Aerospace Helicopters – Page 14
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InterviewAn unlikely revolutionary: how Mitch Snyder is shaking up Bell
The rotorcraft manufacturer’s chief executive explains his philosophy for the company, why recapturing a spirit of innovation is vital, and how he is looking beyond helicopers.
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NewsIsrael picks CH-53K as next heavy-lift helicopter
Israel has become the first export customer for the Sikorsky CH-53K, having selected the heavy-lift helicopter as a replacement for its fleet of elderly CH-53D ‘Yasur’ rotorcraft which have been in service since the 1960s.
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NewsAirbus Helicopters wins oil and gas launch customer for H160 via PHI lease deal
Airbus Helicopters has secured a launch customer for the H160 in the oil and gas market as part of a three-way partnership with US operator PHI and global energy giant Shell.
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NewsBristow plans to muscle in on windfarm market
Helicopter specialist Bristow Group says a move into the offshore windfarm support market is a “strategic priority” for the firm as the energy sector increasingly transitions away from oil and gas to renewable power.
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NewsBell closes on 525 certification as it sets mid-2021 deadline for FAA submission
Bell could finally gain certification for the 525 Relentless this year, ending a 10-year development effort for the super-medium-twin helicopter.
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NewsNew windtunnel tests begin for next-generation civil tiltrotor project
A second round of windtunnel testing is under way of a new composite wing which will equip a high-speed tiltrotor demonstrator being developed as part of the EU’s Clean Sky 2 programme.
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NewsH225 orders a cause for concern, but H160 offers lift for Airbus Helicopters
Relatively strong order intake in previous years should see Airbus Helicopters maintain output levels over the next 12 months, delaying the impact of 2020’s 20% fall in bookings for one or two years, according to the airframer’s chief executive.
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NewsAirbus Helicopters reveals Flightlab testbed
Airbus Helicopters has unveiled a new flying testbed that will allow it to mature new technologies up to three times faster than through current methods.
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NewsEASA outlines tighter regulations for over-water helicopter operations
European regulators are proposing to tighten rules for helicopters that are operated over water for extended periods in order to speed the uptake of the latest safety standards.
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NewsLonger-range Ansat helicopter makes maiden flight
Russian Helicopters has flown the first example of the upgraded Kazan Ansat-M light-twin helicopter, which boasts enhanced range and flight performance. Under an initiative funded by Russia’s trade ministry, which has provided Rb230 million ($3.1 million) for the work, the longer-range helicopters will be delivered to regional airlines. ...
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NewsUS Army sees self-adjusting turbine blades powering new supersonic VTOL aircraft
US Army researchers believe they have found a novel way to articulate the position of turbine blades in the hot section of jet engines. They say the innovation could significantly improve efficiency and power of jet engines – and also enable a new, wider range of performance needed for futuristic aircraft, perhaps even new types of supersonic vertical-take-off-and-landing aircraft.
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AnalysisThe global helicopter market in numbers
A breakdown of the global in-service fleets across the civil and military helicopter markets, together with historic fleet and delivery trends.
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NewsEASA approves weight increase for H135 as Airbus Helicopters seals new orders
Airbus Helicopters has secured European certification for a new alternate gross weight (AGW) on the H135 light-twin, which increases maximum take-off weight to 3,100kg.
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AnalysisBell advances electric tail rotor concept, but stays cautious on production timeline
Bell is confident that its EDAT electric tail rotor system will eventually make its way into production, although the manufacturer cautions that this may not happen for another five to 10 years.
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AnalysisAssembly of first Mi-171A3 prototype gets under way
Russian Helicopters has begun assembly of the first Mil Mi-171A3 prototype ahead of a maiden sortie in 2022.
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NewsPatents signal Bell’s interest in biplane tiltrotor and variable-direction tail rotor designs
A slew of patent awards for Bell over recent months – including a biplane tiltrotor, a pusher propeller drivetrain and an anti-torque tail rotor that can be turned through 90° – highlight the range of innovations potentially being considered by the helicopter manufacturer.
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NewsJoby Aviation to acquire Uber Elevate
Joby Aviation has entered a deal to acquire Uber Elevate, with Uber to also invest $75 million into the California-based developer of small electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) vehicles for taxi services.
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AnalysisNew models set to bring fresh competition to light-single helicopter segment
Arguably the most competitive part of the helicopter market, the light-single segment is, however, not necessarily blessed with the most modern designs. Nonetheless, new models are in development which will bring innovation to the sector.
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AnalysisNew arrivals in medium helicopter sector threaten the old order
Heading up the weight range means these medium-class helicopters are more capable but more complex – and come with a bigger price ticket. Despite this, there are big sellers in this category, alongside new entrants.
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AnalysisAirbus dominates light-twin helicopter market with German-built duo
While not selling in the same quantities as their lighter siblings, light-twin helicopters play a significant role in society, notably in law enforcment and emergency medical services missions.