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Next-Generation Transponder receives DoD Certification

Next-Generation Transponder receives DoD Certification

Source: BAE Systems, 24-May-13

BAE Systems’ next-generation Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) system has passed a key Department of Defense (DoD) certification, making it available to improve navigation and identification capabilities on diverse military platforms. At half the size and weight of currently fielded transponders, the AN/DPX-7 Reduced Size Transponder (RST) is a key enabler for enhanced navigation and [...]

Iraqi Army receives last of 24 Bell 407s

Iraqi Army receives last of 24 Bell 407s

Source: US Army, 23-May-13

The Army completed a significant milestone in helping to maintain stability in Iraq now that the U.S. military have departed from that theater of operations. The Project Office for Armed Scout Helicopters, along with several representatives from different organizations on Redstone Arsenal, made the eighth delivery of the Iraqi Armed-407 Bell helicopters to Iraq. Three [...]

Argentine Air Force to add two Bell 412s

Argentine Air Force to add two Bell 412s

Source: HeliHub.com, 23-May-13

Argentina’s local Boletin publication details Government decisions – and reference number 181/2013 has this week reported the purchase of two Bell 412s from Canada. One of these will be a new-build aircraft and the other a pre-owned example. Prices are quoted as $10M and $7M respectively, but does not cover the detailed specification or delivery [...]

AHS – Prevailing In “Demanding Environments”

AHS – Prevailing In “Demanding Environments”

Source: AHS, 23-May-13

Attendance and presentations at AHS International’s 69th Annual Forum and Technology Display this week highlight its standing as the premier event for government, industry and academia to work together in advancing vertical flight technology. Nearly 1,100 vertical flight professionals – from military leaders and top manufacturing executives to the next generation of pioneers – have [...]

CAE upgrades visuals on Royal Navy Lynx Mk8 full-mission simulator

CAE upgrades visuals on Royal Navy Lynx Mk8 full-mission simulator

Source: CAE, 22-May-13

CAE announced today at the International Training and Education Conference (ITEC), Europe’s leading showcase for military simulation and training, that the Royal Navy’s Lynx Mk8 full-mission simulator located at Royal Navy Air Station (RNAS) Yeovilton is now in-service and ready-for-training following a major visual system upgrade. The visual system upgrade, which included the addition of [...]

FLIR Systems wins $23M US Coast Guard order

FLIR Systems wins $23M US Coast Guard order

Source: FLIR Systems, 21-May-13

FLIR Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: FLIR) announced today that it has received an order to support the U.S. Coast Guard valued at $23 million. The order is for the Coast Guard’s Electro-Optical Sensor System (ESS) configuration of FLIR’s commercially developed military qualified Talon 9-inch stabilized multi-sensor gimbal system. The ESS systems will be deployed on the Coast Guard’s H-60 and H-65 helicopters. Work under this order is [...]

CAE-built Lynx full-mission flight trainer celebrates 25 years of service

CAE-built Lynx full-mission flight trainer celebrates 25 years of service

Source: CAE, 21-May-13

On the eve of the International Training and Education Conference (ITEC), Europe’s leading showcase for military simulation and training, CAE announced that the Portuguese Navy recently completed 20,000 incident-free flight hours for its fleet of Lynx Mk95 helicopters. The Portuguese Navy has been training its Lynx helicopter pilots for the past 19 years at the [...]

UK Apache Hellfire missiles restocked in £15M deal

UK Apache Hellfire missiles restocked in £15M deal

Source: UK MoD, 21-May-13

The 100-pound (45kg) Hellfire precision missile is Apache’s primary weapon. Used by crews in Afghanistan, it also proved itself repeatedly during the Libya campaign when Apaches flew from the deck of HMS Ocean against Colonel Gaddafi’s forces. Its successful use in Afghanistan and in training has reduced UK stocks of the missiles, which is why [...]

Bell-Boeing awarded $40M for long-lead V-22 components

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 [...]

Night Flight Concepts Launches Industry Specific NVIS Solution Programs

Night Flight Concepts Launches Industry Specific NVIS Solution Programs

Source: Night Flight Concepts, 17-May-13

Night Flight Concepts, the premier provider of night vision solutions, is pleased to announce the launch of five new industry specific solutions programs. These new Night Vision Imaging Systems (NVIS) solutions include equipment, maintenance and training programs which have been adapted to support the specific operational and regulatory requirements for the following markets: • Emergency Medical Services and Search [...]

Breeze-Eastern to Design and Produce New Winch for MV-22

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 [...]

TAI shows R300 unmanned helicopter

TAI shows R300 unmanned helicopter

Source: Flight Global, 16-May-13

Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) has unveiled the R300 unmanned helicopter, which it is aiming at meeting the requirements of the nation’s land forces and navy. (See Full Story)

FLIR Systems awarded $81M US Army contract

FLIR Systems awarded $81M US Army contract

Source: FLIR Systems, Inc., 16-May-13

FLIR Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: FLIR) announced today that it has been awarded a two year blanket purchase agreement from the U.S. Army to support the MEDEVAC program. The blanket purchase agreement is valued at $81 million and is for the Army MEDEVAC Mission Sensor (MMS) configuration of FLIR’s commercially developed military qualified Talon product, a [...]

Royal Canadian Air Force begins TigerEx 2013

Royal Canadian Air Force begins TigerEx 2013

Source: Royal Canadian Air Force, 16-May-13

Search and Rescue technicians, aircrew, maintainers, and other support personnel from 8 Wing Trenton today began an annual search and rescue exercise in Churchill, Manitoba, which will run from May 13-17. “Our Government is seized with improving our search and rescue system,”said the Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence. “Search and Rescue technicians harness [...]

Schiebel denies knowledge of Camcopter on Chinese warship

Schiebel denies knowledge of Camcopter on Chinese warship

Source: Flight Global, 16-May-13

Austrian unmanned air vehicle manufacturer Schiebel says it has no knowledge of whether its Camcopter system has performed flights from a Chinese warship, despite apparent Japanese evidence of its use.          (See Full Story)

Finmeccanica CFO says not expecting India to blacklist group

Finmeccanica CFO says not expecting India to blacklist group

Source: Reuters, 16-May-13

Finmeccanica(SIFI.MI) is not expecting India to blacklist either the group or its helicopter unit AgustaWestland for the time being as a consequence of a corruption probe, Chief Financial Officer Gian Piero Cutillo said on Wednesday. (See Full Story)

Bell takes 407AH to SOFIC 2013

Bell takes 407AH to SOFIC 2013

Source: Bell, 15-May-13

Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company (NYSE: TXT), announced today its participation in the annual Special Operations Forces Industry Conference (SOFIC) held May 14 to May 16 in Tampa, Fla. Bell Helicopter will feature an armed Bell 407 on static display, its first commercially qualified armed helicopter, a CV-22 model and 3-D interactive programs demonstrating [...]

Russian Helicopters detail their presence at HeliRussia 2013

Russian Helicopters detail their presence at HeliRussia 2013

Source: Russian Helicopters, 15-May-13

Russian Helicopters, a subsidiary of Oboronprom, part of State Corporation Rostec and a leading global designer and manufacturer of helicopters, will bring its current model range of civilian and military helicopters and give an insight into upcoming developments and its international projects at HeliRussia 2013, which takes place on 16-18 May 2013 at the Crocus [...]

Boeing awarded $18M contract modification for Apache long-lead parts

Boeing awarded $18M contract modification for Apache long-lead parts

Source: US DoD, 15-May-13

Boeing, Mesa, Ariz., was awarded an $18,342,000 modification (P00005), to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (W58RGZ-12-C-0055), for the procurement of long lead material for the Apache helicopter.  The cumulative total face value of this contract is $218,567,308.  Fiscal 2012 procurement funds are being obligated on this award.  The Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is [...]

Bell awarded $85M contract for FMS work in Iraq and Taiwan

Bell awarded $85M contract for FMS work in Iraq and Taiwan

Source: US DoD, 15-May-13

Bell Helicopter Textron Inc., Hurst, Texas, was awarded a cost-plus-fixed-fee, foreign military sales (FMS) contract with a maximum value of $85,400,000 for engineering and technical support services.  This FMS contract is in support of Iraq and Taiwan.  Performance location and type of appropriation will be determined with each order.  The bid was solicited through the [...]

Budget freezes US Army Armed Aerial Scout program

Budget freezes US Army Armed Aerial Scout program

Source: HeliHub.com, 14-May-13

The US Army has issued the following statement on helicopter procurement as part of a wider statement on how it responds to cuts in the military budget. It refers to the lack of “viable candidates” for the US Army Armed Aerial Scout program, which we read as “No candiates falls within our newly-tightened Budget constraints” [...]

Goodrich awarded $48M contract for CH-47 fuel controls

Goodrich awarded $48M contract for CH-47 fuel controls

Source: US DoD, 14-May-13

Goodrich Pump and Engine Control Systems, West Hartford, Conn., is being awarded a firm-fixed-price, multi-year contract with a maximum value of $47,957,667 for the procurement of a maximum of 1,500 fuel controls applicable to the CH-47 helicopter.  Fiscal 2013 Procurement funds in the amount of $2,364,200 are being obligated on this award.  One bid was [...]

Bell appoints new MD of North America

Bell appoints new MD of North America

Source: Bell, 14-May-13

Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company (NYSE: TXT), announced today that Anthony Moreland will return to Bell Helicopter as managing director, North America. In this role, Moreland is responsible for all sales and marketing activities in the United States and Canada. “Anthony is a valuable addition to Bell Helicopter with extensive sales and marketing experience, [...]

Germany – Eurocopter to open new development centre tomorrow

Germany – Eurocopter to open new development centre tomorrow

Source: Eurocopter, 14-May-13

On May 15 Eurocopter celebrates the opening of its helicopter development center for around 900 engineers at its German site in Donauwörth – together with Prime Minister of Bavaria Horst Seehofer and further well-known characters from politics, industry and the media. The new building with a total floor area of 30,000 square meters brings together, [...]

Australia given an extra NH90 free to make up for delays

Australia given an extra NH90 free to make up for delays

Source: Australian Aerospace, 10-May-13

Chief Executive Officer of Australian Aerospace, Dr. Jens Goennemann welcomed the signing of an agreement with the Commonwealth which, he said, will provide both the Army and Navy with not only a superior but also affordable military helicopter capability. He was commenting on an announcement by The Hon Stephen Smith MP, Minister for Defence and [...]

EFW awarded $11.8M contract for AH-1W Helmet Display Tracker Systems

EFW awarded $11.8M contract for AH-1W Helmet Display Tracker Systems

Source: US DoD, 10-May-13

EFW, Inc., Fort Worth, Texas, is being awarded an $11,837,950 firm-fixed-price contract for the procurement of the Helmet Display Tracker Systems (HDTS) in support of the AH-1W helicopters. This contract includes the manufacture and delivery of 11 P-kits, 65 A-kits, 11 installations, and non-recurring engineering and program support. Work will be performed in Melbourne, Fla. [...]

Turkish National Police orders two VVIP S92s

Turkish National Police orders two VVIP S92s

Source: Sikorsky, 09-May-13

Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. today announced it has delivered the first of two VIP S-92® helicopters to the Turkish National Police (TNP) for service to the Turkish Prime Ministry, under a contract signed in 2011. Sikorsky Aircraft is a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX). The new helicopters will support the Head of State function currently [...]

Kaman confirms New Zealand will buy ten SH-2G Super Seasprite

Kaman confirms New Zealand will buy ten SH-2G Super Seasprite

Source: Kaman, 09-May-13

Kaman Corp. KAMN +0.63% today announced that its subsidiary, Kaman Aerospace Corporation (Kaman), has entered into a $120 million contract with the New Zealand Ministry of Defence for the purchase of ten SH-2G(I) Super Seasprite aircraft, spare parts, a full mission flight simulator, and related logistics support. The contract is consistent with the previously announced [...]

Sikorsky awarded $11M contract for one UH-60M for Thailand

Sikorsky awarded $11M contract for one UH-60M for Thailand

Source: US DoD, 09-May-13

Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., Stratford, Conn., was awarded an $11,377,277 modification (P00055), to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price, foreign-military-sales contract (W58RGZ-12-C-0008), to procure one UH-60M aircraft and related equipment.  This FMS contract is in support of Thailand.  The cumulative total face value of this contract is $4,819,188,496.  Fiscal 2013 Procurement funds are being obligated on this award. [...]

Eaton awarded $25M more for CH-47 hydraulic parts

Eaton awarded $25M more for CH-47 hydraulic parts

Source: US DoD, 09-May-13

Eaton Aerospace, Jackson, Miss., was awarded a $25,021,735 modification (0002), to  previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract W58RGZ-13-D-0060, for the procurement of hydraulic parts in support of the CH-47.  Fiscal 2013 Procurement funds are being obligated on this award.  The Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity.

Boeing awarded $26M contract for AH-64E training/support for Saudi Arabia

Boeing awarded $26M contract for AH-64E training/support for Saudi Arabia

Source: US DoD, 09-May-13

The Boeing Co., Mesa, Ariz., was awarded a $26,067,485 modification (P00007), to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price, foreign military sales (FMS) contract W58RGZ-12-C-0089, for training and support of the Apache Block III helicopter program. This FMS contract is in support of Saudi Arabia. The cumulative total face value of this contract is $216,229,550. Fiscal 2013 Procurement [...]

US Marine Corps dismisses leaders of HMM-262 and HMM-364 squadrons

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)

Vector Aerospace opens multi-million dollar expansion in Alabama

Vector Aerospace opens multi-million dollar expansion in Alabama

Source: Vector Aerospace, 08-May-13

Vector Aerospace today announced the grand opening of its new hangar and office complex which adds 45,000 square feet to its existing Helicopter Maintenance Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility in Andalusia.  This expansion provides Vector with over 90,000 square feet of operations and support area and will allow Vector to service more than 20 aircraft [...]

New facilities opened at Ulan-Ude Aviation Plant

New facilities opened at Ulan-Ude Aviation Plant

Source: Helihub.com, 08-May-13

Russian manufacturer Ulan-Ude Aviation Plant – part of Russian Helicopters – has recently held the opening ceremony on a new building. The 1,400 sq.m two-storey facility is the administrative and production building for the final assembly shop The new building facilitates the expansion of production space for a second assembly line, as well as to [...]

OCCAR: Tiger Programme Contract Notice

OCCAR: Tiger Programme Contract Notice

Source: EDA, 07-May-13

OCCAR, EDA’s partner in developing European defence capabilities, manages the Tiger Helicopter programme on behalf of Germany, France and Spain. In a common approach towards personnel training, the German-French Tiger Helicopter Technical School (Deutsch-Französisches Ausbildungseinrichtung TIGER – DFAT) opened in 2003 in Fassberg, Germany. The mission of the School is to provide training to French [...]

V-22s delivered to USMC’s presidential squadron

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 [...]

New Mexico National Guard transfer to UH-72A Lakota

New Mexico National Guard transfer to UH-72A Lakota

Source: Las Cruces Sun-News, 07-May-13

Support for U.S. and New Mexico homeland security missions conducted by the New Mexico National Guard, and search and rescue operations throughout southern New Mexico, are about to get a significant boost. (See Full Story)

VMM-266R conducts MV-22B maintenance aboard USS Kearsarge

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

‘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 [...]

US Navy seeks presidential helicopter replacement

US Navy seeks presidential helicopter replacement

Source: US Navy, 06-May-13

Today the Navy issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) in the Presidential Helicopter Replacement Program (VXX).  Proposals are due in 90 days with a goal to award a fixed-price incentive engineering and manufacturing development (EMD) contract, with production options, by mid-calendar year 2014. “Our acquisition approach includes a full and open competition to select a [...]

Iran reveals indigenous Bell 214 simulator

Iran reveals indigenous Bell 214 simulator

Source: Press TV, 06-May-13

The Iranian Army’s Ground Forces have unveiled a new indigenous simulator for Bell 214 helicopter, presenting the forces’ latest achievement in the simulation field. (See Full Story)

RAF confirms Chinook Display Team for 2013

RAF confirms Chinook Display Team for 2013

Source: RAF, 03-May-13

The captain for 2013 will be Flight Lieutenant Paul Farmer. This will be his second year with the Display Team. This year’s Co-Pilot is Flight Lieutenant Gareth Allen, the Display Manager Flight Lieutenant Kyle Thomas and the Rear Crew are Sergeants Andy Caldwell and Steve Jones. The season this year will be made all the [...]

Italian Army Takes Delivery of Its First NH90 TTH

Italian Army Takes Delivery of Its First NH90 TTH

Source: Italian Army, 03-May-13

AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, is pleased to announce that the first NH90 TTH in FOC (Final Operational Capability) configuration for the Italian Army has been delivered today during an official ceremony held at AgustaWestland’s Venice Tessera plant in the presence of Gen. Giangiacomo Calligaris, Commander of Italian Army Aviation, and Gen. Francesco Langella, ARMAEREO. This [...]

Kiowa Warrior upgrades alter aircraft profile

Kiowa Warrior upgrades alter aircraft profile

Source: US Army, 02-May-13

The newly updated Kiowa Warrior aircraft, the OH-58F, made a ceremonial “first flight,” April 30, at Redstone Arsenal, Ala. With new cockpit and sensor modifications installed, the OH-58F represents the first major upgrade or modernization to the Kiowa Warrior in 20 years. The “cockpit and sensor upgrade program,” called CASUP, converts OH-58D Kiowa Warriors into [...]

HST trains aboard USS Rushmore

HST trains aboard USS Rushmore

Source: US Navy, 02-May-13

When Marines need essential gear, vehicles or equipment in the field, they need it quickly. The helicopter support team, a group of landing support specialists, is called to support this vital mission. During the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit’s deployment, Marines assigned to Transportation Support Detachment, Combat Logistics Battalion 15, 15th MEU, practiced the planning and [...]

Royal Air Force VIP flight reduced to one AW109E

Royal Air Force VIP flight reduced to one AW109E

Source: HeliHub.com, 01-May-13

UK’s Royal Air Force has reduced its fleet of VVIP AgustaWestland 109E Powers from two to one from the end of March 2013, two years after taking another of the original three away. The remaining aircraft is expected to fly 500 hours a year The unexpected move of serial ZR323 back to the UK civil [...]

World Helicopter-Championship Competitors Win Prestigious Award

World Helicopter-Championship Competitors Win Prestigious Award

Source: RAF, 01-May-13

On 23 April 2013 Squadron Leader Craig Finch, Lieutenant Jim Fraser RN, Flight Lieutenant Mark Lazenby and Flying Officer Ryan Stowe from the Defence Helicopter Flying School, RAF Shawbury, attended the Royal Aero Club’s awards ceremony held at the RAF Club in London. This is a very prestigiousannual event during which the Club presents awards [...]

New UH-72A Lakota production head named

New UH-72A Lakota production head named

Source: American Eurocopter, 01-May-13

Mike Spears has joined American Eurocopter as Senior Director, Lakota Production and Retrofit at its Columbus, Miss. production facility that produces theUH-72A Lakota helicopter. Spears replaces Fred Gerard, Senior Director of LUH Production, who is taking a leadership position with Airbus in Mobile, Ala. In his new position Spears will lead American Eurocopter’s team in continuing its record [...]

Portugal celebrates 50 years of the Alouette III

Portugal celebrates 50 years of the Alouette III

Source: Portuguese AF, 30-Apr-13

[Electronic translation] On April 20 was held in the premises of 552 Squadron”HORNETS”, based on the Air Base No. 11 , in Beja, the event commemorating the 50 years of operation of the helicopterALOUETTE III This event, which aimed to mark this milestone, brought together several generations of soldiers who worked and are working with the weapons system [...]

Upgraded US Navy MH-60S operational flight trainer re-enters service

Upgraded US Navy MH-60S operational flight trainer re-enters service

Source: CAE, 30-Apr-13

CAE USA today announced that the United States Navy has declared an updated MH-60S “Sierra” operational flight trainer (OFT) as ready-for-training at Naval Air Station (NAS) North Island near San Diego, California. This MH-60S OFT, originally manufactured by Lockheed Martin, was completely upgraded by CAE to add new technologies and ensure concurrency with other MH-60S [...]

Boeing awarded $36M Apache blade contract

Boeing awarded $36M Apache blade contract

Source: US DoD, 30-Apr-13

The Boeing Co., Mesa, Ariz., was awarded a $36,599,871 modification (No. 0013), to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (W58RGZ-10-G-0006), to procure composite main rotor blades and associated support equipment for the Apache Block III configuration.  Fiscal 2012 procurement contract funds are being obligated on this award.  The Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the [...]

Canada spent $700,000 to undo renovations for delayed helicopter

Canada spent $700,000 to undo renovations for delayed helicopter

Source: Globe and Mail, 30-Apr-13

The Department of National Defence was forced to spend $700,000 last year to undo portions of a $4-million renovation project on one of its frigates to deal with the delays in the H-92 project (see full story)

Jordanian Police sell three Bo105s

Jordanian Police sell three Bo105s

Source: HeliHub.com, 29-Apr-13

The Jordanian Police have recently sold a batch of three Eurocopter Bo105s to Oceania Aviation in New Zealand after retiring them from active use four years ago – we assume they have been in storage in the interim period. Each has now been put on the local ZK- register, with Oceania working initially on ZK-HVA [...]

LOM Praha awarded with $1.3M contract for Mi-17 pilot training

LOM Praha awarded with $1.3M contract for Mi-17 pilot training

Source: LOM Praha, 29-Apr-13

LOM PRAHA, Czech Republic, has been awarded with a contract valued at (maximum) $ 1,3M for Mi-17 flight training of Polish Air Force pilots from 33rd Air Transportation Base in Powidz. The agreement focuses mainly on mastering of advanced operations including flying under IFR conditions at night. This contract is a result of the successful cooperation [...]

MH-XX deadline this week – first steps in replacing Seahawk

MH-XX deadline this week – first steps in replacing Seahawk

Source: US Navy, 29-Apr-13

Wednesday 1st May is the first stage set by the US Navy – a Request For Information, well ahead of anything like a Request For Proposals. The project is being referred to as MH-XX – “Marine Helicopter”  to support MH-60 Seahawk helicopter recapitalization decisions. The text below from Solicitation AIR41022ST provides further details:- This announcement constitutes [...]

Helibras selects Safran Engineering Services as system integrator

Helibras selects Safran Engineering Services as system integrator

Source: Safran Engineering Services, 29-Apr-13

Brazilian helicopter manufacturer Helibras, a subsidiary of Eurocopter, has selected Safran Engineering Services as the design authority to supply the installation design and full integration of multiple avionics communication and navigation systems, including a sophisticated new Glass Cockpit System from Sagem (Safran), as well as the integration of the auto-pilot system, for the modernization of [...]

KAI working on naval version of Surion

KAI working on naval version of Surion

Source: KAI, 29-Apr-13

KAI, or Korea Aerospace Industries, Inc. develops the amphibious task helicopter for the Korea’s Marine Corps will run. The Defense Acquisition Program Administration(DAPA) announced on the 17th that it held its 66th defense project promotion committee and selected KAI as a priority negotiator for the development of the amphibious task helicopter system. The project, totaling [...]

Turbomeca makes first runs of “Clean Sky” TECH800 engine

Turbomeca makes first runs of “Clean Sky” TECH800 engine

Source: Turbomeca, 26-Apr-13

The official celebration of the first rotation of TECH800 turboshaft demonstrator took place on Friday 26 April, in Pau (France), in the presence of Siim Kallas, Commissioner for Transport and Vice-President of the European Commission, Eric Dautriat, Executive Director of Clean Sky, Jean-Paul Herteman, Chairman and CEO of Safran and Olivier Andries, Chairman and CEO [...]

Colorado National Guard to open new $39M training facility

Colorado National Guard to open new $39M training facility

Source: Colorado National Guard, 26-Apr-13

The Colorado Army National Guard will cut the ribbon at a new state-of-the-art aviation training facility at the Eagle County Airport near Gypsum, Colo., April 26 at 10:30 a.m. The $39 million facility will be the new home of the High-Altitude Army National Guard Aviation Training Site. The project provided an immense economic benefit to [...]

Eurocopter delivers 250th UH-72A Lakota to US Army

Eurocopter delivers 250th UH-72A Lakota to US Army

Source: EADS North America, 26-Apr-13

The U.S. Army has fielded the 250th UH-72A Lakota helicopter delivered to Army and National Guard units by EADS North America since 2006. Every Lakota — including an additional five produced for the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School — has been delivered on time and on budget, by an American workforce that is more than [...]

Bell awarded $14M rotor blade contract

Bell awarded $14M rotor blade contract

Source: US DoD, 26-Apr-13

Bell Helicopter Textron Inc., Fort Worth, Texas, has been awarded a maximum $14,361,600 contract for main rotor blades. The award is a firm-fixed-price, sole-source contract. Location of performance is Texas, with a Dec. 31, 2015 performance completion date. Using military service is Navy. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2013 through fiscal 2015 Navy funds. Defense [...]

Prototype Engineering awarded $10M Black Hawk overhaul work

Prototype Engineering awarded $10M Black Hawk overhaul work

Source: US DoD, 25-Apr-13

Prototype Engineering Inc., Gardena, Calif., was awarded a firm-fixed-price contract with a maximum value of $10,736,912 for the overhaul services in support of the UH-60 Black Hawk. Work location and type of appropriation will be determined with each order. The bid was solicited through the Internet, with two bids received. The Army Contracting Command, Redstone [...]

Sikorsky sales down 7% as military cuts take their toll

Sikorsky sales down 7% as military cuts take their toll

Source: CT News, 25-Apr-13

Stratford-based Sikorsky Aircraft actually delivered more helicopters in the first quarter of this year than a year ago, but sales revenue was down 7 percent to $1.24 billion, the aircraft maker’s parent corporation reported Tuesday. (See Full Story)

Boeing awarded $19M more for Apache support

Boeing awarded $19M more for Apache support

Source: US DoD, 25-Apr-13

The Boeing Co., Mesa, Ariz., was awarded a $19,633,750 modification (No. P00022), to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (W58RGZ-09-C-0147), for the procurement Apache Block III AH-64D helicopters and related support. This contract is in support of Foreign Military Sales for Taiwan. The total cumulative face value of this contract is $624,462,536. Fiscal 2009 procurement contract [...]

Turbomeca buys Rolls-Royce out of RTM322 program

Turbomeca buys Rolls-Royce out of RTM322 program

Source: Safran, 23-Apr-13

Safran (NYSE Euronext Paris: SAF) today announced that it has reached an agreement with Rolls-Royce to acquire Rolls-Royce’s 50% share in their joint RTM322 helicopter engine programme. Upon closing, Turbomeca (Safran’s world leading helicopter engine business) will assume global responsibility for the design, production, product support and services for the RTM322 engine, a 2,100-2,600 shp [...]

RAF Cosford Air Show Confirm Eye-Opening Helicopter Displays

RAF Cosford Air Show Confirm Eye-Opening Helicopter Displays

Source: RAF, 23-Apr-13

The RAF Cosford 75th Anniversary Air Show team is excited to announce that a Chinook and an Apache helicopter from the MOD Joint Helicopter Command (JHC) will be coming to the event on Sunday 9th June. The Chinook helicopter, operated by the Royal Air Force primarily to support troop movements, will be joined by an [...]

Israel to become first V-22 export destination

Israel to become first V-22 export destination

Source: Star Telegram, 23-Apr-13

US  Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel has announced that Israel will be buying the V-22 (see full story)

Helicopter Instructor Reaches Flying Milestone

Helicopter Instructor Reaches Flying Milestone

Source: RAF, 23-Apr-13

A Qualified Helicopter Instructor with the Central Flying School (Helicopters) at RAF Shawbury has achieved a flying milestone in passing an incredible 6000 hours of flying. Flight Lieutenant Jim Hobkirk is a Qualified Helicopter Instructor with Central Flying School (Helicopters) at the unit. He spends his days training future Qualified Helicopter Instructor pilots on the [...]

AgustaWestland and Embraer abandon JV talks

AgustaWestland and Embraer abandon JV talks

Source: Embraer, 22-Apr-13

Following the press release Jointly issued on 21st January 2013 related to the memorandum of understanding signed by Embraer SA and AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, the two companies announce today Their joint decision Negotiations to terminate without reaching an agreement for the establishment of a Joint Venture in Brazil.

Mexico orders six GrandNew for Presidential flight

Mexico orders six GrandNew for Presidential flight

Source: HeliHub.com, 22-Apr-13

Mexico has ordered six AgustaWestland AW109SP GrandNew helicopters for VVIP work in their Presidential flight. SEDENA (Secretaría de la Defensa Nacional), the government agency responsible for the Army and Air Force, says the total contracted value is 776 million pesos – about $63.1M at today’s prices. The Presidential fleet is tasked with flying the President [...]

Indian Air Force may have no VVIP helicopters after 2014

Indian Air Force may have no VVIP helicopters after 2014

Source: Daily Mail India, 22-Apr-13

After February 2014, VVIPs may not be able to fly in an Indian Air Force helicopter, as there may not be a single one left in the IAF’s elite squadron, which ferries the Prime Minister, the President, senior ministers and other top dignitaries. (See full story)

Eurocopter delivers first Tiger HAD variant to the French military

Eurocopter delivers first Tiger HAD variant to the French military

Source: Eurocopter, 22-Apr-13

Eurocopter’s first production Tiger helicopter in the HAD attack configuration was delivered to France’s DGA armament procurement agency today for operation by French Army Aviation units, providing a highly capable combat weapon system that is tailored to the world’s evolving battlefield conditions. This milestone followed DGA qualification of the Tiger HAD version on April 10, [...]

Brazil – ANAC approves locally-produced Level 4 simulator

Brazil – ANAC approves locally-produced Level 4 simulator

Source: CTEx, 21-Apr-13

[electronic translation] The simulator helicopters SHEFE developed by Army Technology Center (CTEx), in partnership with SPECTRA, Brazilian technology company, has received the qualification Flight Training Device FTD Level 4 of the National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC). The certification aims to ensure the level of similarity with a real helicopter so that it is able to do [...]

Rockwell Collins awarded $85M contract for US Army tactical avionics

Rockwell Collins awarded $85M contract for US Army tactical avionics

Source: US DoD, 21-Apr-13

Rockwell Collins Inc., Cedar Rapids, Iowa, has been awarded a maximum $85,153,904 for procurement of eight different types of spare part items for radio receiving sets, low frequency automatic direction finders, and tactical navigation systems for Army helicopters.  The award is a firm-fixed-price, sole-source, ID/IQ long term contract.  Location of performance is Iowa with an [...]

All Metal Delivers to U.S. Coast Guard

All Metal Delivers to U.S. Coast Guard

Source: ALL METAL, 19-Apr-13

All Metal MS announced today that it delivered a customized line of solution driven “safety first” maintenance stands to the U.S. Coast Guard’s Elizabeth City, NC facility. These multi-purpose maintenance stands were designed for use when performing both routine maintenance and complete overhauls on the MH-65, and can be used on all models of the [...]