Boeing Sikorsky has test flown its first modified RAH-66 Comanche prototype incorporating a redesigned empennage, lowered exhaust doors, alternate main rotor pylon and main rotor fairing. The helicopter's horizontal stabiliser has been lowered and two vertical end plates added to reduce buffeting. The initial prototype now also has a mock-up of the mast-mounted fire control radar.
Source: Flight International
Bell says civil aviation regulators are completing the last few evaluation flights on the new super-medium-twin helicopter, with executives hoping for a certification decision before the end of 2024.
Turkish Aerospace is seeing progress across its rotorcraft portfolio, with continued work on the 6t T625 Gokbey helicopter and a pending restart of T-70 production.
Just seven flights and 9h into its test campaign, Airbus Helicopters Racer technology demonstrator has already beaten its 220kt (407km/h) target speed and opened up 80% of its flight envelope since its 24 April maiden sortie.
