Russian Helicopters has delivered the final batch of its latest military transport helicopters to India

The company’s director general, Alexander Shcherbinin, said late last month that three remaining Mi-17V-5 Hip helicopters were due to be delivered to India “in the near future.”

Indian Air Force is planning to order an additional 48 Mi-17V-5 helicopters

India could order 48 Mi-17V-5 military transport helicopters in the near future, in addition to the the recently fulfilled contract for the same choppers, the Russian state technology company Rostec said in a statement Tuesday.

Guidance Aviation successfully using Robinson R66 helicopters for air charters

Guidance Aviation has experienced notable success by using the Robinson R66 turbine helicopter for a variety of helicopter charter operations.

In both its Arizona and Louisiana locations, Guidance Aviation offers helicopter charter services utilizing the Robinson R66. Applications range from construction deliveries, airport shuttles, executive transportation, scenic tours, pipeline/power line assessment, and external loads.

“The Robinson R66 helicopter has one of the lowest operating costs and best safety records in the industry,” said Cody Cooper, director of flight operations. “Guidance provides exclusive point-to-point transportation in helicopters as well as external load operations and mission-critical projects that require the flexibility and efficiency only a helicopter can afford.”

MD Helicopters to supply new MD 530G scout attack helicopters to Malaysia’s Minstry of Defense

MD Helicopters, Inc. (MDHI) has announced that it succeeded in its bid to supply six MD 530G scout attack helicopters to Malaysia’s Ministry of Defense. MDHI will deliver the launch helicopters to Malaysian Army Aviation, Pasukan Udara Tentera Darat (PUTD), beginning in the fourth quarter of 2016, with the full fleet to deliver by the end of Q1 2017.

With this installation, MD Helicopters becomes the only rotorcraft original equipment manufacturer (OEM) to introduce and field two new Scout Attack Helicopter Programs, each within 12-months from award.

“Our legacy is firmly rooted in service of the warfighter; delivering fast, agile, highly-capable scout attack helicopters for the protection of the United States and our partner nations,” said Lynn Tilton, chief executive officer for MD Helicopters. “Perfectly suited for Malaysia’s operational environment, we are honored that the MD 530G—our next generation light scout attack helicopter—was selected by the Malaysian prime minister, minister of defense and the chief of defense force (CDF) to be the newest addition to the Malaysian Armed Forces.”

Army Aviation Restructuring Could Keep Apache Helicopters in North Carolina National Guard

A special commission on the future of the Army is calling for a compromise in aviation restructuring that could keep AH-64 Apache helicopters in the North Carolina National Guard.

The National Commission on the Future of the Army report was released Thursday, days ahead of its deadline to issue recommendations to Congress.

The report proposed a middle ground between the Army’s Aviation Restructure Initiative, which would have seen all of the National Guard Apache helicopters transferred to the active force, and the counterproposal made by the National Guard Bureau, which would have kept the six current National Guard Apache battalions intact.

Boeing plugs ViaSat into new AH-64E Apache helicopters

Broadband services supplier ViaSat is to supply 90 of its Link 16 Small Tactical Terminals (STTs) to Boeing as it outfits a number of AH-64E Apache Guardian Attack helicopters for the US military.

The latest generation of a line that dates back to the 1980s, the AH-64E is one of the world’s most advanced multi-role combat helicopters and  – besides the US – serves in the militaries of a number of other countries worldwide, including India, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia and South Korea.

 

The full-rate contract covers production through to 2018. It will provide real-time combat communications and network interoperability over a two-channel, software-defined STT.

Thales helicopter simulator receives Level D qualification in Norway

The Thales Reality H Full Sight Simulator has received Level D qualification for the Norway Training Center.

The simulator is equipped with a Hexaline all-electric motion system in addition to the ThalesView visual system, designed to simulate a variety of flight conditions for pilots in training. The system is scheduled to launch with its customers Blueway Offshore Norway AS and Dancopter in Denmark in February.

“This training centre will train pilots in some of the most challenging conditions in the world,” Thales Training and Simulation general manager Jean Jacques Guittard said in a statement. “We want the training here to become a gold standard for any operator, wishing to have their pilots ready for any mission in the harshest and most challenging environments imaginable.”

Poland may stall plans to buy $3bn EC-725 Caracal helicopters from Airbus

The Polish Ministry of Defence (MoD) may stall plans to buy $3bn worth of helicopters from Airbus.

Polish Deputy Defence Minister Bartosz Kownacki was quoted by Reuters as saying: I can’t say that the final assessment of the (industrial) offset negotiations will be negative, but considering how big the differences are, it is very likely that an agreement will not be reached.

“We are not allergic to the French, but to not utilising the capacity of the Polish (defence) industry.

“We’d have to get really as much as possible from the French side to make this contract profitable for us.”

“We’d have to get really as much as possible from the French side to make this contract profitable for us.”

The provisional deal, which was approved by the previous Polish Government, was part of the nation’s $40bn worth military modernising efforts aimed at improving the military capabilities of its armed forces.

The deal, which would see Airbus delivering up to 50 EC-725 Caracal multi-purpose helicopters to the nation, was supposed to conlcude early next month.

Airbus Helicopters and Mahindra Defence ink pact for JV

Representatives of Airbus Helicopters (a division of Airbus Group) and Mahindra Defence have signed a statement of intent on January 24, 2016 – in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the visiting French PresidentFrancois Hollande – for producing military helicopters in India. This follows a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed by the two companies last July to form a joint venture as a part of the ‘Make in India’ initiative.

Future Defence Helicopter Capability and Requirements Unveiled

Budapest, Hungary, January 27, 2016 –(PR.com)– SMi are proud to announce that registration is now live to attend the 2nd annual Helicopter Technology Eastern Europe conference, taking place on the 19th and 20th of May in Budapest, Hungary.

SMi’s 2015 event was recognized for excellence by many leading defence forces in both central and Eastern Europe and hosted more senior heads of Air Force and Helicopter Commands than any other event in Europe.

Unlike other events Helicopter Technology Eastern Europe 2016 is designed to unite military helicopter procurement and technology experts with one goal, to enhance existing and future air support operation across air, land and sea.

Being the only regionally dedicated military helicopter conference in 2016 some event highlights will include: the relocation to Budapest, Hungary; senior briefings from Heads of Air Force, Helicopter Programmes and Rotary Modernisation Projects; 15 high ranking Military helicopter expert briefings and real solutions presented and offered within the exhibition area.

Helicopter rides to start in state from Feb 1

PANAJI: In yet another attempt to give a fillip to tourism, the state will launch ‘Heli-Tourism’ in partnership with Pawan Hans Ltd from February 1.

Announcing this on the occasion of pre-launch familiarisation flight held on Tuesday, Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar said that the move will certainly bolster the image of the tourism industry and bring in the much-required world-class touch to the sector.

Parsekar said, “This is part of our efforts to promote tourism in the state. Goa will be one of the few states in the country to operate such a service for tourists thereby promoting high-end adventure tourism.”

Giving details about the project, managing director of Pawan Hans B P Sharma told ‘The Navhind Times’ that two helicopters would be pressed into service initially, covering popular temples, historical fort, waterfall all within a radius of 15-20 kilometres, followed by a 10-15 minute aerial view of Goa. “We are optimistic that this new initiative will be well received and see tremendous demand in the days to come,” he said.

18 vehicles, two helicopters bought by AFM since 2013

Since 2013, the Armed Forces of Malta bought a total of 18 vehicles.

Home Affairs Minister Carmelo Abela, said this in Parliament this evening while replying to a series of questions tabled by Government MP Anthony Agius Decelis related to the Armed Forces of Malta and the latest acquisitions.

The minister explained that the substantial investment shows the Government’s commitment to improve the efficiency of the army.

Most of these vehicles, which include army Landrovers, were brought from the United Kingdom and Italy. He said this shows the good relationship the countries have with Malta. The latest acquisition was one of the largest when compared to the previous years.

Some of the vehicles which were bought from the UK were second hand.

Will Airbus lose $3 billion Poland Helicopter Deal?

The deal between Poland and Airbus Group (OTCMKTS:EADSY) for military helicopters is expected to end before reaching the final stage. The two parties are in the preliminary stage for 50 EC-725 Caracal multi-purpose helicopters (renamed as H225M) worth $3 billion.

The deal was initiated by Poland’s previous Civic Platform government, which had previously declined offers by Sikorsky and AgustaWestland. However, the October 2015 elections brought the Law and Justice Party (PiS) in power, which is more inclined towards increasing opportunities domestically, an inclination that makes both Sikorsky and AgustaWestland favorites. as they have facilities within the country.

Second Explorer for London’s Air Ambulance now test flying

The second MD902 Explorer helicopter for London’s Air Ambulance has taken to the air on Friday 22nd January at Gloucestershire Airport on its first UK test flights with the appropriate registration G-LNDN.  The helicopter arrived by road on 9th October in the lime green colour scheme of its previous owners – the Hamad Medical Corporation in Qatar – and carrying it’s previous registration A7-NHA.

The helicopter has been worked on by Specialist Aviation Service in the intervening three months, bringing it to UK standards and we expect some interior changes to ensure it matches the first helicopter G-EHMS to simplify medical teams working with either aircraft.

Airbus release their numbers for 2015

Capitalising on its transformation plan that has put the company’s priorities on customer satisfaction, quality and safety, and competitiveness, Airbus Helicopters focused its efforts in 2015 on executing its strategic roadmap and meeting its targets against a challenging market backdrop and delays in the key military campaigns.

During 2015, Airbus Helicopters delivered 395 rotorcraft from the company’s civil, parapublic and military product lines, strengthening its leading position on the civil & parapublic market while maintaining its share of the worldwide military market. Meanwhile, the company booked 383 orders – adjusted to 333 due to contract amendments for governmental NH90 and Tiger helicopters – with a strong performance of the new-generation medium H175. Demand remained steady for the H135 and H145 family of light twin helicopters, with bookings levels exceeding the company’s targets for 2015.

RAF tests Typhoon fighter enhancements

The Royal Air Force has conducted flight trials of enhancements for Eurofighter Typhoons at a facility of BAE Systems in Britain.

The Phase 2A enhancements, part of the full Phase 2 Enhancement package, include improvements to software and avionics, such as upgrades to radar, defensive aids systems and targeting pods to increase threat awareness, pilot safety and targeting capabilities.

Testing of the package will be ongoing throughout 2016 with weapons integration tests also scheduled for this year.

Unmanned Black Hawk Helicopter Teams

Carnegie Mellon University and Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin subsidiary, are working together on developing an autonomous Black Hawk helicopter.

Last week, the partnership announced that the the copter participated in an Oct. 27 demonstration exercise along with an Unmanned Ground Vehicle to showcase “the capability of new, ground-air cooperative missions.”

 

“Using a UH-60MU BLACK HAWK helicopter enabled with Sikorsky’s MATRIX Technology and CMU’s Land Tamer autonomous Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV), recently participated in a joint autonomy…

Airbus group and Uber test on-demand helicopter service

The aeronautical group’s aim for this pilot project is the democratisation of helicopter transport, and demonstrate the viability of this new business model for operators wishing to increase their number of clients.

China’s Drone Helicopter Completes First South Pole Flight, Mission

China launched an unmanned helicopter called “Polar Hawk 2” from the Great Wall Station in the South Pole and took pictures of fauna and flora in the area. China’s unmanned helicopter “Polar Hawk 2” has completed its maiden flight on Monday, Jan. 18, from the Great Wall Station in the South Pole, and took photographs of fauna and flora in the area, the Xinhua News Agency reported. According to the report, “Polar Hawk 2” can fly for about one hour at a time at an altitude of up to 1,500 meters. The unmanned helicopter was developed by the Beijing Normal University. Cheng Xiao, head of the research team, said that the lithium-battery-powered aircraft is highly efficient, quiet and has low emissions. The report said that during the aircraft’s one-hour flight on Monday, it took more than 350 high-quality photos. Chen said that the helicopter took a clear photo of the station located in the Fildes Peninsula, which is known for its unpre…

FUTURE DEFENCE HELICOPTER CAPABILITY AND REQUIREMENTS UNVEILED

SMi are proud to announce that registration is now live to attend the 2nd annual Helicopter Technology Eastern Europe conference, taking place on the 19th and 20th of May in Budapest, Hungary.

SMi’s 2015 event was recognized for excellence by many leading defence forces in both central and Eastern Europe and hosted more senior heads of Air Force and Helicopter Commands than any other event in Europe.

Unlike other events Helicopter Technology Eastern Europe 2016 is designed to unite military helicopter procurement and technology experts with one goal, to enhance existing and future air support operation across air, land and sea.

Being the only regionally dedicated military helicopter conference in 2016 some event highlights will include: the relocation to Budapest, Hungary; senior briefings from Heads of Air Force, Helicopter Programmes and Rotary Modernisation Projects; 15 high ranking Military helicopter expert briefings and real solutions presented and offered within the exhibition area.

Bristow provide more details on new UK SAR bases at Newquay and Prestwick

A new era for the UK’s search and rescue (SAR) helicopter operations began January 1, 2016, when the Newquay and Prestwick SAR bases commenced operations, bringing military involvement to an end.

A release issued by HM Coastguard to mark the occasion stated: “All of us at HM Coastguard have enormous respect for the search and rescue helicopter service our military colleagues have provided for more than 60 years.

“We’re building on that legacy through a £1.9bn investment in the new civilianised service. And we’re sure our new distinctive red and white helicopters will be just as reassuring a sight in our skies, as they carry on the brave lifesaving work, for which we are all so very grateful.”

Prestwick and Newquay took over operations from Royal Navy bases at HMS Gannet SAR Flight and RNAS Culdrose respectively. Chief pilot at Prestwick SAR, Craig Sweeney, said: “Go-live was a very proud moment for the entire team. A formation flight with the Royal Navy Sea King was conducted at 0900 on 1 January and the official handover was marked as our S-92 overtook the Sea King on the main runway at Prestwick.”

Russian Helicopters made debut at Bahrain Airshow

Russian Helicopters, part of State Corporation Rostec, will demonstrate its newest multipurpose helicopters during the 4th Bahrain International Airshow – 2016, which will be held January 21-23 at Sakhir Air Base, Bahrain. The holding company will not only showcase its products and capabilities in after-sales service for helicopters produced by Russian Helicopters but also will conduct negotiations with current operators and potential buyers from North Africa, Near and Middle East.

One of the key focuses during negotiations will be the development of an integrated after-sale service system and ensuring quick first-rate services for helicopters throughout their entire life cycle. The fleet of Soviet/Russian-made helicopters in Near and Middle Eastern countries today exceeds 500 civil and military aircrafts. The possibility to conduct timely maintenance and repairs in the target region would allow local operators to achieve better operability of helicopters and cut costs.

Ramm Aerospace B206/407 Frameless Seat Cushions simplifies repairs

RAMM Aerospace is now offering Frameless Seat Cushions for the Bell 206/407 aircraft. The HELIFAB FAA STC SR09522RC eliminates the 206/407

seat frame entirely for all FWD facing passenger seats and will be available for all seating positions in the near future. TCCA/EASA Approvals are pending.

RAMM Aerospace is already receiving significant interest in the Frameless Seat Cushions that are currently available for all FWD Facing Passenger Seats. “HELIFAB, our project partner has committed to develop additional seating positions so that we will be able to offer frameless seat cushions for the complete aircraft in the near future,” stated Peggy McDonald, VP of Marketing and Sales at RAMM Aerospace. “Frameless Seat Cushions will enable 206/407 operators to eliminate the seat frames entirely, reducing maintenance costs and aircraft downtime. We also used our expertise to design the covers so that they can be easily removed and replaced by the operators within minutes without adhesive. “

Lockheed Martin gives glimpse of Sikorsky’s financials with SEC filing

Two months after Lockheed Martin Corp. (NYSE: LMT) closed its acquisition of Sikorsky Aircraft, it opened up the helicopter maker’s books and provided a glimpse into the new business unit it recently bought for $9.1 billion.

In the first nine months of 2015, Sikorsky’s revenue fell 19 percent from the same period a year ago, from $5.4 billion to $4.3 billion. However, Sikorsky turned a profit of $52 million compared with a loss of $38 million the year before, according to Securities and Exchange Commission documents filed Wednesday.

New Army helicopters could mean more money for SARA

South Alabama Regional Airport officials are looking for big bucks as the U.S. Army changes out its helicopter fleet.

SARA Co-Director Jed Blackwell said that the Army has been using OH58A helicopters and is changing to a UH-72 Lakota.

Blackwell said the OH58A has a fuel capacity of 111 gallons of gas and typically refuels 40-50 gallons per time.