10-Jan-2013Source: Rockwell Collins
Rockwell Collins recently completed the first installation of the next generation ARC-210 Gen5 radio on an HH-60G Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR) helicopter for the U.S. Air Force Air National Guard (ANG), a key milestone in the HH-60G Avionics Communications Suite Upgrade Program. The first HH-60G modification was completed on schedule at the Rockwell Collins... Read more
9-Jan-2013Source: USAF
Chief Master Sgt. James Hotaling from the Continental U.S. NORAD Region-1st Air Force here was named as the Air National Guard’s next command chief today. As ANG command chief, Hotaling will serve as the senior adviser to Lt. Gen. Sid Clarke, the incoming director of the Air National Guard, on matters concerning the readiness, morale,... Read more
1-Jan-2013Source: US DoD
Bell-Boeing Joint Project Office, Amarillo, Texas, is being awarded a $1,405,744,559modification to the previously awarded V-22 lot 17 advance acquisition contract (N00019-12-C-2001) for 17 fiscal 2013 MV-22 Tiltrotor aircraft for the Marine Corps and four fiscal 2013 CV-22 Tiltrotor aircraft for the Air Force. In addition, this modification provides funding for long lead components required... Read more
12-Dec-2012Source: Reuters
Industry executives said the Air Force bidding rules were so narrowly framed that they effectively excluded their aircraft from the competition. They said the terms favored Sikorsky’s Black Hawk and would not reward extra capability offered by bigger aircraft. (see full story)... Read more
2-Nov-2012Source: US Air Force
A year after publishing the final print edition of Airman magazine, the Air Force is unveiling a new digital version of the service’s official magazine specifically geared for tablet devices. “Built specifically for Apple and Android tablet users, this new format gives readers all the in-depth feature stories and spectacular photos they’ve come to expect from Airman... Read more
24-Oct-2012Source: US Air Force
The Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition announced today the posting of the Combat Rescue Helicopter (CRH) Request for Proposal (RFP) to the Federal Business Opportunities website, signaling the official launch of this high priority Air Force acquisition program. The RFP defines an integrated, capability-based, best-value approach. It also includes... Read more
15-Oct-2012Source: US Air Force
The Inter-American Air Forces Academy at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland recently landed a new training tool that upgrades the helicopter maintenance courses it offers to students from Latin American partner nations. The arrival of an Army UH-1H helicopter at IAAFA’s 318th Training Squadron is expected to meet the growing needs of students who are here... Read more
12-Oct-2012Source: US Air Force
It’s been a fixture on the base’s flightline for decades, marked by its noticeable difference in design from the larger C-130s and elaborate CV-22s operated by 1st Special Operations Wing Airmen. Yet perhaps now the only way one can see a UH-1 Huey at Hurlburt Field will be the one honored in the base’s Airpark. The final flight of Huey,... Read more
3-Jul-2012Source: ReportLinker
This research forecasts the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) helicopter market, including general trends and program analysis. This market includes seven classifications of helicopter platforms as well as miscellaneous helicopter parts and services. Military helicopters provide end users with many capabilities, including air-to-ground attack and assault, troop and cargo transport, intelligence and surveillance gathering, resupply,... Read more
13-Jun-2012
Crashed on training mission out of Hurlburt Field’s Eglin Range, injuring all five occupants... Read more
21-Apr-2012Source: US Air Force
Afghan pilots now have a state-of-the-art MI-17 simulator here to hone their aviation skills in a safe environment. Air Force Lt. Col. Chas Tacheny, the deputy commander of the 438 Air Expeditionary Advisory Group, said he has been involved with bringing the MI-17V5 No-Motion Level 5 Simulator to Afghanistan since July 2011 and he is... Read more
12-Apr-2012Source: US Air Force
With chaos erupting around him, rounds narrowly missing his aircraft, frantic crew members barking directions and a pair of wounded troops waiting for salvation in a sequestered landing zone below, then-Capt. Charles McMullen did what he was trained to do — adapt, lead and overcome. McMullen, a rescue pilot deployed to Afghanistan from the 41st... Read more
9-Apr-2012Source: US DoD
Honeywell International Inc., Defense and Space Electronic Systems, Clearwater, Fla., is being awarded a $80,228,616.not-to-exceed firm-fixed-price to acquire Global Position System/Inertial Navigation System production units for the AH-64, AB3, UH-60, CH-47, SPN-46, E-2, and UH-1 platforms for the Army, Navy, and Foreign Military Sales requirements. The location of the performance is Clearwater, Fla. Work is... Read more
21-Feb-2012Source: US Air Force
KANDAHAR, Afghanistan (AFNS) — Mission ready. Not if the weather forecasters said it’s a no go. An often overlooked Air Force Specialty Code is the weather forecaster. Who hasn’t anguished over a weather forecast gone wrong or at an umbrella left in a stand because the forecaster predicted sunshine? “Mother Nature is unpredictable sometimes,” said... Read more
9-Feb-2012Source: USAF
After being investigated by the Air Force Office of Special Investigations for suspected contract fraud, Mr. Charles R. Priestley, 48, pled guilty and was sentenced for making a false, fictitious and fraudulent claim to the United States Air Force. The United States District Court in East St. Louis, Mo., presided over the plea and sentenced... Read more
5-Feb-2012Source: US Air Force
More than 30 potential civilian contract companies were in attendance during Industrial Days sponsored by the Aeronautical Systems Center at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, Jan. 9-11. The event, hosted by the Air Force Combat Rescue Helicopter Program, gave potential contractors a glimpse into the service’s plans to replace the aging HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopters.... Read more
30-Dec-2011Source: US Air Force
Solicitation Number:FA9302-12-R-0014 Notice Type:Combined Synopsis/Solicitation Synopsis: Added:Â Dec 23, 2011 1:33 pm The solicitation number is FA9302-12-R-0014. This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items prepared IAW the format in FAR 12.6 as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation for this requirement. This is a request for quotations... Read more
15-Dec-2011Source: US Air Force
Wingman, the Air Force’s official quarterly safety magazine, has a new digital home. Readers can find the current and all future issues of Wingman atwww.wingmanmagazine.af.mil. Due to a Department of Defense initiative for organizations to find greater efficiencies, Air Force Safety Center officials transitioned to the online-only format. The Air Force Safety Center published its last hardcopy... Read more
15-Dec-2011Source: US Air Force
Improved safety, operational effectiveness and efficiency are just a few reasons Air Mobility Command officials are looking into using tablet devices such as electronic flight bags for aircrew members reference materials in the cockpit during in-flight emergencies. “Moving from a paper-based to an electronically-based flight publication system will not only enhance operational effectiveness, it can also save... Read more
18-Nov-2011Source: US Air Force
Two Air Force maintainers currently deployed to Afghanistan are taking their more than 30 years of combined experience on rotary wing aircraft and passing off that knowledge to Afghan maintenance personnel in Herat, Afghanistan. Their mission is to train and advise their Afghan counterparts on the skill sets necessary to maintain and fix their MI-17... Read more
19-Oct-2011
Mechanical issues led to the landing near 11th and Gallatin streets. Both radios went out during a routine exercise... Read more
7-Oct-2011Source: US Air Force
Four medics recently graduated at the Kandahar Air Wing from the first Afghan air force Basic Flight Medic course, boosting the Afghan medical response capability. According to medical professionals, the goal of the 40-hour course was to combine ground and flight medical training to produce a better-rounded medical professional. “The course was meant to be... Read more
20-Sep-2011Source: AgustaWestland North America
AgustaWestland North America, Inc. proudly enters the Air Force Association’s 2011 Air & Space Conference and Technology Exposition firmly committed to the U.S. Air Force with the right helicopters for the mission and the right talent for the job. AW139M: More helicopter for the dollar AgustaWestland customized its multi-role AW139 medium-twin helicopter, creating the advanced... Read more
18-Sep-2011Source: US DoD
Bell-Boeing Joint Project Office, Amarillo, Texas, is being awarded an $8,713,282 modification to a previously awarded cost-plus-fixed-fee contract (N00019-08-C-0025) for non-recurring efforts associated with increment three of the CV-22 aircraft Block 20 upgrade program. Efforts to be provided include concept definition, non-recurring engineering, drawings, and installation/integration to design, develop, and test the enhanced helmet mounted... Read more
15-Sep-2011Source: Sikorsky
Nearly 30 years after entering service with the U.S. Air Force, two HH-60G PAVE HAWK helicopters have both achieved 10,000 flight hours during their simultaneous flights on Aug. 30 over Kirtland Air Force Base, N.M. The Sikorsky Aircraft designed-and-built helicopters are the first-ever U.S. Air Force H-60 aircraft to have reached this high flight time... Read more
19-Aug-2011Source: US DoD
Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., Stratford, Conn., was awarded a $22,711,777 firm-fixed-price contract. The award will provide for the procurement of two UH-60M aircraft for the Air Force. Work will be performed in Stratford, Conn., with an estimated completion date of Feb. 28, 2013. One bid was solicited, with one bid received. The U.S. Army Contracting Command,... Read more
24-Jun-2011Source: US Air Force
KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. — Forty years after it came into the Air Force inventory, the 58th Special Operations Wing celebrated a rare mark of longevity when UH-1H 69-6650 passed 15,000 hours in the air May 25. “As only the second UH-1 to surpass that number of flying hours, we wanted to mark the... Read more
14-Jun-2011Source: US Air Force
6/13/2011 – NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. (AFNS) — Airmen from the 66th Rescue Squadron here held a remembrance ceremony June 9 for the crewmembers of an HH-60 Pave Hawk helicopter, call sign Pedro 66, who lost their lives in a crash a year ago on this date. Lt. Col. Daniel Jefferies, the 563rd Rescue... Read more
9-May-2011Source: US Air Force
Seven Afghan Mi-17 instructors graduated from the first Mi-17 “Train the Trainer” upgrade course May 4 taught by AAF and U.S. Air Force instructors at the Afghanistan Premier Flight Training Center here. “Afghan aircrew instructors are pivotal to growing independent combat flying forces, ultimately leading to a self sustaining air force,” said Maj. Sam Kraemer, who... Read more
2-May-2011Source: US Air Force
A split second after a two-man rescue team touched ground, the ear-shattering explosions of rocket-propelled grenades, or RPGs, rang out overhead. Capt. Koa Bailey and Master Sgt. Roger Sparks, a combat rescue officer and pararescueman from Alaska’s 212th Rescue Squadron, rushed to triage causalities strewn across a nearby ravine as bullets pierced through the air.... Read more
28-Apr-2011Source: Boeing
Boeing [NYSE: BA] today announced that its GPS Operational Control Segment (OCS) has gained full operational status with the U.S. Air Force 50th Space Wing, Schriever Air Force Base, Colo. OCS keeps the GPS system operational within specified accuracy to provide secure and precise navigation around the world for military, humanitarian and commercial applications. “The... Read more
28-Apr-2011Source: AgustaWestland
AgustaWestland North America, an AgustaWestland company, is pleased that the U.S. Air Force has announced it is moving forward with a competition for the Common Vertical Lift Support Platform and HH-60 recapitalization programs. “AgustaWestland North America is prepared to participate and to vigorously compete for both the U.S. Air Force’s CVLSP and HH-60 recapitalization programs... Read more
27-Apr-2011Source: US Air Force
Air Force officials announced their strategy here April 25 to recapitalize the Air Force’s helicopter fleet, which is critical to nuclear weapon security response, continuity of government, and combat search and rescue. The Air Force secretary and chief of staff have directed that the service proceed with full and open competition for both the Common... Read more
27-Apr-2011
News footage shows the UH-1N crashed near a ridgeline on Hidden Mountain. While the tail appeared to be intact, fire destroyed the rest of the craft. 4 POB all rescued OK... Read more
24-Apr-2011Source: US Air Force
A combined team of Afghan air force and coalition members conducted the first dedicated Mi-17 medical evacuation mission April 11 here. The team moved an Afghan National Army officer, who incurred a compound leg fracture, from Camp Bastion back to Kandahar. The planning for the inaugural mission began one month ago when Afghan air force... Read more
22-Apr-2011Source: US Air Force
The first two Afghan air force helicopter pilots to complete basic aviator training in the U.S. recently became qualified as co-pilots in the Mi-17 helicopter, the focal point of the Afghan air force’s rotary-wing force. The qualification marks the halfway point in their Mi-17 training. In order to receive the co-pilot designation, Afghan Air Force 1st... Read more
16-Apr-2011Source: US Air Force
CAMP TAJI, Iraq – After more than five years training side-by-side with their Iraqi counterparts in the skies, U.S. Air Force UH-1 Huey instructor pilots have taken a step back as Iraqi instructor pilots take over responsibility for training their own junior pilots. Last month, the 721st Air Expeditionary Advisory Squadron’s two Huey instructor pilots,... Read more
15-Apr-2011Source: Cobham
ST. PETERSBURG, Florida — Cobham has received a Release for Flight certificate from the US Air Force for the Mobile Aircrew Restraint System (MARS), meaning the restraint system is now flight-worthy and approved for use by the service’s HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopters. “The MARS is a great system which I think will provide real value... Read more
17-Mar-2011Source: Lexington Institute
The Air Force is looking to buy a new fleet of utility helicopters to support its domestic operations. The Common Vertical Lift Support Platform (CVLSP) will replace the aging UH-1 Huey helicopters which are employed to inspect and protect ballistic missile fields and transport senior Air Force and government officials around the country. It had... Read more
17-Mar-2011
The aircraft landed safely at Fukushima Airport after encountering potentially dangerous ice build-up on its rotor blades.... Read more
9-Mar-2011Source: Raytheon
Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) has been awarded a $42 million U.S. Air Force contract for additional AN/AAQ-29A forward looking infrared imaging systems for installation on Pave Hawk HH-60G helicopters. Deliveries are expected to be completed by February 2013. The AN/AAQ-29A systems will replace the AN/AAQ-16 FLIR currently installed on U.S. Air Force HH-60G helicopters. “These new systems will give... Read more
5-Mar-2011Source: US Air Force
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. – Air Mobility Command Airmen and C-5 Galaxies are on the cusp of completing one of the largest rotations of helicopters into and out of Afghanistan in Air Force history, according to AMC officials. The massive effort called for the rotation of more than 170 helicopters — approximately 100 inbound... Read more
21-Feb-2011Source: Defence IQ
Defence IQ confirms representatives from the German Army, US Air Force and UK Royal Navy as speakers at the International Military Helicopter conference, taking place 11th-13th May 2011 at the Olympia Conference Centre, London. Dedicated to the military helicopter community, this conference is scheduled to address the current capabilities and future requirements of participating nations,... Read more
17-Feb-2011Source: AgustaWestland
AgustaWestland North America, Inc. today introduced its AW139M military helicopter for the U.S. military market. AgustaWestland customized the military version of the multi-role, off-the-shelf AW139 medium-twin helicopter, integrated with proven U.S. military technology for the U.S. Air Force’s Common Vertical Lift Support Program. The AW139M is being featured at the AFA Air Warfare Symposium, Feb.... Read more
15-Feb-2011
A US helicopter belonging to the US civil support team in Iraq made an emergency landing in the northeast of Nasiryah in southern Baghdad.  The helicopter had taken off from Imam Ali base west of Nasriyah. No one was hurt in the accident... Read more
21-Jan-2011Source: US Air Force
The Afghan air force reached a new milestone with the opening of the pilot training program recently here. The first Afghan pilots began their eight-week instruction course early in January with a four-day academic schedule before beginning flight instruction on the Mi-17 Hip H. “We are helping the Afghans develop a training program that’s going... Read more
7-Jan-2011Source: US Air Force
Two U.S. Air Force F-16 fighter jets,under the control of the North American Aerospace Defense Command, intercepted an unknown civilian helicopter entering North American airspace in the vicinity of Charleston, S.C.today at approximately 9:00 a.m. MST. The helicopter was not in communication with air traffic control. The fighter jets, from the 20th Fighter Wing at... Read more
5-Jan-2011Source: US Forces - Iraq
TAJI — As part of American efforts in Iraq to continue strengthening a long-term partnership, Airmen assigned to the 721st Air Expeditionary Advisory Squadron train, advise and assist the Iraqi Army Aviation Command with all helicopter operations here. “The air advisors are applying their technical skill and knowledge in a whole new way, and it’s... Read more
6-Dec-2010Source: US Air Force
First Lieutenants Abdul Saboor Amin and Ahmad Fawad Haidari became the first two Afghan Air Force helicopter pilots to successfully complete language and pilot training in the United States, recently returning to begin Mi-17 conversion training at the Afghan Air Force Base in Kabul, Afghanistan. The only two candidates out of 62 who were able... Read more
1-Nov-2010Source: Army Times
The U.S. Air Force is close to finalizing a sole-source deal to buy up to 93 UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters from the U.S. Army, according to defense industry sources.... Read more
10-Oct-2010Source: US Air Force
Establishing and maintaining solid working relationships with partner nations is a key mission element in the special operations community. This sometimes takes the form of providing needed training opportunities in order to level the ‘playing field’ and ensure better interoperability and capability with partner forces. One such need recently came in the form of night... Read more
30-Sep-2010Source: Defense Technology
Defense Technology Inc. (DTI) announced that its procurement plan for twenty-one new Mi-17 aircraft has been approved by the Russian Government. Under RFQ N00019-10-R-0032, the United States Navy is competitively purchasing twenty-one Russian, civil variant Mi-17 aircraft for Afghanistan. These medium lift helicopters are the primary support aircraft of the Afghan National Army Air Force... Read more
16-Sep-2010Source: US Dept of Defense
M1 Support Services was awarded an $8,220,722 contract modification which will maintain mission-capable helicopters at 24/7 at F.E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyo., Malmstrom Air Force Base, Mont., Minot Air Force Base, N.D., and Yokota Air base, Japan; and perform helicopter aircrew flight equipment support at F.E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyo., Malmstrom Air Force... Read more
16-Sep-2010Source: Minnesota Public Radio
Military officials say they need restricted training airspace for a planned unmanned aircraft base in Grand Forks, but the FAA says it’s not ready to establish such an airspace in North Dakota.... Read more
15-Sep-2010Source: AgustaWestland
AgustaWestland North America, Inc. is featuring its AW139 multi-role helicopter for the U.S. Air Force’s Common Vertical Lift Support Program (CVLSP) at the Air & Space Conference and Technology Exposition in National Harbor, Md. The militarized, multi-role AW139 is an off-the-shelf, FAA-certified, medium-twin helicopter in military and civil service worldwide since 2003. Used in multi-mission... Read more
14-Sep-2010Source: AgustaWestland
AgustaWestland North America, Inc. announces that it has responded to the U.S. Air Force’s request for information, offering the operationally-proven HH-71 for critical combat search and rescue missions. “We believe the HH-71, based on the combat-proven AW101, offers a robust platform that addresses the U.S. Air Force’s combat search and rescue mission needs, without compromise,”... Read more
5-Sep-2010Source: GovExec.com
The Pentagon is about to deploy an experimental system intended to help helicopters evade deadly small-arms fire, said the military’s top science and technology official... Read more
13-Aug-2010Source: Missoulian
Accident on 8th August 2010 was recorded in HeliHub.com safety pages here... Read more
21-Jul-2010
While the JFTL study guidance has not yet been formally approved, we know that it is an Air Force-led effort, so for each Air Force lead, there is an Army deputy. Tiltrotors like the Osprey would seem to fit the expected requirement... Read more
10-Jun-2010Source: WayPoint
Lt Colonel Kurt A. Matthews assumed command of the US Air Force 308th Rescue Squadron on 5 June at Patrick AFB in Florida... Read more
21-Jan-2010Source: US Air Force
Airmen take off into a high-flying career upon graduating from a classroom that hovers 500 feet above the ground. Students training at the 23rd Flying Training Squadron in Fort Rucker, Ala., are the Air Force’s primary source of helicopter pilots for special operations, combat search and rescue, missile support and distinguished visitor airlift missions. Although the post... Read more
7-Jan-2010Source: Rotorhub
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.... Read more
1-Dec-2009Source: http://www.defenselink.mil/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=56865
Global positioning system technology is being applied to older rotary-wing aircraft to help save lives, a senior helicopter pilot based at Andrews Air Force Base, Md., said... Read more
2-Nov-2009Source: Boeing
Boeing and Bell have received a contract from the U.S. Navy to upgrade the CV-22 Cabin Part Task Trainer with modifications including an Aircrew Flight Simulation that deploys a fused reality system that fuses video images with virtual reality. The upgrade will be delivered to Air Force Special Operations Command, 58th Training Squadron at Kirtland... Read more
24-Sep-2009Source: Reuters
Canadian Helicopters provides flight operations and maintenance services, said in a statement that the United States Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM) had selected one of its competitors for providing the services and will not renew the contract beyond Sept. 30. Canadian Helicopters said USTRANSCOM had said it would decide on two other such contracts shortly.... Read more
11-Sep-2009Source: Air Force Times
The Air Force needs 171 rescue helicopters to meet the requests of the service and joint combatant commanders, according to a report by the Joint Personnel Recovery Agency.... Read more
11-Sep-2009Source: Stars & Stripes
Japanese and U.S. officials — wary of complaints from residents living near USAF air bases — conducted noise surveys Thursday of flight paths proposed for the new air facility on Camp Schwab.... Read more
2-Jun-2009Source: Mindus
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29-May-2009Source: US Air Force
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14-May-2009Source: Las Vegas Sun
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6-May-2009Source: Press & Sun Bulletin
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