Bell patents reveal split-tip rotor blades and tail rotor replacement
Future Bell helicopter designs could come with split-tip main rotor blades and anti-torque control provided by a cross-flow fan embedded in the tail boom, rather than a traditional tail rotor, if two recent patents are used.
Airbus Helicopters touts safety benefits of rotor blade measurement research
Airbus Helicopters is hailing the success of a research project that has enabled for the first time the manufacturer to gather data on the stresses experienced by main rotor blades while they are in motion.
Leonardo Helicopters spins up delivery solution to beat Covid-19 travel bans
Leonardo Helicopters is turning to technology to enable customer shipments despite the travel restrictions imposed by the coronavirus crisis which have caused a build-up of completed but undelivered aircraft at its prodution sites.
Leonardo finances hit by airline crisis after strong start to year
Italian group suspends 2020 guidance as commercial market collapse throws outlook into uncertainty
Offshore helicopter firms await outcome of CH-148 crash investigation
Offshore helicopter operators will be waiting nervously for the outcome of investigations into the crash of a military helicopter off the coast of Greece in which six Canadian personnel were killed.
Why the US Air Force’s eVTOL effort helps private investor confidence
With the financial impact of the coronavirus looming over the lead funders of the development of electric-vertical-takeoff-and-landing aircraft, the nascent industry is set to receive a small boost from the US Air Force in calendar year 2020.
Cougar Helicopters signs as launch customer for S-92A+ upgrade
Sikorsky has secured a launch order for its S-92A+ upgrade kit, with Canada’s VIH Aviation Group signing a four-unit agreement for the fleet of its operating unit Cougar Helicopters.
Despite delays, high-speed Racer begins to take shape for Airbus Helicopters
First flight may have slipped by around 12 months, but at production sites across Europe components for the Airbus Helicopters Racer high-speed technology demonstrator are beginning to come together.
Airbus Helicopters maintains Racer’s pace despite delays
Airbus Helicopters insists that its Racer high-speed technology demonstrator is still on track to meet a revised first flight deadline of late 2021, despite some development items lagging behind schedule.
Rocket Lab demonstrates catching piece of falling rocket in mid-air with helicopter
As part of the demonstration, Rocket Lab dropped the test stage from a light helicopter over the ocean. The stage’s fall was slowed by a parachute. A second helicopter swooped in and snagged the parachute’s drogue line with a specially designed grappling hook at about 5,000ft.