Certification Bell/Agusta Aerospace has received US Federal Aviation Administration certification for the AB139 medium twin helicopter, paving the way for deliveries of the Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6C-67C-powered aircraft to the North American market. Bell/Agusta will begin AB139 assembly this year leading to completion and delivery of the first US-built aircraft in the first quarter of 2006. Orders for the AB139 total over 80 aircraft.
Source: Flight International
Having already comfortably beaten an earlier target, Airbus Helicopters has a new cruise speed goal for its Racer compound demonstrator: 240kt (444km/h).
Australian investigators have highlighted the importance of helicopter underwater escape training (HUET) following the crash of a Bell 204 conducting firefighting operations.
The Guangzhou Public Security Bureau has taken delivery of an Airbus Helicopters H175 super-medium twin.
