Japan's National Police Agency plans to release a tender this week for three additional light twin-engined helicopters. Industry sources expect bids will be submitted for the Agusta A109, Eurocopter EC135, Kawasaki BK117 and new Bell 429. A selection is scheduled for June.
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.
