorious achievement in aerial [...]
Strategic value of V-22 promoted
Source: Lexington Institute, 18-Dec-12
Able to fly faster and higher than existing rotary wing systems as well as travel farther with a greater payload, the V-22 has enabled the Marine Corps to change the way it operates and, in many instances, do more with less. (see full report)
US Consulate General recognizes 31st MEU members for community service
Source: US Marine Corps, 11-Dec-12
Three Marines and one Sailor of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit were among a group of service members recognized for their community serivce by the United States Consul General, Naha, here, Dec. 5. Lance Cpl. Kevin M. Adams, a CH-46E mechanic for Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 262 (Reinforced), 31st MEU, and native of Covington, Ga.; [...]
Another $52M for Rolls-Royce for V-22 engine sustainment services
Source: US DoD, 28-Nov-12
Rolls-Royce Corp., Indianapolis, Ind., is being awarded a $52,267,510 modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (N00019-10-C-0020) to exercise an option for engine sustainment services for V-22 AE1107C engines in support of the U.S. Marine Corps and the U.S. Air Force. The services to be provided include low power repairs, turboshaft engine support and fleet [...]
Fleet Readiness Center East delivers last H-46
Source: US Marine Corps, 15-Nov-12
The H-46 model “Phrog” helicopter has served the Marine Corps for nearly 50 years, but its era is drawing to a close. During a ceremony here Nov. 9, Fleet Readiness Center East sent off the last HH-46 helicopter it will service to Marine Transport Squadron 1. The helicopter is being replaced by the MV-22B Osprey, [...]
Bell-Boeing awarded $9.4M for V-22 de-icing kits
Source: US DoD, 05-Nov-12
Bell-Boeing Joint Project Office, Amarillo, Texas, is being awarded a $9,449,608 firm-fixed-price modification to a delivery order issued previously against a basic ordering agreement (N00019-07-G-0008). This modification provides for the procurement of 51 central de-dce Distributor retrofit kits and 29 nacelle ice protection controller unit retrofit kits for the V-22 Ice Protection System. Work will [...]
Bell Boeing receives USMC contract for V-22 training devices
Source: Boeing, 30-Oct-12
The U.S. Marine Corps has awarded a $74 million contract to the Bell Boeing V-22 Program, a strategic alliance between Boeing [NYSE: BA] and Bell Helicopter – Textron [NYSE: TXT], for seven Osprey ground-based trainers, which will reduce fuel usage and aircraft wear-and-tear, maximizing lifecycle cost savings. The Sept. 25 contract award for Containerized Flight [...]
Bell/Boeing awarded $204M delivery order for V-22 support
Source: US DoD, 08-Oct-12
Bell/Boeing Joint Program Office, Amarillo, Texas, is being awarded a $204,924,030 cost-plus incentive-fee delivery order #0006 under a previously awarded performance based logistics contract (N00019-09-D-0008) for supply chain management of a 170 components in support of the V-22 aircraft. Work will be performed in Fort Worth, Texas (80 percent), and Ridley Park, Pa., (20 percent) [...]
MV-22B Ospreys arrive at MCAS Futenma
Source: US Marine Corps, 03-Oct-12
Six MV-22B Osprey aircraft flew from Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni and arrived at MCAS Futenma. Squadron aircraft will continue arriving to MCAS Futenma over the next few weeks. Marine Tiltrotor Squadron 265 (VMM-265) is part of Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force. The MV-22 aircraft, are based at, [...]
Bell-Boeing awarded $8.8M more for V-22 engineering work
Source: US DoD, 28-Sep-12
Bell Boeing Joint Project Office, Amarillo, Texas, is being awarded an $8,805,089 modification to a previously awarded fixed-price-incentive-fee, firm-target V-22 multi-year production contract (N00019-07-C-0001) to procure recurring engineering associated with the production incorporation of the seven Lot 15 and seven Lot 16 MV-22 aircraft with the HMX-1 paint scheme. The HMX-1 paint scheme effort includes [...]
Japan declares V-22 safe
19-Sep-12
The United States had been seeking to deploy the V-22 to the southern Japanese island of Okinawa despite strong public opposition largely on safety grounds after it crashed twice earlier this year. (see full story)
Northrop Grumman and AgustaWestland team for USAF CSAR and US Navy “Marine One” Programs
Source: Northrop Grumman, 18-Sep-12
Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) and AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company (FNC IM, SIFI.MI) announced today that they have signed a comprehensive teaming agreement to respond to anticipated requests for both the new Air Force Combat Rescue Helicopter and the Navy’s recently announced program to develop a new “Marine One” Presidential Helicopter. A US built helicopter based [...]
HMM-265 redesignated, awaits Ospreys
Source: US Marine Corps, 14-Sep-12
Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 265 held a redesignation ceremony here Sept. 7. HMM-265, part of Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force, became Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 265 (VMM-265) in preparation to receive its first MV-22B Ospreys, currently located at MCAS Iwakuni. “Since the activation of the squadron almost 50 [...]
New CH-53E simulator stands ready for crew chief training
Source: US Marine Corps, 03-Sep-12
Gunnery Sgt. John Militello of the Marine Aviation Training System Site tests the state-of-the-art CH-53E enhanced aircrew externals trainer located at Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Kaneohe Bay. Naval Aviation Training Systems program office (PMA-205) announced the simulator “ready for training” Aug. 24. The device was designed, developed and employed by PMA-205, along with Manned Flight [...]
HMLA-269 transitions to UH-1Y
Source: US Marine Corps, 28-Aug-12
Marines from Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 269 gained proficiency in the new UH-1Y “Venom” Hueys by practicing flying and landing in confined areas aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, Aug. 9. The UH-1Y is the newest model of the Huey, and is commonly referred to as the ‘Yankee’ for the letter ‘Y’ in its [...]
Marines find K-Max cargo unmanned aerial system ‘reliable’
Source: US Marine Corps, 31-Jul-12
It takes the right elements to create a life-saving capability for the combat zone, as discovered after the first cargo resupply unmanned aerial system, or CRUAS, deployment made aviation history. NAVAIR, the Marine Corps and industry partners found the right mix when they integrated a video game controller, rugged laptop and a KMAX K-2000 commercial, [...]
Barnhart-Balfour Beatty awarded $35M contract for MV-22 hangar at MCAS Camp Pendleton
Source: US DoD, 30-Jul-12
Barnhart-Balfour Beatty, Inc., San Diego, Calif., is being awarded firm-fixed-price task order 0004 at $35,497,794 under a previously awarded multiple award construction contract (N62473-10-D-5407) for the replacement of an existing double hangar. This consists of the demolition of the existing hangar and construction of a new two bay hangar to accommodate MV-22 aircraft with adequate [...]
Bell-Boeing awarded $22M modification to V-22 comms contract
Source: US DoD, 30-Jul-12
Bell-Boeing Joint Project Office, Amarillo, Texas, is being awarded a $22,222,411 modification to a previously awarded cost-plus-fixed-fee contract (N00019-08-C-0025) for non-recurring engineering efforts for the beyond line of sight communications system associated with the CV-22 aircraft Block 20 Upgrade Program. Efforts to be provided include engineering design, integration and testing of an improved Air Force [...]
MV-22 Osprey arrives in MCAS Iwakuni
Source: US Marine Corps, 24-Jul-12
Twelve MV-22 Osprey tiltrotor aircraft were off-loaded from a civilian cargo ship at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, July 23. This marks the first deployment of the MV-22 to Japan. The aircraft will be stationed aboard Marine Corps Air Station Futenma in Okinawa, Japan, as part of Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 265 (HMM-265). MCAS [...]
Analysis of the DoD Helicopter Market
Source: ReportLinker, 03-Jul-12
This research forecasts the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) helicopter market, including general trends and program analysis. This market includes seven classifications of helicopter platforms as well as miscellaneous helicopter parts and services. Military helicopters provide end users with many capabilities, including air-to-ground attack and assault, troop and cargo transport, intelligence and surveillance gathering, resupply, [...]
Japan – over 5,000 protest over V-22 deployment
Source: Japan Times, 19-Jun-12
Around 5,200 people in Okinawa staged a rally against the planned deployment of MV-22 Osprey transport aircraft at U.S. Marine Corps Air Station Futenma later this year, ramping up opposition to the move after an MV-22′s recent crash in Florida. (see full story)
Change of command ceremony for HMM-265
Source: US Marine Corps, 07-Jun-12
OKINAWA, Japan – Lt. Col. Damien M. Marsh finished his final day as commanding officer on Marine Corps Air Station Futenma June 1. Marsh led Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 265, Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force, with the wisdom gained through years of experience as a CH-46E Sea Knight [...]
USMC helicopter pilot in court on child porn charges
Source: 10 News, 04-Jun-12
A Marine Corps helicopter pilot was arraigned in federal court Friday, charged with possession and distribution of child pornography. (see full story)
A first for K-Max – cargo hooked on while in unmanned flight
Source: US Marine Corps, 01-Jun-12
Marine Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadron 2, the “Night Owls,” made history earlier this week when they completed the first “hot hook-ups” between landing support Marines on the ground and a hovering Kaman K1200 “K-MAX” unmanned helicopter in Helmand province, Afghanistan, May 22. In the nearly 20 years of its commercial and military use, no organization [...]
HMM-262 receives new Venoms
Source: US Marine Corps, 01-Jun-12
Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 262 (Reinforced) received three UH-1Y Venom helicopters at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma May 21 and 25. The squadron, a part of Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force, received the new helicopters as part of a Corpswide transition of the UH-1N to the UH-1Y helicopter, [...]
HMH-363 completes time in Hawaii, transitions to VMM-363 in California
Source: US Marine Corps, 20-May-12
The color guard and headquarters staff of Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 363 render honor while the national anthem plays during a change of command and re-designation ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay, May 10, 2012. The commanding officer of HMH-363, Lt. Col. Mark Revor, flew his squadron’s battle colors before casing them for [...]
Afghanistan – Two unmanned K-Max deliver 1,000,000 pounds of cargo in four months
Source: Lockheed Martin, 17-May-12
Two unmanned K-MAX helicopters have delivered more than one million pounds in less than four months in support of the U.S. Marine Corps in Afghanistan and will remain in theater until September on a deployment extension. The aircraft, a joint effort by Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) and Kaman Aerospace (NYSE: KAMN), is the first unmanned helicopter to deliver cargo [...]
3rd MAW showcases helicopter firefighting capabilities
Source: US Marine Corps, 14-May-12
Third Marine Aircraft Wing Marines from Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., participated in a Wildland Firefighting Exercise at Camp Pendleton, Calif., May 10. The exercise was presented in the form of a demonstration to local military and fire departments as to what 3rd MAW, military assets, and local fire departments bring to the fight. [...]
Japan – HMM-265 Dragons return to Atsugi
Source: US Marine Corps, 30-Apr-12
One year after rendering assistance to Japanese tsunami victims during Operation Tomadachi from a base of operations in Atsugi, the Dragons of Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 265 (Reinforced) returned for an encore. Three CH-46E Sea Knight helicopters and 16 Marines, part of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit’s Air Combat Element, conducted a humanitarian assistance and [...]
HMLA-169 pilot named USMC ground safety officer of the year
Source: US Marine Corps, 16-Apr-12
Capt. Phillip A. Wiktor, a UH-1Y Huey pilot and the hazardous materials officer-in-charge with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 169 and a Rochester, Minn., native, received the 2011 Marine Corps Ground Safety Officer of the Year Award at the 26th Executive Force Preservation Board in Washington, D.C., March 28. Wiktor was awarded for his efforts [...]
Fatal MV-22 accident in Morocco
Source: HeliHub.com, 12-Apr-12
This news item is part of the accident data provided by HeliHub.com on this site. Information provided in this update may potentially be incomplete or inaccurate as we frequently post these stories only a very short time after the accident has occurred. Users of HeliHub.com are advised to carry out their own checks and searches, [...]
Last AH-1W flight for HMLA-267 as unit prepares for AH-1Z
Source: US Marine Corps, 30-Mar-12
Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 267 conducted it’s final flight of their last AH-1W Super Cobra at Marine Corps Air Station 39, Camp Pendleton, Calif., March 23. The squadron first received an AH-1W in 1987 and has been conducting training and combat operations with it for the last 25 years. They will receive six AH-1Z [...]
Sikorsky breaks ground on 35,000 sq.foot hangar in Florida
Source: Orlando Sentinel, 27-Mar-12
Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. broke ground Tuesday on a new helicopter hangar that some hope will give lift to bigger expansion plans in Palm Beach County. (see full story)
US Presidential helicopter acquisition delayed further
Source: GAO, 06-Mar-12
The formal start of the VXX presidential helicopter program has been delayed, as finding an acceptable solution has proved elusive. Last year, we reported that the VXX effort was in the earliest stages of development–still developing a business case to launch product development. At that time, an AOA—required for a Milestone A decision initiating the [...]
US Marines HMLA-269 receives new leadership
Source: US Marine Corps, 05-Mar-12
Lt. Col. Allen D. Grinalds relinquished command of Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 269 to Lt. Col. Mark E. Van Skike during a ceremony at the Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 29 hangar, Feb. 17. Grinalds has been the commanding officer of the “Gunrunners” squadron since October 2010. Grinalds graduated from the Naval Academy and was [...]
US Marine Corps retires CH-53D Sea Stallion
Source: US Marine Corps, 23-Feb-12
After more than 40 years of service, the Marine Corps retired the aging CH-53D Sea Stallion helicopter during a “sundown ceremony” Feb. 10 at the Pacific Aviation Museum Pearl Harbor in Hawaii. “From Vietnam, to Iraq and now in Afghanistan, the helicopter has provided sustaining and mission critical lift in every clime and place over [...]
VMM-561 Tiltrotor Squadron trains on a stack of matresses
Source: US Marine Corps, 20-Feb-12
MARINE CORPS AIR STATION MIRAMAR, Calif. – Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 561 conducted emergency landing pad procedures for MV-22B Ospreys aboard Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., Feb. 13. The training helps pilots react if an aircraft suffers landing gear malfunctions. One Osprey practiced landing to test the configuration of the pad eyes. Pad eyes [...]
Lockheed Martin’s AH-1Z Cobra Targeting System Makes First Operational Deployment
Source: Lockheed Martin, 16-Feb-12
Lockheed Martin’s Target Sight System (TSS) for the AH-1Z Cobra attack helicopter deployed operationally for the first time with the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) as part of the Amphibious Squadron 5. Lockheed Martin’s TSS is the fire control system for the AH-1Z Cobra. The TSS integrates sensors to provide aviators with superior imagery through a highly [...]
Bell Boeing delivers first Block C V-22 Osprey to USMC
Source: Boeing, 15-Feb-12
The Bell Boeing V-22 Program, a strategic alliance between The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] and Bell Helicopter,a Textron [NYSE: TXT] company, has announced that the U.S. Marine Corps has taken delivery of the first MV-22 Osprey produced with the new Block C suite of design upgrades. “The on-time, on-budget delivery of our first Block C [...]
Afghanistan UH-1Y mechanic saves lives with maintenance discovery
Source: US Marine Corps, 24-Jan-12
A Marine Corps sergeant in Afghanistan who unearthed a never-before-seen maintenance issue in a UH-1Y Huey was recently awarded by the Marine Corps for his potentially lifesaving find. The sergeant was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal in a ceremony at Camp Bastion, Afghanistan, Jan. 12. Sgt. Christopher Lemke, a mechanic with Marine [...]
Marine Osprey squadron flies last mission of Afghanistan deployment
Source: US Marine Corps, 18-Jan-12
A Marine Corps MV-22B Osprey squadron flew its final combat mission, Jan. 17, to complete its deployment to Afghanistan. Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 162 has been deployed at Camp Bastion, Afghanistan, for more than six months. The Marines will soon return to Marine Corps Air Station New River, N.C. The squadron’s final mission in Afghanistan [...]
Presidential Marine One hangar gets solar panel array
Source: Suniva, 13-Jan-12
Suniva, Inc., a U.S. manufacturer of high-efficiency crystalline silicon solar cells and modules, today announced its panels are being used to power the newest— and largest— solar array installed by FLS Energy at the Marine Helicopter Squadron 1’s greenside hangar at Quantico, home to the president’s Marine One helicopter. The 120-kilowatt system features 500 of [...]
Galaxy Technologies awarded Bell tooling contract
Source: Galaxy Technologies, 11-Jan-12
Galaxy Technologies announced today the company has been awarded a multi-year, multi-million dollar contract from Bell Helicopter Textron to design and manufacture tooling to support Bell’s re-design efforts for the H-1 Cuff and Yoke program in Ft. Worth, Texas. Bell Helicopter was awarded the Naval Air Systems Command contract in 2011. “The Galaxy team did [...]
Unmanned K-Max makes first delivery for Marines in Afghanistan
Source: US Marine Corps, 23-Dec-11
Unmanned systems have revolutionized combat aviation, providing a colossal advantage in the fight against terror with surveillance and close-air support. Recently, a detachment of Marines from Marine Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadron 1 in Afghanistan added aerial resupply to the list of UAV capabilities. The detachment completed its first unmanned aerial system cargo delivery in a [...]
Super Stallion hits the air in Hawaii
Source: US Marine Corps, 13-Nov-11
As the sun began to set behind the Ko’olau Mountains, pilots and crewmembers of Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 463 witnessed its future — a CH-53E Super Stallion flying at Landing Zone Westfield, Nov. 7. The Super Stallions were sent to Marine Corps Base Hawaii from Marine Heavy Helicopter Training Squadron, Marine Corps Air Station, New [...]
USMC task force builds aviation support network in Afghanistan
Source: USMC, 03-Nov-11
Southwestern Afghanistan’s Helmand River Valley resembles a paradise in the midst of a seemingly endless expanse of rock and sand. Its beauty is misleading. The thin stretch of lush green farmland and densely-populated countryside has set the stage for some of the harshest fighting of the Afghan war. Patrol Base Alcatraz sits atop a sandy [...]
Turkey requests three AH-1Ws plus parts, training
Source: DSCA, 31-Oct-11
The Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress today of a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Turkey for three AH-1W SUPER COBRA Attack Helicopters and associated equipment, parts, training and logistical support for an estimated cost of $111 million. The Government of Turkey has requested a possible sale of three AH-1W SUPER COBRA [...]
