Royal Air Force

Page 1 of 3

123
Future UK military helicopter reaches next competition stage

Future UK military helicopter reaches next competition stage

27-Feb-2024Source: UK MoD

The next stage of the New Medium Helicopter (NMH) Programme has been announced by the Minister for Defence Procurement, James Cartlidge, today. The NMH Programme is an initiative to acquire a modern medium-lift support helicopter, which will deliver up to five rotary wing requirements using a single aircraft-type. This means that the platform will be... Read more

RAF picks Axnes wireless comms for Puma Mk.2

RAF picks Axnes wireless comms for Puma Mk.2

31-Jan-2024Source: Axnes AS

Axnes AS, a leading provider of innovative wireless intercom communication systems, is pleased to announce that it has been selected to deliver its cutting-edge PNG Wireless Intercom System (WICS) technology to the UK Ministry of Defence (MOD) for their Puma HC Mk2 Air System. The PNG WICS will be utilized to enhance the aircrafts’ communication... Read more

Royal Air Force plans for six Airbus H145s raise Value For Money questions

Royal Air Force plans for six Airbus H145s raise Value For Money questions

16-Nov-2023Source: HeliHub.com

The Royal Air Force (RAF) in the UK announced that they plan to order for six H145 helicopters from Airbus under a sole supplier agreement.  Assuming the announcement progresses to an actual order, the aircraft will be operated in Brunei and Cyprus, replacing Bell 212 and 412 (Griffin) aircraft respectively.  At present there are RAF... Read more

British Government stops VIP helicopter contract

British Government stops VIP helicopter contract

18-Aug-2023

The British Government has decided not to renew a contract whereby a commercial operator supplies the Ministry of Defence with a helicopter for VIP use –  including the Prime Minister, Ministers, Senior Military Officers, and Government Officials.  The contract is known as RWCSAT – Rotary Wing Command Support Air Transport. A tender was issued for... Read more

RAF joins Irish Air Corps in celebrating 60 years of Helicopter Ops

RAF joins Irish Air Corps in celebrating 60 years of Helicopter Ops

3-Aug-2023Source: Royal Air Force

The RAF were delighted to be invited to join the Irish Air Corps in celebrating 60 years of Helicopter Operations at this year’s Families Day and 2023 Bray Air show, in Dublin. To mark the anniversary, Air Officer Northern Ireland, Air Marshal Sean Reynolds, was hosted by Irish Air Corps GOC, Brigadier General Rory O’Connor.... Read more

No change in UK New Military Helicopter program requirements

No change in UK New Military Helicopter program requirements

24-Jul-2023Source: HeliHub.com

There have been recent reports that the UK Ministry of Defence has reduced the number of helicopters they will be procuring under their New Military Helicopter (NMH) program.  These news items were quoting Lenny Brown, Managing Director of Airbus Helicopters UK saying at the recent Royal International Air Tattoo that the number is now “25... Read more

Lebanese Armed Forces pay visit to UK Puma force at RAF Benson

Lebanese Armed Forces pay visit to UK Puma force at RAF Benson

13-Feb-2023Source: Royal Air Force

Our Defence Engagement programme got off to a flying start recently with a visit from the Lebanese Armed Forces to the Puma Force at RAF Benson. Aircrew and engineers from the Lebanon Armed Forces, who also fly Puma helicopters, were hosted by their counterparts on 33 Squadron to share experiences of operating and engineering practices. ... Read more

RAF Puma helicopters are currently training in Kenya

RAF Puma helicopters are currently training in Kenya

10-Feb-2023Source: Royal Air Force

Puma helicopters from RAF Benson are currently conducting environmental training in Kenya while also supporting the British Army. Located in the foothills of Mount Kenya, over 80 personnel are working in a unique and challenging environment to conduct a variety of environmental training.  Often encountering temperatures of up to 35 degrees and heavy thunderstorms, the aircrew,... Read more

UK Royal Air Force Benson Award For Engineering Excellence

UK Royal Air Force Benson Award For Engineering Excellence

28-Oct-2022Source: Heli-One

  Heli-One, a leading provider of helicopter maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services, is happy to announce the presentation of the Award for Engineering Excellence, donated by Heli-One, from the UK Royal Air Force to Sergeant Burns during the annual Station Awards Reception at RAF Benson. The award was won by Sgt Burns for his... Read more

Thames Valley Air Ambulance switches to a different Airbus 135

Thames Valley Air Ambulance switches to a different Airbus 135

11-Oct-2022Source: Thames Valley Air Ambulance

  Our new helicopter, G-TVLY, has final been unveiled to the public. The Airbus135 will become our air ambulance when we take on our air operations this month. It is kitted out with the same lifesaving equipment as our former helicopter and will fly from our operations base at RAF Benson. We unveiled the helicopter... Read more

RAF Chinook support to exercise Vigilant Fox in Finland

RAF Chinook support to exercise Vigilant Fox in Finland

10-Aug-2022

  Alongside CH-47F Chinooks and UH-60 Blackhawks from the United States and NH90s from Finland, the helicopters conducted mixed formation training to enable multi-aircraft aviation support to the Heli-borne Assault Force. VIGILANT FOX was a four-day validation exercise for C Company, 2 RIFLES, Finnish Karelian Brigade and the Jaeger Guard Regiment. For UK Chinooks, the... Read more

Falklands Chinook joins RAF Museum

Falklands Chinook joins RAF Museum

6-May-2022Source: Royal Air Force Museum

The Royal Air Force Museum is thrilled to announce the acquisition of the legendary RAF Chinook HC6A ‘Bravo November’ helicopter for display at our Cosford site in Shropshire. The newest addition to the Museum’s collection has a distinguished career within the Royal Air Force. It was one of the original 30 Chinooks ordered by the... Read more

RAF helicopters celebrate 90 years of service with joint flight

RAF helicopters celebrate 90 years of service with joint flight

3-Dec-2021Source: Royal Air Force

A formation flight of specially painted Chinook and Puma helicopter has taken place to mark over 90 years of combined service. The occasion saw the aircraft make a commemorative flight over a number of locations in the South of England displaying their bespoke anniversary tail art. The two uniquely painted airframes celebrated their individual anniversaries... Read more

RAF unveils 50th Anniversary paint scheme for Puma

RAF unveils 50th Anniversary paint scheme for Puma

6-Jul-2021Source: Royal Air Force

On 29 January 1971, the first to Royal Air Force Puma helicopters were delivered into service. To commemorate 50 years of service, Puma HC Mk2 XW224 has been given a unique new paint scheme. Today it flew its maiden flight in its new colours. The aircraft scheme is similar to that which the first Puma... Read more

British Puma helicopters return from Afghanistan in Russian freighter

British Puma helicopters return from Afghanistan in Russian freighter

30-Jun-2021Source: Royal Air Force

The RAF Puma detachment serving in Afghanistan in support of the NATO Resolute Support Mission since March 2015 has now returned to RAF Benson, as part of the withdrawal of NATO forces from the country. The three Puma helicopters and around 50 personnel from 33 Squadron and 230 Squadron based at Benson Joint Helicopter Command... Read more

New Commander for RAF Chinook detachment in Mali

New Commander for RAF Chinook detachment in Mali

17-Mar-2021Source: Royal Air Force

A new British National Component Commander has taken command of the RAF Chinook detachment serving in Mali in support of the French Counter Insurgency Operation. Commander Colin Kiernan of the Royal Navy has taken over from Lieutenant Colonel Steve Brining of the Army Air Corps during a handover ceremony at Gao Airbase in Mali, West... Read more

Sustainable fuels to power UK military helicopters

Sustainable fuels to power UK military helicopters

8-Feb-2021Source: UK Government

Known as ‘drop-ins,’ sustainable fuel sources include hydrogenated fats and oils, wood waste, alcohols, sugars, household waste, biomass and algae. Aircraft including F-35s, Typhoons and Wildcat helicopters currently use conventional fuel, but could use up to 50 per cent sustainable sources in the future, after MOD’s changed aviation fuel standards came into effect in November... Read more

RAF Odiham Engineers use 3D Printing to Improve Chinook Force Safety

RAF Odiham Engineers use 3D Printing to Improve Chinook Force Safety

16-Dec-2020Source: Royal Air Force

RAF Odiham Station Workshops have been heavily involved in the recent Service Modification work to produce a solution to the ongoing problem of Articles Falling Off Aircraft (AFOA) relating to the Aft MRH Droop Stop Shrouds on Boeing CH47 Chinook Helicopters. The Boeing CH47 Chinook aircraft is fitted with droop stops on the Aft main... Read more

British military Joint Helicopter Command sustain airpower operation in Mali

British military Joint Helicopter Command sustain airpower operation in Mali

30-Oct-2020Source: Royal Air Force

The British military Tri-Service Joint Helicopter Command (JHC) is leading the UK’s support to the French Counter Insurgency Operations in West Africa by conducting heavy lift helicopter operations. The deployment of Royal Air Force CH 47 Chinooks began in 2018 and it has been JHC that has sustained this operation for two years now by... Read more

COVID-19 – RAF completes COVID support task at Kinloss

COVID-19 – RAF completes COVID support task at Kinloss

17-Jun-2020Source: UK Government

3 RAF Puma helicopters deployed to Kinloss Barracks to support the Scottish Ambulance Service (SAS) in the coronavirus fight are heading back to their Oxfordshire base today, nearly 3 months after being stood up in support COVID activity in Scotland. The aircraft and crews from RAF Benson had responded to an urgent request in March... Read more

Gama Aviation and Atkins retain UK military airworthiness contract

Gama Aviation and Atkins retain UK military airworthiness contract

4-Jun-2020Source: Gama Aviation

Gama Aviation, the global business aviation service provider, together with Atkins, has been reappointed to continue delivering Military Airworthiness Reviews (MARs) to the Royal Air Force’s HQ Air Command (HQ Air) and The British Army’s Joint Helicopter Command (JHC). Airworthiness regulations were issued by The Military Aviation Authority in 2013, requiring all aircraft on the... Read more

UKMFTS program adds first of four additional Airbus H145s

UKMFTS program adds first of four additional Airbus H145s

28-May-2020Source: Royal Air Force

Gp Capt Chris Mullen, the Station Commander and Commandant of No. 1 Flying Training School was on the flight line to welcome a brand-new Jupiter (Airbus H145) helicopter. This new addition to the fleet will shortly be taking to the skies, once final checks and transfer to the military register are completed, to deliver world-leading... Read more

22 Squadron Re-Forms At RAF Benson

22 Squadron Re-Forms At RAF Benson

19-May-2020Source: Royal Air Force

A Royal Air Force squadron with a long and proud history has re-formed at RAF Benson as the Operational Evaluation Unit for the Joint Helicopter Command. Synonymous with search and rescue, 22 Squadron will provide operational testing and evaluation for all the Joint Helicopter Command helicopter types, including Chinook, Puma, Apache and Wildcat. Formerly the... Read more

Former head of RAF to be appointed chair of UK CAA

Former head of RAF to be appointed chair of UK CAA

8-May-2020Source: UK Department of Transport

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps had on 7th May 2020 announced the former head of the Royal Air Force, Sir Stephen Hillier, as his preferred candidate to become the new Chair of the UK Civil Aviation Authority. Following an open competition, Sir Stephen was selected by the Transport Secretary as the candidate best suited to lead... Read more

COVID-19 – Hampshire IOW Air Ambulance collaborates with Royal Air Force

COVID-19 – Hampshire IOW Air Ambulance collaborates with Royal Air Force

15-Apr-2020Source: Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance (HIOWAA) are amongst the first Air Ambulance services to collaborate with the Royal Air Force (RAF) to carry critically ill patients from more remote areas to major trauma centres with increased intensive care capacity. On Tuesday 7th April the Charity undertook the first time-critical transfer of a patient... Read more

RAF Helicopters Support Scottish Ambulance Service Trials

RAF Helicopters Support Scottish Ambulance Service Trials

6-Apr-2020Source: Royal Air Force

RAF Puma helicopters based at Kinloss Barracks in Moray have been supporting the Scottish Ambulance Service with the trials of the EpiShuttle medical isolation and transportation system as part of the Scottish Government’s coronavirus response. The Scottish Ambulance Service has trialled the use of the EpiShuttle to enable the safe and swift transportation of patients... Read more

RAF Chief of Air Staff names new helicopter training facility

RAF Chief of Air Staff names new helicopter training facility

9-Mar-2020Source: Royal Air Force

A state-of-the-art training facility has been formally named today at RAF Shawbury by the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Wigston. The building was named in honour of The Duke of Cambridge, who completed advanced flying training at the Defence Helicopter Flying School and was awarded his aircrew flying badge in January 2010.... Read more

Helicopter pilot appointed new Station Commander at RAF Odiham

Helicopter pilot appointed new Station Commander at RAF Odiham

11-Sep-2019Source: Royal Air Force

RAF Odiham has welcomed back former OC 27 Sqn, Gp Capt Nick Knight as the new Station Commander succeeding Gp Capt Lee Turner after 2 years at the helm of this incredibly busy Station. Gp Capt Knight has a vast experience of the Support Helicopter force, commissioning into the British Army in 1996 he flew... Read more

First UK pilots complete training with Rotary Wing MFTS

First UK pilots complete training with Rotary Wing MFTS

2-Sep-2019Source: Royal Air Force

ON 23 August 2019, a total of 22 tri-Service aircrew graduated from the Defence Helicopter Flying School (DHFS) at RAF Shawbury. The parade celebrated both the graduation of the first 13 pilots to complete their training within the Rotary Wing UK Military Flying Training System (UKMFTS) as well as the graduation of 9 helicopter Rearcrew.... Read more

RAF Odiham choose Peli

RAF Odiham choose Peli

6-May-2019Source: Peli UK

Peli UK foam specialists have designed a bespoke packaging solution for a Chinook Helicopter torque maintenance kit which is now in service at RAF Odiham. The kit had previously been housed in a special to type container. This had a high centre of gravity causing them to topple over when handled. They were not man... Read more

First Leonardo AW101 Commando Merlin delivered to the Commando

First Leonardo AW101 Commando Merlin delivered to the Commando

28-May-2018Source: Leonardo

Guto Bebb MP, Minister for Defence Procurement, announced the delivery of the first AW101 Commando Merlin Mk4 helicopter during a ceremony held at Royal Naval Air Station Yeovilton yesterday. The event marks a major milestone for Leonardo’s Merlin Life Sustainment Programme (MLSP) contract to convert 25 former Royal Air Force Merlin helicopters to fully marinised... Read more

Lakenheath bids farewell to Rescue Squadrons

Lakenheath bids farewell to Rescue Squadrons

28-May-2018Source: hh60g-6

The 48th Fighter Wing bid farewell to the 56th Rescue Squadron during a ceremony at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, May 15, 2018. The event signals the near-completion of the 56th and 57th RQS relocation to Aviano Air Base, Italy, which was announced in November 2015.The relocation to Aviano Air Base will provide strategic combat... Read more

Airbus extends UK Puma Mk.2 support

Airbus extends UK Puma Mk.2 support

3-Jan-2018Source: Airbus Helicopters

Airbus Helicopters and the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) have signed a Follow-on Support Arrangement contract to provide support to the Royal Air Force Puma 2 fleet over the planned service life of the aircraft.  The contract, worth an initial £100 million, is the first of two pricing periods which will see Airbus Helicopters provide... Read more

Serco awarded extension to helicopter pilot training contract

Serco awarded extension to helicopter pilot training contract

31-Oct-2017Source: Serco

Serco has been awarded an eight-year extension to its contract with leading simulation technology specialist CAE to deliver helicopter pilot training and provide facilities management services for the Medium Support Helicopter Aircrew Training Facility (MSHATF) at RAF Benson. The state-of-the-art simulated training facility is used to train Royal Air Force and Royal Navy helicopter aircrew,... Read more

UK invests £90M in Helicopter training centre

UK invests £90M in Helicopter training centre

27-Oct-2017Source: The Ministry of Defence

The Ministry of Defence has announced an over £90 million investment in a world-leading helicopter simulation centre to help train the Royal Air Force and Royal Navy helicopter pilots of the future. The simulators put pilots through their paces, replicating extreme real-life scenarios, from flying in blizzards or under enemy fire to dealing with power failures... Read more

5th EDA HTIC completed

5th EDA HTIC completed

7-Aug-2017Source: EDA

The European Defence Agency’s 5th Helicopter Tactics Instructors Course (HTIC), which ran over several weeks at Royal Air Force (RAF) base in Linton-on-Ouse (North Yorkshire, UK) and Arvidsjaur Airfield in Lapland (Sweden), was successfully completed in July. The course began in May with a four-week classroom phase, which included simulator exercises at Linton-on-Ouse, followed by... Read more

RAF to upgrade HC4 Chinook fleet

RAF to upgrade HC4 Chinook fleet

1-Aug-2017Source: HeliHub.com

The UK is upgrading their Royal Air Force’s Boeing Chinook HC4 helicopters. The fleet will be brought to the new HC6 standard, reports IHS Jane’s. The 38 helicopters are being given Boeing Digital Automatic Flight Control Systems, replacing their analogue systems. This process is planned to take up to 12 months. They also are adding... Read more

Leonardo could move AW149 line to Yeovil UK

Leonardo could move AW149 line to Yeovil UK

10-Jul-2017Source: HeliHub.com

The UK Ministry of Defence and Leonardo signed a Strategic Partnership Agreement for the work on future AW149 production. They had hoped the AW149 would be the replacement for the Royal Air Force’s Airbus Puma HC2 fleet, which will retire in 2025, reports Flight Global. Managing Director, Daniele Romiti, has said that should the agreement... Read more

A New Station Commander for RAF Shawbury

A New Station Commander for RAF Shawbury

25-May-2017Source: Royal Air Force

Personnel from Royal Air Force Shawbury welcomed their new Station Commander, Group Captain R S (Chuck) Norris who officially took command of RAF Shawbury on Friday 12th May 2017. Group Captain Norris joined the Royal Air Force in 1988. As a Support Helicopter pilot, he has completed tours on the Wessex and Chinook in Hong... Read more

Relocation for the British Army Helicopter Force

Relocation for the British Army Helicopter Force

23-May-2017Source: HeliHub.com

Defence officials and commanders of the British Army are underway with plans to relocate their attack helicopter forces. Currently the forces are in East Anglia and they hope to move them to a newer base that is closer to the Salisbury Plain training centre. Included in this plan is to downsize of the number of... Read more

East Anglian Air Ambulance says goodbye to one of its founding members

East Anglian Air Ambulance says goodbye to one of its founding members

24-Apr-2017Source: East Anglian Air AmbulanceX

Gerry Hermer, one of East Anglian Air Ambulance’s (EAAA) founding members, and in recent years the aviation consultant for EAAA, today retires from his role. Gerry has won many awards in his career including an Air Force Cross for his courageous rescue mission whilst he was in the Royal Air Force. He plans to travel... Read more

5th EDA HTIC to ‘take off’ with home-grown teachers

5th EDA HTIC to ‘take off’ with home-grown teachers

28-Mar-2017Source: EDA

The 5th in the series of Helicopter Tactics Instructors Courses (HTIC) to be ran by EDA on behalf of Member States will kick off on 15 May 2017 at Royal Air Force (RAF) Linton-on-Ouse, North Yorkshire in the United Kingdom.  The HTIC has grown significantly over the four previous courses both in terms of scope and... Read more

Vector Aerospace may lay off 60 in UK

Vector Aerospace may lay off 60 in UK

10-Aug-2016Source: HeliHub.com

A local news outlet in Portsmouth is reporting that 60 jobs at the local Vector Aerospace facility at Fleetlands are at risk after the company lost s contract. Portsmouth News says Vector had bid for the Digital Automatic Flight Control System upgrade programme for the Royal Air Force’s Chinook helicopter fleet. Steve Burnell from Boeing Defence... Read more

RAF donates Sea King to Falklands museum

RAF donates Sea King to Falklands museum

11-May-2016Source: HeliHub.com

The Royal Air Force has donated a Sea King (Sikorsky S61 built in UK under licence) to the Falkland Islands Museum and National Trust.  The aircraft is serialled XZ593. RAF Commodore Darren Bone said: “For over a generation the Sea King has been a reassuring sight across the Falkland Islands. It has gone to the... Read more

CAE to upgrade two Royal Air Force Chinook simulators

CAE to upgrade two Royal Air Force Chinook simulators

6-Apr-2016Source: CAE

The United Kingdom Ministry of Defence (MOD) has awarded a contract amendment to CAE to upgrade two of the CH-47 Chinook dynamic mission simulators at CAE’s Medium Support Helicopter Aircrew Training Facility (MSHATF) at RAF Benson. CAE will install the digital automatic flying control system (DAFCS) in each of the simulators to ensure concurrency with... Read more

RAF passes 10,000 hours on upgraded Pumas

RAF passes 10,000 hours on upgraded Pumas

22-Feb-2016Source: RAF

Wednesday 17th February marked a significant milestone for the Puma Force as they reached a staggering 10,000 flying hours for the Puma 2. The extensively upgraded helicopter declared Initial Operating Capability in February 2015 and just over three weeks later deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation TORAL; the ongoing NATO training and support mission.... Read more

UK receives 60th Chinook

UK receives 60th Chinook

7-Dec-2015Source: HeliHub.com

Boeing has confirmed delivery of the 14th Mk.6 Chinook to the UK’s Royal Air Force, taking its fleet to 60 aircraft.  The event also coincided with the 35th anniversary of Chinook operations for the UK. “Since they were introduced into service in 1980, our Chinook fleet has played an integral supporting role for British forces and... Read more

Bristow winchman recognised by the Queen

Bristow winchman recognised by the Queen

9-Nov-2015Source: Bristow

Bristow winchman Duncan Tripp has been recognized as a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in recognition of his service to the Royal Air Force (RAF). Tripp served as winchman paramedic based at RAF Lossiemouth with 202 Squadron for 18 years before transitioning to Bristow’s UK SAR base at Inverness in April... Read more

First Chinooks arrive at RAF Benson

First Chinooks arrive at RAF Benson

27-Oct-2015Source: Chinooks

The first Chinook helicopters and around 150 personnel moved to RAF Benson on Wednesday as the Chinook Operational Conversion Flight joined their Puma colleagues. The Chinook Operational Conversion Flight, which will eventually see 6 Chinook aircraft based at RAF Benson, joined the Puma Operational Conversion Flight to form the combined Puma and Chinook Operational Conversion... Read more

Royal Air Force to receive AW109SP GrandNew

Royal Air Force to receive AW109SP GrandNew

23-Oct-2015Source: HeliHub.com

Previously unannounced by AgustaWestland, it would appear that the Royal Air Force in the UK are soon to receive an AW109SP GrandNew.  In a sneak photo here, we can see the full standard 32 Squadron colour scheme including RAF roundels, the British flag on the tail and the squadron crest just below the cabin windows.... Read more

11-Oct-15 XW229 Airbus SA330 Kabul, Afghanistan (5F)

11-Oct-15 XW229 Airbus SA330 Kabul, Afghanistan (5F)

11-Oct-2015

Two UK RAF servicemen, two US servicemen and one French civilian contractor died in the crash after reportedly striking the cable of a tethered surveillance balloon.  The two British fatalitites were named as Flight Lieutenant Geraint Roberts and Flight Lieutenant Alan Scott, while the American pair were named as Major Phyllis Pelky and Master Sgt.... Read more

Royal Air Force bows out of UK SAR responsibility

Royal Air Force bows out of UK SAR responsibility

4-Oct-2015Source: HeliHub.com

The Royal Air Force bowed out from it’s Search And Rescue role in the UK on Sunday 4th October, as the last base stood down – RAF Chivenor, it confirmed on Twitter.  Although planned for 30 September, a last minute hitch meant that Bristow Helicopters were not able to start operations until Sunday, with their... Read more

UK – Boulmer SAR base closes as RAF ferries Sea Kings to storage

UK – Boulmer SAR base closes as RAF ferries Sea Kings to storage

1-Oct-2015Source: HeliHub.com

RAF Boulmer, a long-established SAR base in the north-east of the UK, has closed that role as the SAR responsibility for the UK is gradually handed over to Bristow Helicopters.  As part of the phased plan to retire Royal Navy and Royal Air Force helicopters, 202 Squadron retired its two yellow Sea Kings with a... Read more

Selex ES to update UK RAF Puma electronic warfare capability

Selex ES to update UK RAF Puma electronic warfare capability

5-Aug-2015Source: Selex ES

Selex ES has won a contract worth around €27M (£19M) to provide an ongoing radar warning capability for the UK Royal Air Force’s fleet of Puma helicopters. The company was selected by the UK Ministry of Defence to provide its SG200-D Radar Warning Receiver (SG200-D RWR). SG200-D is a UK-specific product from the family of... Read more

08-Jun-15 ZD981 Boeing Chinook HC.2 Manchester, UK

08-Jun-15 ZD981 Boeing Chinook HC.2 Manchester, UK

8-Jun-2015

Emergency landing at Manchester Airport and engineer called.... Read more

Airbus to Build Helicopter Plant in Romania

Airbus to Build Helicopter Plant in Romania

20-May-2015Source: Balkan Insight

Airbus has announced it intends to build helicopters at a new plant at Ghimbav, close to the central Romanian city of Brasov, in an investment worth about 40 million euro. See Full Story... Read more

RAF SAR Sea King crews celebrate with mountain-top meal

RAF SAR Sea King crews celebrate with mountain-top meal

19-May-2015Source: grough

Members of a Snowdonia mountain rescue team shared a formal dinner with RAF colleagues – on top of a 3,000ft peak. See Full Story... Read more

Billy Deacon SAR Memorial Trophy awarded for 2015

Billy Deacon SAR Memorial Trophy awarded for 2015

8-May-2015Source: Bristow

The Billy Deacon SAR Memorial Trophy will be presented at the Air League’s Annual Awards Ceremony at St James Palace, on Tuesday 05th May 2015 by HRH Prince Philip Duke of Edinburgh. Sponsored by Bristow Helicopters Ltd and Breitling UK, the Trophy has been established to further the memory of Mr Billy Deacon who was... Read more

RAF Valley Sea King flies 10,000th mission

RAF Valley Sea King flies 10,000th mission

21-Apr-2015Source: North Wales Chronicle

The rescue happened at night in the Ogwen Valley of Snowdonia, when a young London woman with an ankle injury was winched aboard and flown to hospital at Bangor.  See Full Story... Read more

19-Apr-15 Boeing CH-47 Lisvane, UK

19-Apr-15 Boeing CH-47 Lisvane, UK

19-Apr-2015

Chinook dropped part of its underslung load in farm field.  Chinook was flying as part of the Joint Warrior exercise... Read more

Bristow Group Names Government Portfolio Director

Bristow Group Names Government Portfolio Director

17-Apr-2015Source: Bristow

Bristow Group today announced that Carl Dixon has joined Bristow as Director, Government Portfolio. Dixon will lead Bristow’s activity to build its global search and rescue (SAR) business, engaging with governments and public sector institutions around the world. Dixon has a military background; as Air-Vice Marshal, he served as Commander of the UK Joint Helicopter... Read more

Anger at RAF Sea King event cancellation in Moray

Anger at RAF Sea King event cancellation in Moray

24-Mar-2015Source: BBC

The cancellation of a party marking the retirement of Sea King helicopters has been met with anger. See Full Story... Read more

Upgraded RAF Puma – first NATO mission deployment

Upgraded RAF Puma – first NATO mission deployment

23-Mar-2015Source: RAF

On a dark winter’s night, illuminated by runway lights, the first Puma HC Mark2 aircraft was loaded on to a single C17 transport aircraft at RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire for the 3,608 mile journey to Kabul. Its departure came just days before the MOD announced that the new Puma, and the RAF’s latest version... Read more

Canada – 443 Maritime Helicopter Sqn invests new honorary colonel

Canada – 443 Maritime Helicopter Sqn invests new honorary colonel

20-Mar-2015Source: RCAF

Colonel Patrick MacNamara, commanding officer of 443 Maritime Helicopter Squadron, invested the squadron’s new honorary colonel in a December 8, 2014, ceremony in Patricia Bay, British Columbia. Honorary Colonel Michael Sudul stepped into the position vacated by outgoing Honorary Colonel Jeffrey Morris, who served since 2009. Colonel Lise Bourgon, 12 Wing’s commander, presided over the... Read more

Will UK Military upgrade RAF Northolt or close it to civilian traffic?

Will UK Military upgrade RAF Northolt or close it to civilian traffic?

3-Feb-2015Source: LBHA

•The safety of all civilian aircraft using government owned military aerodromes is the sole responsibility of the Civil Aviation Authority not the Military Aviation Authority or MOD. •The CAA is now responsible for deciding if RAF Northolt is safe for use by civil aircraft •An assessment by the CAA is required and this may require... Read more

Chivenor Sea King switchover delayed until October

Chivenor Sea King switchover delayed until October

16-Jan-2015Source: North Devon Gazette

The transfer of Chivenor’s search and rescue helicopter service to Wales has been postponed, the Gazette understands. See Full Story... Read more

UK – Wattisham issues closure date for Sea King SAR

UK – Wattisham issues closure date for Sea King SAR

15-Jan-2015Source: HeliHub.com

Once a fully operational RAF Station, Wattisham is now only home to a search and rescue helicopter unit, ‘B’ Flight of No 22 Squadron, equipped with 2 Sea king HAR3A helicopters. The final bell is now being prepared for this operation, as it has been announced the Sea Kings will cease operations on 1st July.... Read more

RAF officially hands over Merlins to Royal Navy

RAF officially hands over Merlins to Royal Navy

2-Oct-2014Source: RAF

30th September marked the end of an era for the Royal Air Force with the official handover of the Merlin to the Royal Navy and the disbandment of 78 Squadron in a formal ceremony at RAF Benson in Oxfordshire. The formal Royal parade marked the next stage in the transition of the Merlin helicopter from... Read more

General Dynamics develops Tactical Processing System for AW101 Merlin upgrade

General Dynamics develops Tactical Processing System for AW101 Merlin upgrade

15-Jul-2014Source: General Dynamics

General Dynamics UK, in partnership with AgustaWestland, has commenced development work to modify its Tactical Processing System for integration into the AW101 Merlin Mk4. This development work is part of the Merlin Life Sustainment Programme (MLSP), a contract awarded to AgustaWestland in January 2014 to convert 25 AW101 Merlin helicopters for maritime operations. It will... Read more

Vector team achieve Boeing’s supplier gold rating

Vector team achieve Boeing’s supplier gold rating

9-Jul-2014Source: Vector Aerospace

Vector Aerospace UK (Vector – www.vectoraerospace.com), a leading provider of aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services, announced today that its Project Julius Team, responsible for the embodiment of the avionics upgrade to the UK MOD’s fleet of 46 Chinook aircraft, has obtained supplier ‘Gold’ status for their First Time Quality (FTQ). This is an... Read more

RAF unveils first new CH-47F Chinook

RAF unveils first new CH-47F Chinook

17-Jun-2014Source: Royal Air Force

The first of the RAF’s fourteen new Chinook helicopters have been unveiled today by the Defence Secretary, Philip Hammond, following its entry into service on time. During a visit to RAF Odiham in Hampshire, the home of the Chinook force, Philip Hammond also announced a new £115 million agreement with Boeing Defence UK to maintain... Read more

New Commandant at UK’s Defence Helicopter Flying School

New Commandant at UK’s Defence Helicopter Flying School

29-May-2014Source: RAF

Captain Paul Shawcross Royal Navy handed over command of the Defence Helicopter Flying School (DHFS) at RAF Shawbury this week to Colonel Julian Facer. Colonel Facer was commissioned into the Army Air Corps (AAC) in 1991 and is an experienced Apache Attack Helicopter pilot. His recently commanded 7 Training Regiment (AAC) at Middle Wallop, where... Read more

Puma Mark 2 trials hosted by Vector Aerospace UK

Puma Mark 2 trials hosted by Vector Aerospace UK

31-Mar-2014Source: Vector

Vector Aerospace UK (Vector – www.vectoraerospace.com), a leading provider of aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services recently supported the characterisation trials of the Radar Warning Receiver on the Puma Mk 2 at its Fleetlands site in Gosport, Hampshire. Working alongside Airbus Helicopters and the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD), the company hosted two separate weeks... Read more

29-Mar-14 Boeing CH-47D Akamas, Cyprus

29-Mar-14 Boeing CH-47D Akamas, Cyprus

29-Mar-2014

Emergency field landing... Read more

Royal Norwegian Air Force head visits RAF Valley training base

Royal Norwegian Air Force head visits RAF Valley training base

24-Mar-2014Source: Royal Air Force

THE head of the Royal Norwegian Air Force (RNoAF) joined the RAF’s training chief at RAF Valley recently to view the world-leading technology that is helping to shape the fighter pilots of the future. Major General Finn Kristian Hannestad, Inspector General of the RNoAF and Air Vice-Marshal Mike Lloyd, Air Officer Commanding 22 (Training) Group... Read more

Page 1 of 3

123

Copyright © 2024 HeliHub

Website by Design Inc

Helihub logo

X