Robinson Helicopters has doubled annual production of its R44 single turbine helicopter, after the surge in orders for its new hydraulic-controlled variant, the Raven, which entered service in April. To reduce the six-month backlog, production has increased from three to five aircraft a week. A ramp-up to six aircraft is planned next month. Robinson was the top-selling helicopter manufacturer last year in terms of units sold, delivering 278 helicopters.
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.
