21 March 2014 Airbus Helicopters

For the first time in Latin America under its new branding, Airbus Helicopters will display its efficient and adapted product line-up at next week’s FIDAE International Air and Space Fair, featuring rotorcraft flown by a cross-section of Latin American operators to underscore the company’s leadership in this portion of the world.

Maintaining an overall 40 percent market share in Latin America during the past five years with a deployed fleet of more than 1,350 rotorcraft across the region, Airbus Helicopters has developed a diversified customer base, as well as a strong industrial presence – with 1,200 employees assigned to its subsidiaries in Brazil, Chile and Mexico for production, maintenance and support.

Airbus Helicopters’ 12 different rotorcraft types position the company as the only manufacturer covering Latin America’s full operational requirements, from lightweight to heavy-lift; with designed-in performance for duties in the region’s unique conditions, from jungle and hot environments to high altitudes in the Andes.

The product line’s versatility and efficiency is underscored by Airbus Helicopters’ Ecureuil family: more than 600 are in service across the region, having logged over 130,000 flight hours in missions that include passenger transport, mining support, power line maintenance, fire-fighting and the transportation of external loads.

Exhibited at FIDAE will be a utility-configured single-engine AS350 B3 Ecureuil from a Chile based aerial services operator that specializes in mining and energy, construction, civil work, extreme sports, tourism and filming.

Other lightweight helicopters on display at FIDAE are the EC120 and the EC130 T2 – the latter being the first of this type to arrive in the South Cone. Retaining the EC130 helicopter’s external lines, this latest Ecureuil family member benefits from Airbus Helicopters’ continued investment in its products – with approximately 70 percent of the EC130 T2’s airframe structure modified. New features include a more powerful Arriel 2D turboshaft engine and upgraded main gearbox; along with a cabin interior structure redesign and a cockpit update for enhanced man-machine interface.

The EC145, also showcased at FIDAE, is one of the most popular light twin-engine helicopter models, and is relied on around the globe for public security and disaster relief missions. With more than 500 delivered to date, this helicopter serves in the police fleets of 26 countries worldwide. Powerful, versatile and perfectly suited to the region’s terrain, the EC145 has become a reference for public services missions in Latin America, where it is being operated by the public services of Argentina, Brazil, Mexico – and more recently Bolivia and Peru, with recent purchases for four and five aircraft, respectively.

The Dauphin family’s EC155 B1 arrives in the region to set new standards for private aviation in terms of style and comfort. Presenting the biggest cabin in its class, the EC155 B1 offers a unique combination of elegance, comfort, silence and speed and, it is well position for the growing trend among private operators for large-cabin helicopters. High-end options include soft leather club seats, power sources for laptops, adjustable reading lights, cabin air conditioning, as well as satellite communications and in-flight entertainment for an exclusive flight experience.

Completing Airbus Helicopters’ flight-line presence at FIDAE is the latest Cougar family member: the AS532 ALe version of the workhorse Super Puma family that incorporates the EC225 version’s glass cockpit and four-axis autopilot. Of the 870 Super Puma/Cougar helicopters delivered to date, more than 100 are in service in Latin America, with 60 others on order. Most of the continent’s armed forces are operating this family for a wide variety of missions that range from assault and combat to special operations, tactical transport, SAR, medical evacuation and the transport of high-ranking officials.

The Cougar family is present in Argentina, Bolivia, Ecuador, Brazil, Chile, Mexico and Venezuela – with Airbus Helicopters’ Helibras subsidiary in Brazil producing the EC725 version for the Brazilian Armed Forces.

Airbus Helicopters’ participation in this year’s FIDAE is the company’s first at the biennial show in its new branding, underscoring its commitment toward customer satisfaction, quality, safety and competitiveness.

About Airbus Helicopters

Airbus Helicopters, formerly Eurocopter, is a division of Airbus Group, a global pioneer in aerospace and defense related services. Airbus Helicopters is the world’s No. 1 helicopter manufacturer and employs more than 23,000 people worldwide. With over 40% market share in civil and parapublic sectors, the company’s fleet in service includes some 12,000 helicopters operated by more than 3,000 customers in approximately 150 countries. Airbus Helicopters’ international presence is marked by its subsidiaries and participations in 21 countries, and its worldwide network of service centers, training facilities, distributors and certified agents. Airbus Helicopters’ range of civil and military helicopters is the world’s largest; its aircraft account for one third of the worldwide civil and parapublic fleet. The company’s chief priority is to ensure the safe operation of its aircraft for the thousands of people who fly more than 3 million hours per year.

16 mai 2013 DefenceJobsAustralia

Mar 21, 2014 (SPX)

Orlando FL - Lockheed Martin recently demonstrated the ability of its DAGR missile to launch from an Apache AH-64D helicopter and repeatedly hit the target during a series of Air Worthiness Release (AWR) live firing flight tests at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla.

The AWR tests demonstrated DAGR's capability as an air-launched weapon. In each of the 16 flight tests, a DAGR missile locked onto the laser spot illuminating the target before launch. Upon launch, each missile flew between 1.5 and 5.1 kilometers and hit the target within one meter of the laser spot.

"These flight tests confirm DAGR's ability to safely launch and separate from a moving, diving platform without degrading aircraft or weapon performance," said Kevin Fitzpatrick, close combat systems development program manager at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control.

"These tests also validate DAGR production readiness at our Ocala Operations facility."

Prior to AWR testing, Lockheed Martin completed DAGR System Qualification testing, validating the missile and rail-mounted canister for use in aircraft captive carry, storage and transportation operations.

The 30 System Qualification guided flights demonstrated DAGR's ability to hit moving targets, devastate tactical targets such as structures and trucks, and achieve high accuracy when launched with a 7-degree offset, up to six kilometers away from the target.

DAGR incorporates proven HELLFIRE II technology into a 2.75-inch/70 millimeter guidance kit that integrates seamlessly with legacy Hydra-70 rockets. Its lock-on-before-launch mode ensures the missile identifies the correct target prior to launch. Multiple DAGRs can be fired in rapid succession at different targets using different laser codes from multiple designators.

The result is a laser-guided missile that puts a 10-pound warhead within one meter of the laser spot, defeating high-value, non-armored or lightly-armored targets while minimizing collateral damage.

Lockheed Martin has conducted more than 40 DAGR guided flights from ranges of 1 to 6 kilometers. DAGR has been launched from multiple HELLFIRE-equipped rotary-wing platforms, including the AH-64D Apache, AH-6 Little Bird and OH-58 Kiowa Warrior, as well as the ground-based HELLFIRE/DAGR pedestal launcher.

Mar. 20, 2014 by Anno Gravemaker – FG

Last year, the Royal Netherlands Air Force deployed one of its NH Industries NH90s for the first time aboard a navy vessel, during anti-piracy operation Atalanta in the Gulf of Aden.

After an inspection conducted following the mission, it was concluded that the amount of wear and tear and corrosion to the helicopter was much higher than anticipated. The same problems were noted on another aircraft deployed to the Caribbean.

Assisted by the Dutch National Aerospace Laboratory, the air force has come to the preliminary conclusion that the problems seem to be caused by design and assembly failures, and incomplete maintenance instructions. A further investigation is being conducted, with the results expected to be made public in late April.

NH Industries has acknowledged the problems and started its own investigation into possible solutions. The company expects to be able to present its first temporary modifications by the end of March, consisting of technical improvements and a corrosion prevention programme. Further improvements should follow later in the year, based on the results of additional studies.

Information about the Dutch corrosion issue has also been shared with the NATO helicopter management agency and other NH90 partner countries. France has also reported two cases of corrosion.

Meanwhile, Italy has recently started naval operations with its NFH-variant aircraft.

Mar 20, 2014 ASDNews Source : AgustaWestland, A Finmeccanica Company

AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, and the Italian Air Force are pleased to announce the signing of a Letter of Intent aimed at further strengthening their already well-established cooperation through the future set up of joint training solutions. The announcement was made on the occasion of the official ceremony for the maiden flight of the first HH-101AHH-101A CAESAR helicopter for the Italian Air Force held at Yeovil plant, UK, today.

The partners intend to co-develop new capabilities to meet the future rotary-wing training requirements by leveraging synergies between the AgustaWestland Training Organization based at its Frosinone plant, close to Rome, and the Italian Air Force 72nd Wing (72° Stormo). Through this mutually beneficial cooperation, AgustaWestland will further expand the level of service in the training sector to meet the evolving requirements of the customer, while the Italian Air Force will enhance the level of training for its personnel through an innovative, efficient strategy.

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    A Wildcat, the navy's next-generation helicopter, has landed for the first time on the flight deck of a Type 45 destroyer at sea.

Mar 18, 2014 ASDNews Source : Ministry of Defence

The Royal Navy’s Wildcat, the maritime attack variant of the Lynx helicopter, is currently undergoing extensive trials with 700W Naval Air Squadron. As part of those trials, the aircraft has been working at the MOD’s aerial range in Cardigan Bay.

From next year, Wildcat will begin to replace the Lynx Mark 8 as the helicopter which supports Royal Navy destroyer and frigate operations around the world.

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17.03.2014 Noa Fenigstein - IAF

Last week, aircrews from the "Desert Birds" squadron operating "Blackhawk" helicopters met with the Division handling Gaza Strip and discussed continued cooperation between the two sides on the volatile southern front. "The cooperation during the fighting would be better if we knew each other personally"

The "Knights of Round Table" were the military aides of King Arthur. The armor-wearing heroes sat around the round table and made decisions together with trust and equality.

Last week, aircrews from the "Desert Birds" squadron and the Gaza strip Division sat down together, in the tradition of the "Knights of the Round Table" and discussed tightening cooperation between both sides on the southern front.

The home of the "Desert Birds" is Hatzerim airbase and it is often called to missions on the border of the Gaza Strip with the Gaza Division. "Because we are a southern transport-helicopter squadron, the relationship with the Gaza Division forces includes daily interactions", explains Captain Itzik, a pilot in the "Desert Birds" squadron. "We feel that cooperation during fighting periods would be better if we knew each other personally".

"Usually, the Cooperation Unit of the IAF mediates between ground forces and helicopters squadrons", he adds. "But for the first time, we decided to establish direct contact. We received an intelligence briefing, talked about future cooperation and concentrated on lessons from recent events, face-to-face".

True Friendship

The cooperation between the Gaza Division and the "Desert Birds" squadron is extensive and its objectives diverse: from casualty evacuation to transporting combat forces to secret missions that cannot be disclosed. Recently, the two sides began cooperating on" surprise exercises", in which the participants had to execute missions under the psychological pressures at the moment of truth.

The squadron and the Division look forward to future cooperation. "Roundtable Discussions represent a change in communication between us", adds Captain Itzik. "Now that we plan together, there is a push to improve the process and not just the mission".

17 March 2014 airforce-technology.com

The Nato Support Agency (NSPA) and the Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation (OCCAR) have signed a service level agreement (SLA) for the A400M Atlas next-generation military transport aircraft.

Signed after several years of preparatory and negotiation work with OCCAR and the participating states, the SLA also represents an additional key milestone in the agency's expanded cooperation with OCCAR.

Specifically, the A400M and NH-90/TIGER Programme (LN) will provide electronic materiel support services, namely acquisition of A400M spares in electronic and automated manner over the next four years.

The services are expected to be the same as those currently provided to OCCAR for the Tiger and the NH-90 helicopters.

Designated as a tactical airlifter with strategic capabilities, the A400M can also be configured to perform long-range cargo and troop transport, medical evacuation (MEDEVAC), and aerial refuelling and electronic surveillance missions.

Capable of carrying more than 100 fully equipped troops or a 30t payload, the aircraft features a six-wheel, high-flotation main landing gear, and short soft-field landing and takeoff capability, enabling troop and equipment transportation to Mali or Afghanistan.

Currently operational with the French Air Force, the four-EuroProp TP400-D6 turboprop engines powered aircraft has also been ordered by Belgium, France, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Spain, Turkey and the UK.

The airlifter has recently completed the first phase of airdrop trials flying over the Fonsorbes drop zone near Toulouse, in south-western France, marking the completion of one of the most significant elements of its continuing military flight-test programme.

L’armée devrait recevoir deux NH90 cette année et les trois derniers en 2015 - photo Composante Air

14.03.2014 lavenir.net (belga)

Les nouveaux hélicoptères NH90 utilisés par l’armée belge, plus récents, ne souffrent pas des mêmes maux que les appareils néerlandais du même type, assurent en chœur plusieurs responsables du ministère de la Défense.

Les NH90 belges ont été directement livrés au dernier standard, pleinement opérationnel (FOC), contrairement aux hélicoptères en service dans la marine néerlandaise, dont la plupart sont des versions intermédiaires, a indiqué un porte-parole de la Défense interrogé par l’agence BELGA.

Aux Pays-Bas, la ministre de la Défense, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, a indiqué mardi que les onze appareils livrés – sur un total de vingt – sont victimes de «corrosion et d’usure excessives».

Ces défauts ont été constatés après l’utilisation de l’appareil en mer lors d’une mission de lutte contre la piraterie au large de la Corne de l’Afrique et dans les Caraïbes.

La Belgique a elle aussi commandé des NH90. Huit au total, achetés en juin 2007, pour un montant de près de 300 millions d’euros: quatre en version de transport tactique (TTH) et quatre en version NFH pour à la fois succéder aux Sea King à bout de souffle et pour donner de nouvelles capacités aux deux frégates de la Marine. À ce jour, trois appareils ont été livrés: deux TTH basés à Beauvechain et un NFH servant à l’instruction du personnel au départ de l’usine d’Airbus Helicopters de Marignane (sud de la France).

L’armée devrait en recevoir deux cette année et les trois derniers en 2015, selon la Défense.

Mar 13, 2014 ASDNews Source : Airbus Helicopters

    Airbus HelicoptersaEUR(tm) enhanced version is the first to be fully certified in Brazil

The first two upgraded AS365 Panther K2 rotorcraft will be delivered this month by Airbus Helicopters’ Helibras subsidiary to the Brazilian Army Aviation Command (AvEx), providing a modernized platform with more power, updated avionics and increased mission capability.

These deliveries follow the signature in Brasília of an amendment standardizing the modifications introduced to the helicopter’s enhanced configuration – which will be assessed by AvEx’s various battalions during mission operations. Should these evaluations prove favorable, Helibras will continue modernizing the remaining 32 AS365 K Panthers in the Brazilian Army’s inventory through 2021.

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13.04.2014 Rostec

The helicopter will be delivered part of a contract signed by Rosoboronexport

Russian Helicopters, a subsidiary of Oboronprom, part of State Corporation Rostec, has built the 3,500th export version of the Mi-17 at Kazan Helicopters. The helicopter will be delivered to the Indian Armed Forces as part of a contract signed by Rosoboronexport in 2012.

A contract for 80 military transport Mi-17V-5 helicopters was signed by Rosoboronexport in 2008, and all obligations have been met by the Russian side. In 2012 - 2013 India ordered a further 71 helicopters, which are currently being built by Russian Helicopters to the agreed schedule.

“South and South-East Asia are a core region for promoting Russian manufacturing. Our helicopters are well-known here and demand has remained constant,” Russian Helicopters CEO Alexander Mikheev said. “Today more than 250 helicopters built at our facilities are operational in India. They are used for flight training, personnel-carrying, search-and-rescue and medevac missions, and providing assistance in emergencies. Thanks to their unique abilities they can operate in even the most adverse weather conditions, and complete their missions with distinction.”

In summer 2013 Russian-built military transport helicopters were involved in evacuating people after torrential rains caused severe flooding in the northern Indian state of Uttarakhand. In February this year Mi-17V-5 helicopters evacuated about 200 residents of villages in the northern state of Jammu and Kashmir in the Himalayas after they became cut off from the rest of the region following cold weather and heavy snowfall.

The Mi-17V-5s being delivered to India are part of the legendary Mi-8/17 series, and are built on the construction solutions of previous generations of the series. All of the helicopters are fitted with a KNEI-8 avionics suite and a new PKV-8 autopilot, which helps reduce pilot workload and provides comprehensive information to enable pilots to complete complex missions. In addition, the helicopters being supplied to India are fitted with modern powerful engines, significantly expanding their capabilities for transporting heavy and bulky loads, particularly in the high mountain terrain characteristic of northern India.

Soviet- and Russian-built helicopters have operated successfully in India for more than half a century. The first Mi-4s were delivered in January 1961; in the decades since, Mi-26s, Mi-24/35s, Mi-8/17s have all been supplied to India.

Russian Helicopters attaches particular importance to providing after-sales maintenance services in regions where it supplies helicopters. The parties are currently collaborating on the development of an offset programme aimed at expanding India’s capabilities to provide maintenance services for Russian helicopters.

Russian Helicopters is also interested in developing the Indian market for commercial helicopters. Today development work is ongoing on the new multirole Mi-171A2, which could potentially expand the fleet of Russian-built helicopters in India. The new helicopter is the latest addition to the Mi-8/17 series and over time will replace its predecessors from this illustrious series. The Mi-171A2 has been designed using the latest materials and aerospace technologies, and will come with an upgraded power plant, new rotor system and modern avionics suite.

Russian Helicopters is currently participating in India Aviation 2014, where it is showcasing its current and forthcoming models to operators from South and South-East Asia. India Aviation 2014 is taking place at the exhibition centre of Begumpet airport in Hyderabad, and the company’s stand can be found in Sector B at stand 42.

10.03.2014 avia news
 

L'Algérie vient de passé une commande pour l'achat de 42 hélicoptères d'attaque Mil Mi-28 et six hélicoptères de transport Mi-26T2, destinés à sa force aérienne. Le contrat est évalué à 2,7 milliards de dollars. Le contrat comprend également prévu la mise à niveau de 39 hélicoptères Mil Mi-8 au standard «Terminator», ils seront équipés d'un blindage au niveau du cockpit, d'un pod de désignation laser et d'une large gamme d'armement.

Le Mil Mi-28NE:

Le MIL Mi-28 est un hélicoptère d’attaque blindé. Il ne dispose pas de fonction secondaire de transport comme le Mi-24 et est surtout destiné à un rôle anti-char et de soutien à l’infanterie.  

Le Mi-28NE possède des caractéristiques intéressantes qui en font un hélicoptère redoutable :

• Équipement électronique (navigation, armement, etc.) intégré à l'appareil et géré par deux ordinateurs.

• Protection passive du pilote et du copilote : Cockpit totalement blindé résistant au tir de munitions perforantes ou incendiaires de calibre 12,7 mm.

• Deux turbines séparées ayant leurs éléments vitaux protégés par un blindage supplémentaire. Possibilité de voler sur une seule turbine.

• Utilisation de nouveaux matériaux résistant mieux aux dommages.

• Possibilité de vol de jour ou de nuit par des conditions météo mauvaises, et cela même à basse altitude (5-15m selon le fabricant).

Le Mi-28NE peut accueillir différentes armes, en tourelle et sur ses 4 points d'emports :

• Armement fixes : canon automatique Shipuniv 2A42 de calibre 30x165mm, embarquant 250 projectiles. la cadence de tir est réglable à 200 ou 550 coups par minute. Il est monté sur la tourelle NPPU-28N. Sa portée pratique est de 2 500 m.

• Armement amovible sur les 4 points d'emports :

  • Missiles guidés :

    • Jusqu'à 16 missiles guidés anti-chars 9M120 Ataka-B ou jusqu'à 8 missiles à détection infrarouge Igla-V.

  • Pods de roquettes amovibles :

  • Type S-8 (Calibre 80 mm) jusqu'à 80 pièces sur 4 pods ou Type S-13 (calibre 122 mm) jusqu'à 20 pièces sur 4 pods ou Type S-24 (Calibre 240 mm) jusqu'à 2 pièces.

  • Jusqu'à 2 canons UPK-23-250 de 23 mm avec 250 projectiles chacune.

  • Jusqu'à 4 lance-mines KMGU-2.

  • Pods de mitrailleuses amovibles :

  • Mines :

Le Mil MI-26T2 : 

La compagnie Rostvertol propose donc aux forces aériennes algériennes la version modernisée de son hélicoptère de transport lourd Mi-26T2.L'hélicoptère Mi-26T2 est doté d'une nouveau cockpit dont l’avionique est modernisée. Les équipements permettent l'emploi des lunettes de vision nocturne.

Actuellement, les forces aériennes algériennes ne disposent pas d'hélicoptères de transport lourds du type Mi-26T. Elles exploitent au sein des escadrilles de transport des engins de fabrication soviétique et russe, notamment des Mi-6 (2 unités), Mi-4 (4), Mi-2 (28), Mi-8 (47), Mi-171 (42) et Ka-32. /L

Photos : 1 Mil Mi-28 @ Sergy 2 Mil Mi-26T2 3 Cockpit @ MilMi