Helicopters
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NewsNorwegian Air Ambulance to take up to eight H145 helicopters
Norwegian Air Ambulance is to acquire more Airbus Helicopters H145 light-twins for fleet modernisation through a new framework agreement with the airframer. Disclosed at the Paris air show on 18 June, the eight-unit deal includes two firm orders. Source: Airbus Helicopters Norwegian Air Ambulance already operates the latest ...
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NewsNear Earth and Honeywell complete autonomous flight of AW139
Near Earth Autonomy, supported by Honeywell, is competing for the US Marine Corps’ Aerial Logistics Connector effort to explore options for uncrewed rotorcraft to support ship-to-shore logistics.
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In depthRacer accelerates to latest speed goal as demonstrator hits full stride
Airbus Helicopters has hit the latest speed goal for its Racer demonstrator, with the compound rotorcraft achieving 240kt (444km/h) in level flight earlier in the spring.
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NewsBoeing plans for modernised Apache 50 years after first flight
It’s been nearly 50 years since the Hughes YAH-64 prototype lifted off for the first time in September 1975 and Boeing is now looking at how to keep the iconic attack helicopter flying for another half-century.
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NewsSikorsky bets on advanced technology as UH-60 twilight looms
The pioneering rotorcraft manufacturer is looking to new product lines ahead of a looming decline in sales for the marquee UH-60 Black Hawk utility helicopter, as the US Army considers what is expected to be its final multi-year contract for the venerable type.
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NewsRotor brake failure left parked H175’s blades exposed to wind damage: AAIB
An Airbus Helicopters H175 parked on an oil platform had four main rotor blades snapped off in strong winds after a malfunctioning rotor brake left the crew unable to tie down the still-rotating blades, UK investigators have disclosed.
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NewsSloane Helicopters extends Leonardo partnership and orders three more AW109 Trekkers
Leonardo Helicopters and UK and Ireland distributor Sloane Helicopters have celebrated their 30-year partnership by renewing their commercial agreement for another three years and unveiling a fresh order for three more AW109 Trekkers.
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NewsMalaysian military to field AW149s via major Leonardo/Weststar deal
Leonardo Helicopters is to provide up to 28 new rotorcraft to support a variety of missions for Malaysia’s armed forces and government agencies.
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NewsRobinson offers R66 to US Army as new trainer
With the announcement that the US Army is seeking a no-frills, single-engined trainer to replace the Airbus UH-72 Lakota, American airframer Robinson sees a major opportunity to expand into the defence business.
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In depthWatch: Thales shows off all-phase autopilot for H125 helicopter
After certificating a full-mission autopilot for the Airbus Helicopters AS350 light-single helicopter, French avionics manufacturer Thales leased one of the rotorcraft and converted it into a test asset for developing new military mission systems.
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NewsGreece to acquire up to 10 H215s for firefighting missions
Greece has signed a long-awaited order for eight Airbus Helicopters H215 heavy-twins, plus two options, for aerial firefighting missions as the country looks to bolster its civil protection capabilities.
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NewsADAC and DLR study shows lower particulate levels from sustainable fuel
German researchers have found a sharp reduction in particulate emissions from helicopters burning a 38% blend of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), following a “first-of-a-kind” study.
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NewsEASA study shines fresh light on long-running helicopter safety issue
A European study into Vortex Ring State (VRS) – one of the helicopter industry’s most pernicious and persistent safety risks – has concluded there are only minor differences between the effectiveness of two different recovery techniques.
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NewsHeli Service highlights strain from support of sister firms but maintains positive outlook
German offshore windfarm specialist Heli Service International has warned in its 2023 accounts of a “strained” liquidity position on the back of heavy financial support for its overseas sister operations, particularly in Taiwan but sees brighter future ahead on back of contract wins and increased flight activity.
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NewsSouth African R44 crashed during lift-off after unsecured penguin fell on controls
South African investigators have determined that the pilot of a Robinson R44 helicopter did not assess the risk of transporting a live penguin in the cockpit before the aircraft crashed just after lift-off. None of five occupants – a pilot, three passengers and the penguin – was injured during the ...
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NewsSix reportedly killed as Bell 206 plunges into Hudson River
Early reports suggest that six people aboard a tourist helicopter that plunged on 10 April into the Hudson River were killed. Dramatic videos circulating on social media purportedly show the rotorcraft breaking apart mid-air, including an apparent loss of rotors, before hitting the water near the George Washington Bridge ...
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NewsCreation of ‘conflict point’ led to fatal Australian EC130 collision
A ‘conflict point’ stemming from operational changes led to the fatal collision of two Airbus Helicopters EC130B4s on 2 January 2024 at Gold Coast, Australia.
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NewsPartners hail success of hydrogen helicopter first flight
Unither Bioelectronique (UB) is claiming several aviation firsts following the first flight of a piloted hydrogen fuel cell-powered helicopter.
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NewsSAF Aerogroup plans growth path under new ownership
One of France’s leading helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS) operators is hoping for a growth boost from a planned acquisition by a pair of private equity firms.
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NewsResearchers use video simulations to show ‘visceral experience’ of exposure to rotorcraft downwash
UK researchers believe they have discovered a “powerful new approach” to demonstrate safety risks posed by hovering helicopters or other vertical take-off vehicles by using video simulations to “capture the true physical form” of the gusting and swirling winds generated.