Latest Defence Helicopters news
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AnalysisSikorsky powers up Raider X prototype but has no plans to fly
The Raider X prototype, built for the US Army’s now-cancelled Future Attack Reconnaissance Aircraft programme, features the new GE Aerospace T901 Improved Turbine Engine that will eventually be fitted into the army’s UH-60 Black Hawk fleet.
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AnalysisBoeing eyes secondary market for older CH-47s
Following the US Army’s decision to modernise its fleet of heavy-lift rotorcraft with Boeing’s latest Block II Chinook, the company sees an opportunity to develop a secondary market for older Block I CH-47Fs, particularly among international operators.
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NewsAW101 gains more take-off power after upgrade is approved
Leonardo Helicopters has obtained regulatory clearance for an upgrade to its AW101 that gives more power at take-off.
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NewsMothballed UK H135s arrive in Australia under five-year lease deal
A batch of five Airbus Helicopters H135s acquired by the UK and then immediately mothballed have arrived at their new home in Australia.
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NewsBoeing expects to soon deliver first Block II Chinook
Speaking at the annual US Army aviation summit in Denver, Colorado, executives from Boeing’s vertical lift division say the company has successfully flown its first Block II CH-47F helicopter and expects to deliver four examples of the twin-rotor type to the army by year-end.
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NewsTen killed in Malaysian helicopter collision during display practice
A collision between two Royal Malaysian Navy helicopters has resulted in the death of 10 crew.
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NewsJapan searches for missing crew after two SH-60Ks lost in night ASW exercise
The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force rotorcraft were carrying eight personnel when the collision happened near the Izu Islands, located to the southeast of Japan in in the Pacific Ocean, according to Japan’s Ministry of Defense.
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NewsFinal assembly of first of three H160M prototypes to begin soon
Airbus Helicopters has increased the number of H160M Guepard prototypes it intends to build, with final assembly of the first of three examples set to begin shortly.
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NewsUK commits to six H145 helicopters for Brunei and Cyprus missions
Airbus Helicopters has been awarded a £122 million ($152 million) contract to supply six H145 light-twin helicopters to the UK for troop transport duties in Brunei and Cyprus.
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NewsOsprey returns to carrier flight decks under USMC recertification effort
US Marine Corps MV-22 Ospreys are once again operating from the decks of the navy’s light carrier amphibious assault ships, as the service progresses toward recertifying its tiltrotors and crews after a three-month grounding order was lifted.
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NewsSingapore H225Ms, CH-47Fs declared fully operational
Airbus Helicopters H225Ms and Boeing CH-47F Chinooks in service with the Republic of Singapore Air Force have attained full operational capability status.
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NewsUS Army orders pilot proficiency training after 10 non-combat fatalities in six months
The service has ordered mandatory safety training for its rotary-wing aviation forces, after 12 non-combat crashes in the past six months resulted in 10 fatalities.
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In depthGovernment auditors criticise US Coast Guard plan to consolidate rotary fleet
The US Coast Guard, which performs both law enforcement and military missions, is in the midst of consolidating its multi-platform rotary-wing aviation fleet to a single helicopter type, with an eye toward greater efficiency.
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NewsITP renews T700 overhaul contract with Colombian armed forces
ITP Aero has signed a contract extension with the Colombian ministry of defence covering overhaul services for the GE Aerospace T700 engines that power the Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters operated by its armed forces.
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NewsCanada announces $13.5bn helicopter modernisation plan
Under a new strategy to boost defence spending and modernise the Canadian military, Ottawa will spend some $13.5 billion over 20 years to acquire a new helicopter fleet.
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NewsNorway outlines plans for maritime surveillance UAVs amid proposed defence spending rise
Norway is to acquire a fleet of “long-range” uncrewed air vehicles (UAVs) for maritime surveillance missions as part of a proposed long-term increase in defence spending.
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NewsGreece confirms intent to purchase 35 UH-60Ms from Sikorsky
Athens signed an official letter of offer and acceptance to procure 35 UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters from Sikorsky, a deal that has already received export approval from the US government.
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NewsZambia welcomes new Enstrom 480B helicopters
Zambia’s air force has inaugurated a pair of Enstrom 480B light-single helicopters into its fleet.
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NewsSafran extends RTM322 support deal for UK Merlin helicopter fleet
Safran Helicopter Engines will continue to support the RTM322 turboshafts powering the Royal Navy’s fleet of Leonardo Helicopters AW101 Merlins for a further six years under a new contract.
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NewsBell begins electrical upgrades to USMC H-1 fleet with eye toward future weapons
The Structural Improvement Electrical Power Upgrade for Bell UH-1Y Venom utility and AH-1Z attack helicopters will increase each aircraft’s electrical power capacity to support the integration of additional weapon systems and cabin capabilities.