Pakistan seeks 20 AH-1W gunships
Source: Strategy Page, 08-Jan-10
Pakistan wants more helicopter gunships, in particular it wants 20 AH-1W models, to supplement, and replace the 32 AH-1S and AH-1F gunships. The 6.6 ton W model was configured for naval use, and has two engines and protection against sea water corrosion.
US Army seeks additional CAB to reach dwell goal
Source: US Army, 07-Jan-10
In order to meet the Army’s dwell-time goal, the service will add a new combat aviation brigade. “That’s coming out of resources we already have; we are still wrestling with where that’s going to go, where that’s going to stand up,” said Maj. Gen. James O. Barclay III, commanding general of the Aviation Center of [...]
Turbomeca provide details of engine upgrade to Brazillian Panthers
Source: Turbomeca, 07-Jan-10
Further to HeliHub.com breaking the story earlier today…. The Brazilian Army Aviation signed a contract with Helibras and Turbomeca do Brasil to upgrade its 34 AS365K Panther helicopter fleet. Through this contract, Turbomeca do Brasil will strengthen its partnership with the Brazilian military forces, providing full support for the 68 Arriel 2C2 CG engines. The [...]
USAF restarts search for UH-1N replacement
Source: Rotorhub, 07-Jan-10
The United States Air Force has restarted its search for Common Vertical Lift Support Platform (CVLSP). The programme will replace USAF’s fleet of aging Bell UH-1Ns which ard currently used to guard the country’s ICBM silos, fly VIPs and carry out a range of utility and support missions.
NLR tackles helicopter brownouts
Source: NLR, 07-Jan-10
Due to blowing sand, a helicopter pilot’s in-flight visibility can be severely restricted during landings in deserts. At the request of the Dutch Ministry of Defence, the National Aerospace Laboratory (NLR) has recently started working on finding solutions to support pilots during these precarious desert landings. Missions in Afghanistan and Iraq have made the issue [...]
Brazilian Army upgrades its AS565K Panther fleet
Source: HeliHub.com editorial team, 07-Jan-10
The Brazilian Army has signed contracts with both Turbomeca and Helibras Brazil which will result in the modernization of 34 of their Eurocopter AS565K Panthers, or “Pantera” as they are known locally. These aircraft were acquired in 1988. The upgrades include installation of new engines, avionics and navigation radios. Military engineers will be involved in [...]
Spanish medevac helicopters reach 3,000 flying hours in Afghanistan
Source: Rotorhub, 06-Jan-10
Spanish medical evacuation helicopters have marked a milestone 3,000 flying hours in Afghanistan.
AAR Strengthens Relationship With Sikorsky and Provides Manufacturing and Machining for S-92 and H-60 helicopter
Source: AAR, 06-Jan-10
AAR (NYSE: AIR) announced today that it has signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation under which the two companies will work together to identify opportunities to expand their business relationship. In addition, AAR was named the exclusive supplier of composite interiors for the Sikorsky S-92® helicopter program and will provide precision [...]
Second batch of five French Cougars upgrade confirmed
Source: DGA, 06-Jan-10
The Directorate General of Armaments (DGA) has ordered the renovation of a second batch of five Cougar helicopters, including 4 from the Army and one from the Air Force. These are part of the contract to upgrade 27 Cougars, reported to Eurocopter in January 2008 amounting to 220 million euros. The goal of the renovation [...]
Dutch military receives first maritime NH-90
06-Jan-10
As the Dutch Ministry of Defence (MoD) confirmed shortly before Christmas, the Dutch Armed Forces has taken delivery of the first NATO Frigate Helicopter (NFH), the naval version of NHIndustries’ NH90. However, this first helicopter (designated NNLN03), from a total order of 12 NH90 NFH for the Netherlands, is not yet ready to be deployed [...]
Marine Corps to put new machine guns in UH-1Y Venom
Source: Marine Corps Times, 06-Jan-10
Eventually, all Marine and Navy assault support rotary wing aircraft will be equipped with the M3M FN Herstal GAU-21 .50-caliber machine gun.
Sikorsky and Goodrich Collaborate to Offer HUMS to Black Hawk Helicopter Users Worldwide
Source: Sikorsky, 06-Jan-10
Helicopter Support Inc. (HSI) today announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Goodrich Corporation to collaboratively promote an advanced aircraft maintenance solution to the worldwide rotary aircraft market. HSI is a support and distribution company of Sikorsky Aerospace Services (SAS), the aftermarket business of Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. Sikorsky Aircraft is a subsidiary [...]
Russian Army to get state-of-the-art Ka-52 helicopters in 2010
05-Jan-10
The Russian Army will receive the latest state-of-the-art Ka-52 helicopters along with the Mi-28N, upgraded Mi-8 and Mi-26 helicopters in 2010
Bell parent Textron to Release Fourth Quarter Results on January 28
Source: Textron, 05-Jan-10
Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) will release its fourth quarter 2009 financial results on Thursday, January 28, 2010. The company will also host a conference call at 9:00 a.m. (Eastern) to discuss the results and the company’s outlook. The call will be available via webcast at www.textron.com or by direct dial at (877) 209-9919 in the [...]
Aurora Reaches Major CH-53K Main Rotor Pylon Milestones
Source: Aurora Flight Sciences, 05-Jan-10
Aurora Flight Sciences announced that it reached and successfully completed its Critical Design Review (CDR) and 100% model release milestones for the CH-53K main rotor pylon (MRP) program. These two events define the transition from engineering design to manufacturing of the MRP structure for the System Development and Demonstration SDD aircraft. “Aurora Flight Sciences is [...]
Boeing CH-47F Chinook Helicopter Fielded by fifth US Army Unit
Source: Boeing, 05-Jan-10
Boeing announced that a fifth U.S. Army unit has fielded the CH-47F Chinook helicopter. The 6th Battalion, 101st Combat Aviation Brigade, based at Fort Campbell, Ky., completed all required training and officially assumed operation of 12 CH-47F Chinooks on Dec. 8. “I am proud of B Company for completing the CH-47F New Equipment Fielding and [...]
Helicopter industry website HeliHub.com sold to Jeremy Parkin
Source: HeliHub.com, 01-Jan-10
01-Jan-10 Weybridge, UK – We are pleased to announce that HeliHub.com has a new owner – Jeremy Parkin, based in the UK. Mr Parkin acquired all rights to the website from a private investor for an undisclosed sum, and management of all aspects of the site is moved from Florida to the UK with immediate [...]
US Army fires Talon Laser-Guided Rocket Rounds from OH-58D
Source: Raytheon, 30-Dec-09
The TALON LGR rounds were launched from a U.S. Army OH-58D Kiowa Warrior and hit targets at 3,500 meters (2.17 miles). This exceeded accuracy requirements for the Department of Defense’s Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System II program.
Alabama Army Guard to receive UH-72A early January for homeland security missions
Source: Alabama Live, 30-Dec-09
The new UH-72A Lakota will be unveiled at 10 a.m. on Jan. 9 at Army Aviation Support Facility No. 2 at Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport
BAE Systems Equips US Army Helicopters with Infrared Countermeasures
Source: BAE Systems, 24-Dec-09
BAE Systems has successfully installed the Advanced Threat Infrared Countermeasures (ATIRCM) system on U.S. Army CH-47D Chinook aircraft.
First Four Lynx Mk9A Helicopters Delivered Just 12 Months After Contract Award
Source: AgustaWestland, 24-Dec-09
Burma signs for 8 to 10 Mi-35 attack helicopters
Source: Mizzima, 24-Dec-09
Quoting a high-level source in ‘Rosoboronexport’, close to the Russia-Burma negotiation process, Nikolsky said the contract includes delivering 20 MiG-29 fighter jets worth Euro 400 million (US$ 570 million) and 8 to 10 Mi-35 attack helicopters worth Euro 50 million (US$ 71 million).
Korea Coast Guard Orders Another AW139 Helicopter
Source: AgustaWestland, 23-Dec-09
The order represents the third helicopter to be sold to the Korea Coast Guard and the sixth AW139 helicopter to be sold to the Republic of Korea
Swiss Air Force receives last of 20 EC635 Helicopters
Source: Rotorhub, 23-Dec-09
The Swiss federal procurement, technology and real estate competence centre, armasuisse, handed over the last of 20 EC635 helicopters to the Swiss Air Force.
Northrop Grumman’s Unmanned Fire Scout Completes Successful Maritime Sensors Demonstration
Source: Northrop Grumman, 22-Dec-09
Fire Scout was equipped with the Telephonics’ radar and FLIR Electro Optical Infrared system, and highlighted the versatility of the unmanned helicopter’s modular payload architecture and its flexibility in integrating off-the-shelf payloads.
Canadian military H-92 sea trials slip one month to January 2010
Source: Ottawa Citizen, 22-Dec-09
Sea trials for the new Cyclone helicopter will take place before the end of January on the east coast, Defence Watch has been told. Sources originally said the first of the new maritime helicopters was supposed to arrive at CFB Shearwater in December but now that delivery has slipped slightly.
US gives Mexico five Bell 412s to aid drug war
Source: Atlanta Journal-Constitution, 22-Dec-09
The aircraft are part of more than $604 million worth of vehicles and equipment that the U.S. plans to give Mexico in the coming months.
AgustaWestland Vying for Korean Attack Chopper Bids
Source: Korea Times, 22-Dec-09
AgustaWestland is bidding for a contract to provide Korea with its T-129 attack helicopters. The T-129, being developed for the Turkish Army, is an upgraded variant of the Agusta A129 Mangusta
Gallantry Award for Culdrose Aircrewman from 771 NAS
Source: Royal Navy, 22-Dec-09
Chief Petty Officer Aircrewman Dave Rigg, serving in 771 Naval Air Squadron based at Royal Naval Air Station Culdrose in Cornwall, has been awarded the Queen’s Gallantry Medal for his part in a dramatic rescue operation far to the southwest of Land’s End
Albania buys 5 Eurocopter military helicopters
Source: Business Week, 21-Dec-09
Albania signed a euro78.6 million ($113.2 million) deal Friday to buy five military helicopters from France-based Eurocopter.
South Korea Plans to Develop Light Attack Helicopter
Source: Korea Times, 21-Dec-09
The Defense Acquisition Program Administration is in favor of developing a homegrown light attack helicopter under the Korea Attack Helicopter program, multiple military sources said Sunday.
MV-22 arrives at MCAS Miramar – first West Coast based Osprey
Source: US Marine Corps, 21-Dec-09
Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 161 entered a new era in aviation as the MV-22 “Osprey” landed to begin the replacement of the CH-46 “Sea Knight” and its 44-year legacy.
Royal Norwegian Air Force mark 100,000 hours with Bell 412 fleet
Source: Forsvaret, 21-Dec-09
Three helicopters at Bardufoss Air Station and three computers in Maymana, highlighted that the Armed Forces Bell 412 has flown 100 ,000 hours.
Boeing Delivers first Mk3 Chinook to UK Royal Air Force
Source: Boeing, 21-Dec-09
Boeing have confirmed the Nov. 30 delivery of the first converted Chinook Mk3 helicopter to the Royal Air Force
Australia Signs Long-Term S-70B Seahawk Maintenance Contract
Source: Defense Industry Daily, 21-Dec-09
The Australian government recently announced a multi-year In Service Support contract to BAE Systems Australia Ltd
Czech Republic deploying helicopters to Afghanistan
Source: Rotorhub, 18-Dec-09
The government of the Czech Republic has announced it is deploying helicopters to Afghanistan for the first time.
UK Government assures future of RNAS Culdrose
Source: Falmouth Packet, 18-Dec-09
The announcement by the Secretary of State for Defence concerning the future plans for UK military helicopters will have a positive effect on operations at RNAS Culdrose.
LaBarge Awarded $18.9M Contract from Sikorsky for Black Hawk Helicopter Program
Source: LaBarge, 18-Dec-09
LaBarge has been awarded a multi-year contract valued at approximately $18.9 million from Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. to produce electronic assemblies for various models of UH-60 BLACK HAWK helicopters through 2014
Newest MV-22 trainer delivered to US Marine Corps
Source: US Navy, 18-Dec-09
The newest MV-22 Osprey flight trainer was delivered to Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif. Nov.16. The fully self-contained, $8.6 million containerized flight training device (CFTD) is the second of four MV-22 trainers for fleet use at MCAS Miramar, Calif.
QinetiQ fits satellite comms system to Merlin Mk3 fleet
Source: QinetiQ, 18-Dec-09
QinetiQ has successfully completed the integration of a beyond-line-of-sight (BLOS) satellite communications system into each of the RAF’s fleet of 22 Mk3 Merlin’s in preparation for their possible deployment to Afghanistan.
BAE Systems continue testing of Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System with US Navy and Marine Corps
Source: BAE Systems, 18-Dec-09
BAE Systems, in concert with the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps, scored four hits in four shots during the final phase of integrated testing of the Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS), a technology that adds low-cost precision laser guidance to 2.75-inch airborne rockets.
New Canadian Chinook Helicopters Will Be Based in Petawawa
Source: Canadian Dept of National Defence, 18-Dec-09
The Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence and Minister for the Atlantic Gateway, announced that Canada’s new fleet of 15 F-model Chinook helicopters will be based at Canadian Forces Base Petawawa, Ontario.
Sikorsky Global Helicopters Delivers First Two S-434 Helicopters
Source: Sikorsky, 18-Dec-09
Sikorsky Global Helicopters announced that its Light Helicopters Division has delivered the first two S-434(TM) helicopters to the Ministry of Interior, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia [Note: This is in line with Sikorsky's official press release, but HeliHub.com reported this delivery on 17th June 2009....]
Schiebel and Boeing demo Camcopter for psychological operations role
Source: Scheibel, 17-Dec-09
Schiebel recently conducted, in cooperation with Boeing, a demonstration for the U.S. Army Special Operations Command (USASOC) at Ft. Bragg, North Carolina, integrating the CAMCOPTER® S-100 and ground unmanned systems for psychological operation missions in-theatre.
Armed Black Hawk Demonstrator Completes Test Program
Source: Sikorsky, 15-Dec-09
Sikorsky Military Systems and Elbit Systems have successfully completed the Armed BLACK HAWK (ABH) demonstrator program, proof-of concept for the development BATTLEHAWK(TM) helicopter.
Probe finds pilot error caused Dhruv to crash in Ecuador
Source: Press Trust of India, 15-Dec-09
In a big relief to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, pilot error was found to have caused the crash of the defence PSU’s Advance Light Helicopter (ALH) “Dhruv” in Ecuador in October
Fight to keep RAF Chivenor SAR base open 24×7 steps up a gear
Source: Western Telegraph, 15-Dec-09
The fight to keep 24-hour search and rescue cover at RAF Chivenor has been taken to the Senedd by Pembrokeshire AMs.
US military halves medevac times in Afghanistan
Source: Marine Corps Times, 14-Dec-09
During the past year, the U.S. military reduced to 42 minutes from 100 minutes the average time it takes for a badly wounded service member in Afghanistan to reach a hospital, even as the casualty rate tripled, according to military commanders.
Lockheed Martin names new VP Communications
Source: Lockheed Martin, 14-Dec-09
Lockheed Martin Aeronautics named Joseph LaMarca, Jr., as VP Communications effective Jan. 4, 2010. “With more than 25 years of experience in communications and management, Joe brings a wealth of talent and leadership expertise to his new position,” said Ralph Heath, executive VP, Lockheed Martin Aeronautics.
Ulan-Ude aircraft plant demonstrates major sales growth
Source: ITAR-TASS, 14-Dec-09
The Ulan-Ude aircraft plant that makes part of the Vertolyoty Rossii (Helicopters of Russia) holding, ends the year with a growth in sales of about 35 percent.
Royal Navy Sea King crews honored for Afghanistan deployment
Source: UK MoD, 14-Dec-09
The Sea King crews from 854 Naval Air Squadron were recently presented with their Afghanistan Operational Service Medals by Head of the Royal Navy, First Sea Lord Admiral Sir Mark Stanhope.
Prince William beats Prince Harry in helicopter pilot race
Source: Telegraph, 14-Dec-09
The future King graduated with “flying colours” according to the Ministry of Defence after an intensive training course at RAF Shawbury in Shropshire.
US Army contracts $247M for another 45 UH-72 Lakotas
Source: EADS, 14-Dec-09
The U.S. Army awarded the fifth year contract for the Lakota Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) to EADS North America for $247.2 million. This contract increases the company’s supply of 45 additional Lakotas along with hardware to equip the rotary-wing aircraft for medical evacuation, personnel transport and multi-mission applications.
More than $100M committed to defunct presidential helicopter
Source: The Hill, 14-Dec-09
Rep. Maurice Hinchey (D-N.Y.), in whose district Lockheed Martin assembles the VH-71, said that he secured more than $100 million in the negotiated 2010 Pentagon spending bill to continue some work on the program. The funds would technically allow the work force in Owego, N.Y., to continue outfitting the helicopters with mission systems.
NASA tests deployable energy absorber to reduce impact of hard landings
Source: Huffington Post, 13-Dec-09
A deployable energy absorber (think “honeycomb airbag”) may have some promise. NASA recently tested the technology by dropping a helicopter from 35 feet in the air.
Lockheed Martin Receives $14.75M Award to Integrate Ku Band Messaging Interface with the MH-60R
Source: Lockheed Martin, 10-Dec-09
Lockheed Martin has received a $14.75 million U.S. Navy contract to integrate a digital messaging interface that will improve the flow of data the MH-60R anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare helicopter can send to U.S. Navy ships across the new Ku band tactical data link.
Turkey requests 12 CH-47F Chinooks
Source: DSCA, 10-Dec-09
The Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress December 7 of a possible Foreign Military Sale to Turkey of 14 CH-47F CHINOOK Helicopters, as well as associated parts, equipment, training and logistical support for a complete package worth approximately $1.2 billion.
Sikorsky Aerospace Maintenance Hosts Rollout of first US Customs & Border UH-60L Upgrade
Source: Sikorsky, 10-Dec-09
Sikorsky Aerospace Maintenance, a Sikorsky Aerospace Services company, today rolled out the first U.S. Customs & Border Protection Agency (CBP) UH-60 A-A to L recapitalization aircraft at its Chase Field Operations Center in Texas
Multi National Force – West sees the last of the CH-47 Chinook
Source: US Marine Corps, 09-Dec-09
The soldiers with Company B, 1st Battalion, 214th Aviation Regiment, took their last flight from Al Asad, Dec. 1, 2009. The eight Chinooks have moved to Talil, Iraq, in support of operations for Multi-National Division – South, where Company B, 5th Battalion, 159th Aviation Regiment, will put the aircraft to use.
French Defense Ministry orders two Eurocopter EC225s for SAR missions
Source: Eurocopter, 09-Dec-09
Eurocopter, a subsidiary of EADS and the world’s leading helicopter manufacturer, is pleased to announce the purchase of two EC225s by the French Defense Ministry for the country’s navy.
US helicopter surge to aid British troops in Afghanistan
Source: The Times, 09-Dec-09
US military is doubling the number of helicopters in southern Afghanistan, flying to the rescue of British troops who have complained that shortages in air support have left them vulnerable to Taliban roadside bombs.
US Marine Corps UH-1Ys With Northrop Grumman Integrated Cockpit Deploy to Afghanistan
Source: Northrop Grumman, 09-Dec-09
Northrop Grumman’s Integrated Avionics System and the company’s integration support were key elements in preparing the UH-1Y Venom helicopters for deployment to Afghanistan recently with the U.S. Marine Corps Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 367.
09-Dec-09 Eurocopter AS350 Pewsey, UK
09-Dec-09
A gamekeeper could have killed two Army helicopter pilots when he drove his Land Rover straight at the low flying aircraft, a court has been told. The pilot of a squirrel helicopter avoided disaster when he saw Malcolm Hughes’ car driving towards him.
V-22 makes combat debut in Afghanistan
Source: Start Telegram, 08-Dec-09
The Marines are hoping to resuscitate the image of the MV-22 Osprey in Afghanistan, where the aircraft made its debut into major combat last Friday.
Indian Air Force announce short list for Cheetah replacement program
Source: Press Info Bureau, 08-Dec-09
The Request for Proposal for replacing the Cheetah helicopters was issued in July 2008 to six vendors. Further action as per the existing procedures including Defence Procurement Procedure, 2008 is underway.
Up to $200M to be invested in Arsenyev Aviation Company over next six years
Source: Russian Helicopters, 08-Dec-09
Russian Helicopters is pursuing modernisation of constituent companies by introducing prospective industry technology to the manufacturing process. As part of this move Arsenyev Aviation Company. The total amount of investments is estimated at 6 billion roubles (around 200 million USD), both from state funds and own assets of the company.
HMS Gannet Smashes through 400 SAR Sorties during 2009
Source: Royal Navy, 08-Dec-09
Historically, no helicopter search and rescue unit has achieved 400 call outs in a year and passing this milestone is a tangible illustration of the high tempo under which the Prestwick-based unit operates.
United Arab Emirates requests 16 CH-47F helicopters, spares etc
Source: DSCA, 08-Dec-09
The Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress today of a possible Foreign Military Sale to the United Arab Emirates of 16 Chinook helicopters, and communication equipment, as well as associated parts, equipment, training and logistical support for a complete package worth approximately $2.0 billion.
