All articles by Dominic Perry – Page 20
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NewsArrius 2E fleet reaches double figures as Safran accelerates test programme
Safran Helicopter Engines has already built more than 10 examples of its new Arrius 2E powerplant for the Airbus Helicopters H140 as it eyes certification in support of service entry in 2028.
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NewsNew Lilium rescue talks at ‘advanced stage’, sources indicate
In potentially another dramatic twist to Lilium’s protracted collapse, rumours have surfaced of yet another last-ditch bid to salvage the air taxi developer.
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NewsSafran pushes power limits higher in pursuit of next-generation military rotorcraft needs
Safran Helicopter Engines is deep into the initial stages of multiple separate projects to expand the upper limits of its military turboshaft range, pushing power output well beyond the current 3,000shp (2,240kW) maximum.
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NewsMagnix makes move into rotorcraft market with Helistorm motors
Advanced propulsion specialist Magnix aims to begin deliveries to customers in 2026 of its first Helistorm electric motors for helicopter applications.
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NewsOmni reveals more details of Bell-funded 525 operational evaluation
More details have emerged on the six-month operational evaluation of the Bell 525 to be carried out later this year in Guyana by offshore operator Omni Helicopters International and funded by the airframer.
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NewsSikorsky eyes new S-92 orders but plays down likely offshore demand
Sikorsky still sees “significant demand” for the S-92 and is hoping in the coming months to finalise the first new orders in several years for the heavy-twin, largely for VIP or head-of-state missions.
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In depthAirbus Helicopters to ‘raise the bar’ with launch of new H140 light-twin
Occupying the space between its strong-selling H135 and H145 light-twins, the H140 features a five-blade main rotor, a new powerplant – the Safran Helicopter Engines Arrius 2E – a T-tail, a larger cabin, an improved Fenestron shrouded tail rotor.
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NewsLCI chief hails ‘global reach’ from Macquarie Rotorcraft acquisition
The acquisition of Macquarie Rotorcraft by leasing joint venture SMFL LCI Helicopters (SMFLH) will provide “global reach for a global platform”, says LCI Investments chief executive Jaspal Jandu.
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NewsAW609 inches closer to certification with start of type-inspection flights
Federal Aviation Administration pilots have begun Type Inspection Authorization flights of the Leonardo Helicopters AW609 tiltrotor from the manufacturer’s US plant in Philadelphia.
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NewsAW09 flight tests resume following five-month pause to resolve supplier issue
Leonardo Helicopters has resumed test flights of its single-engined AW09 following a five-month pause to address a manufacturing non-conformity issue in the main gearbox.
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NewsBell pitches ‘purpose-built’ 505 trainer for US Army
Bell is proposing a “purpose-built” version of the 505 light-single for an emerging US Army requirement for a new training helicopter.
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NewsBell partners with Omni for 525 operational trial in Guyana
Bell will later this year begin an operational evaluation of its 525 Relentless in partnership with Omni Helicopters, as the airframer closes on certification for the long-running super-medium-twin.
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NewsLCI and Sumitomo joint venture snaps up rival rotorcraft lessor Macquarie
Leasing joint venture SMFL LCI Helicopters (SMFLH) is to acquire rival lessor Macquarie Rotorcraft for an undisclosed sum.
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In depthSmith continues rapid revolution as Robinson reveals R88
Robinson Helicopter has launched its first new aircraft for almost 15 years, unveiling plans for the R88, a range-topping $3.3 million turbine-powered single.
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NewsDassault’s Trappier pours cold water on prospects of FCAS and GCAP merger
Hopes that Europe’s two future fighter programmes could move closer together appear unlikely to be realised, with Dassault Aviation’s chief executive distancing his firm from any such proposal.
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NewsLeonardo and Baykar target development of armed UAVs for Europe
Leonardo and Baykar Technologies are to establish a joint venture focussed on the development of unmanned air vehicles integrated with the Italian company’s defence electronics payloads, with the latter’s 6t-class Akinci platform likely to be the first product offered to the market.
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NewsSafran maturing eTaxi system for future narrowbodies
Safran Landing Systems (SLS) is continuing to refine an electric-taxiing system for future narrowbody aircraft that it believes can cut block fuel burn by up to 4%.
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NewsFalcon 10X stays on track for 2027 service entry as first prototype comes together
Dassault Aviation’s ultra-long-range Falcon 10X business jet remains on track to hit a revised service-entry target in late 2027, but the French airframer is staying tight-lipped on when its maiden sortie will take place.
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NewsDassault chief Trappier outlines roadmap for F5-standard Rafale
Dassault Aviation’s planned F5-standard Rafale fighter will have more powerful engines, improved survivability and data links, and will be accompanied by an unmanned combat air vehicle (UCAV) weighing more than 10t, according to the French airframer’s chief executive.
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NewsNATO next-generation rotorcraft project entering ‘crucial phase’
A NATO project to develop and field a future military rotorcraft by the late 2030s is now entering a “crucial phase” as the nations driving the effort attempt to firm up the requirements for the platform.