Textron to take time over eVTOL development as batteries ‘not yet ready’
Scott Donnelly, the chief executive of Textron – owner of Beechcraft, Cessna and Bell – has seemingly ruled out the imminent launch of an urban air mobility (UAM) vehicle, stressing that battery technology has not advanced sufficiently to support such an application.
Airbus to test autonomy with Vertex demonstrator
Airbus in 2023 will begin flight tests of a new sense and avoid system integrated onto its H130-based Flightlab helicopter as it works to mature autonomous technologies to increase operational safety on current and future platforms.
Kaman’s autonomous K-Max Titan helicopter makes first flight
Kaman’s unmanned K-Max Titan helicopter flew for the first time on 21 April.
Airbus Helicopters claims Chinese content on H175 can be replaced if offered to UK military
Airbus Helicopters insists it can overcome obstacles related to Chinese content on its H175 should the super-medium-twin be offered as a replacement for the UK Royal Air Force’s Puma fleet.
Fly high or reduce speed to cut civil helicopter birdstrike: EASA
Civil helicopter operators are being advised to reduce airspeed if they are unable to avoid flying at low altitude, as a defensive measure against the risk of serious birdstrike.
Leonardo Helicopters eyes hybrid future as it rebrands Kopter SH09
Leonardo Helicopters and Kopter are already contemplating the development of a hybrid-electric rotorcraft demonstrator even as they work to bring the newly rebranded AW09 to market.
New rotorcraft to complete Qinetiq’s ETPS fleet update
The UK’s Qinetiq-run Empire Test Pilots’ School (ETPS) is poised to complete its major fleet renewal programme, with a trio of replacement rotorcraft due to enter use within months.
Shin-Nihon Helicopters receives Japan’s first Bell 407GXis
Japan’s Shin-Nihon Helicopters has taken delivery of two Bell 407GXi helicopters, making it the country’s first operator of the type.
Airbus ready to accelerate Racer after 2020’s false start
At this point last year Airbus Helicopters was gearing up for final assembly of the Racer high-speed rotorcraft it is building under the EU’s Clean Sky 2 programme, setting the demonstrator on course for a first flight in late 2021.
Airbus Helicopters secures first Indonesian H160 customer
Indonesia’s Derazona Helicopters has become the first Indonesian customer for the Airbus Helicopters H160 medium-twin.