Pentagon orders fleetwide inspection of Osprey proprotor gearboxes after latest safety incident
More than a year after a fatal V-22 crash killed eight US Air Force personnel, a recent “near-crash” has prompted the Pentagon to order fleet-wide inspections of a problematic component, while plans for a long-term mechanical fix remain uncertain.
Spanish air force takes its first NH90 in Standard 3 guise
The Spanish air force has taken delivery of its first NH Industries NH90 tactical transport helicopter, launching its introduction of the type’s latest Standard 3 configuration.
Bell picks Fort Worth site for new FLRAA parts manufacturing plant
Bell is to establish a new component manufacturing facility in support of the US Army’s Future Long Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA) programme in Fort Worth, Texas.
Sikorsky to demonstrate autonomous Black Hawk for US Marine Corps
Sikorsky will fly its Optionally Piloted Vehicle variant of the UH-60 Black Hawk for the US Marine Corps throughout 2025, showcasing the potential to convert existing rotorcraft into uncrewed, autonomous aircraft capable of executing resupply and medical evacuation missions.
Dutch and Austrian C-390s to get Elbit self-protection boost
Elbit Systems has been awarded contracts worth a combined $175 million to provide electronic warfare (EW) and self-protection equipment for integration with new tactical transport aircraft and helicopters on order for two European operators.
Pentagon again grounds Osprey fleet after recent ‘near-crash’
The US miltiary’s fleet of Bell-Boeing V-22 Osprey tiltrotors are grounded for the second time this year after what the Pentagon describes as a “near-crash” in November.
Bell accelerates SPRINT design through windtunnel test phase
Bell has completed windtunnel tests of the Stop/Fold rotor system it is developing for a future high-speed vertical lift aircraft under a US Department of Defense-backed project.
Northrop’s CIRCM system to protect UK’s extended-range Chinooks
Northrop Grumman has been contracted to provide its common infrared countermeasures (CIRCM) technology for use by the Royal Air Force’s future fleet of 14 Boeing CH-47 Chinook extended-range transport helicopters.
Polish police service takes fifth and final S-70i Black Hawk
Poland’s national police force has received its fifth Sikorsky S-70i Black Hawk – the final helicopter from a 2022 order for two examples.
UK’s Strategic Defence Review process poised to enter next phase
The UK government’s Strategic Defence Review process is poised to enter its next phase, following the completion of an initial consultation period.