Boeing plans for modernised Apache 50 years after first flight
It’s been nearly 50 years since the Hughes YAH-64 prototype lifted off for the first time in September 1975 and Boeing is now looking at how to keep the iconic attack helicopter flying for another half-century.
Sikorsky bets on advanced technology as UH-60 twilight looms
The pioneering rotorcraft manufacturer is looking to new product lines ahead of a looming decline in sales for the marquee UH-60 Black Hawk utility helicopter, as the US Army considers what is expected to be its final multi-year contract for the venerable type.
Rotor brake failure left parked H175’s blades exposed to wind damage: AAIB
An Airbus Helicopters H175 parked on an oil platform had four main rotor blades snapped off in strong winds after a malfunctioning rotor brake left the crew unable to tie down the still-rotating blades, UK investigators have disclosed.
Sloane Helicopters extends Leonardo partnership and orders three more AW109 Trekkers
Leonardo Helicopters and UK and Ireland distributor Sloane Helicopters have celebrated their 30-year partnership by renewing their commercial agreement for another three years and unveiling a fresh order for three more AW109 Trekkers.
Malaysian military to field AW149s via major Leonardo/Weststar deal
Leonardo Helicopters is to provide up to 28 new rotorcraft to support a variety of missions for Malaysia’s armed forces and government agencies.
Robinson offers R66 to US Army as new trainer
With the announcement that the US Army is seeking a no-frills, single-engined trainer to replace the Airbus UH-72 Lakota, American airframer Robinson sees a major opportunity to expand into the defence business.
Watch: Thales shows off all-phase autopilot for H125 helicopter
After certificating a full-mission autopilot for the Airbus Helicopters AS350 light-single helicopter, French avionics manufacturer Thales leased one of the rotorcraft and converted it into a test asset for developing new military mission systems.
Greece to acquire up to 10 H215s for firefighting missions
Greece has signed a long-awaited order for eight Airbus Helicopters H215 heavy-twins, plus two options, for aerial firefighting missions as the country looks to bolster its civil protection capabilities.
ADAC and DLR study shows lower particulate levels from sustainable fuel
German researchers have found a sharp reduction in particulate emissions from helicopters burning a 38% blend of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), following a “first-of-a-kind” study.
EASA study shines fresh light on long-running helicopter safety issue
A European study into Vortex Ring State (VRS) – one of the helicopter industry’s most pernicious and persistent safety risks – has concluded there are only minor differences between the effectiveness of two different recovery techniques.