Bell received US certification for the light twin-turbine Model 427 late last month, clearing the way for delivery of 80 helicopters the company has on order. In the meantime, Bell "is still looking at the 412, trying to decide what to upgrade and modernise", says Bell president John Murphy.
Source: Flight International
Helicopter operator Avincis has seen its contract with the Spanish government for maritime search and rescue (SAR) services renewed for another five years.
Iraq has become the latest customer for the Airbus Helicopters H225M Caracal, placing an order for a dozen examples of the heavy-twin.
Light rotorcraft maker Robinson Helicopter Company and biotechnology firm United Therapeutics have recently ground-tested an R44 modified with hydrogen fuel cells, and the companies say test flights are imminent.
