US Army to demo CH-47F with more powerful Honeywell T55
The T55-GA-714C engine generates 6,000hp (4474kW), a 25% increase in power compared to the current T55 that is on the CH-47, Honeywell says on 4 June. The engine also burns 10% less fuel.
Bell unveils manufacturing team for US Army FARA
Bell has struck agreements with nine aerospace firms to supply parts, software and services for its 360 Invictus helicopter, the company’s prototype submission for the US Army Future Attack Reconnaissance Aircraft (FARA) programme.
US Army buys $3.4bn worth of Hydra-70 rockets
The Hydra-70 is an unguided 70mm (2.75in) rocket. When the BAE Systems Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) II upgrade kit is added it becomes a precision weapon, however.
Babcock selects Bell 429 for Australian special forces bid
Babcock Australia has down selected the Bell 429 as its bidding platform in Australia’s bid to obtain a new special forces helicopter.
AVIC’s AR500C unmanned helicopter completes maiden sortie
AVIC’s unmanned helicopter prototype has completed its first test flight in Jiangxi province in eastern China.
Martlet missile firings boost Royal Navy Wildcat defences
A UK Royal Navy and industry team has completed a test campaign of Thales UK Martlet missile firings from the service’s Leonardo Helicopters Wildcat HMA2 maritime rotorcraft.
Mini torpedo could be air-launched from US Navy aircraft: Northrop Grumman
The company recently manufactured and tested its first prototype of the Very Lightweight Torpedo for the US Navy.
Improved Turbine Engine Programme to reach critical design review in mid-June: US Army
The US Army’s Improved Turbine Engine Programme (ITEP) is scheduled to receive a critical design review in mid-June.
Sikorsky signs $905 million deal for 24 MH-60R anti-submarine helicopters for Indian navy
Sikorsky has signed a contract with the US Navy to provide 24 examples of the MH-60R helicopter to the Indian navy for anti-submarine warfare.
GAO denies Airbus protest of US Navy trainer contract, paving way for Leonardo
With protest out of the way, Leonardo plans to restart manufacturing on its light, singled-engined TH-119 in Philadelphia.