Latest Defence Helicopters news – Page 159
-
News
German air force still desires HALE UAV for SIGINT role
The German air force has touted the benefits that a high altitude, long endurance unmanned air vehicle would have over a converted business jet to fill the signal intelligence (SIGINT) capability gap that it was left with in 2010.
-
News
NATO stresses C2 role of AWACS fleet
Too much demand is being placed on NATO’s Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) to provide information, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) data to the alliance, despite its primary roles of command and control and battle management, a leading figure on the programme has revealed.
-
News
First Italian-assembled F-35 rolls off the line
The first Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II built outside the USA rolled off the final assembly and check out line at Cameri air base in Italy on 12 March.
-
News
Helicopter firms weigh up bids for UK Apache requirement
Manufacturers are considering their response to a request for information (RFI) issued by the UK ministry of defence (MoD) covering the replacement or upgrade of the nation’s fleet of AH-64D Apache attack helicopters.
-
News
UK hits halfway mark on defence helicopter upgrades
With an ongoing upgrade of the UK’s military helicopter fleet around 50% complete, discussions have already begun within the defence ministry looking at future rotorcraft requirements beyond the middle of next decade.
-
News
E-2D embarks on first deployment aboard USN carrier
Five Northrop Grumman E-2D Advanced Hawkeye airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft arrived on board the US Navy’s Nimitz-class USS Theodore Roosevelt carrier on 11 March, marking the first deployment for the aircraft.
-
News
RAF Sentinel may be positioning for anti-Islamic State fight
Sources have revealed that the Royal Air Force’s Raytheon Sentinel R1 surveillance aircraft is due to be transferred to an undisclosed base in the Mediterranean, suggesting that it is being positioned to join the coalition fight against Islamic State militants.
-
News
Zagreb in line for donated OH-58D Kiowas
Croatia is expected to receive up to 16 Bell OH-58D Kiowas, with the helicopters being donated by USA.
-
News
UTC considers tax-free spinoff for Sikorsky
Sikorsky could become a standalone company after a tax-free spinoff under one option now being reviewed by parent company United Technologies (UTC), the company announced late on 11 March.
-
News
US Army chief details aviation restructure savings
The US army's plan to eliminate 700 aircraft from its active aviation units, among other changes, will save more than $12 billion in the long run, chief of staff Gen Raymond Odierno told a Senate budgeting panel on 11 March.
-
News
Japan receives first MCH-101 for minesweeping mission
Japan’s Maritime Self-Defence Force has received the first AgustaWestland/Kawasaki Heavy Industries MCH-101 helicopter configured for the airborne mine-sweeping role.
-
News
Maritime Ka-52K attack helicopter makes debut flight
Russia has conducted the first flight of a Kamov Ka-52K attack helicopter, with the amphibious type reported as having made a 40min debut on 7 March.
-
News
USAF wants small, fully integrated JSTARS replacement
The US air force will consider both US and international airframers to replace the Northrop Grumman E-8C JSTARS fleet, according to documents released on 5 March. The service also has confirmed its preference for a smaller aircraft than the Boeing 707-based E-8C.
-
News
Exelis expands market for new wide-area airborne sensor
Exelis is preparing to transfer testing of its new infrared-capable airborne wide area surveillance sensor to Europe in an effort to promote the capability of the wide-range camera to potential new markets.
-
News
One-week study re-affirms A-10 retirement decision: USAF
After a week of concentrated study of its close air support (CAS) role, the US Air Force essentially has decided to stick with plans to gradually retire the Fairchild Republic A-10 Thunderbolt II and hand the CAS mission to the Lockheed Martin F-35.
-
News
Singapore to replace ageing Super Pumas
Singapore has announced plans to replace the nation’s 32 Airbus Helicopters AS332/532 Super Puma/Cougar helicopters within the next ten years.
-
News
Sikorsky plans vibration-free helicopter demo
Sikorsky plans to complete development of a hub-mounted vibration suppressor (HMVS) for helicopters with a follow-up demonstration later this year, says a top engineering executive.
-
News
Sikorsky considers shuttering, selling light helicopter lines
Sikorsky has canceled production of the S434 light single helicopter and divesting two other light helicopter production lines is under consideration, company officials say.
-
News
Germany finalises order for 18 naval NH90s
Germany has finally confirmed a deal that will see it order 18 new NH Industries NH90 NFH helicopters for its navy, at the same time trimming commitments for the troop transport variant and Airbus Helicopters Tiger attack rotorcraft.
-
News
MD Helicopters to redesign MD902 Explorer
MD Helicopters has announced plans to redesign the MD902 Explorer light-twin utility helicopter with new parts developed in-house as part of a campaign to boost sales by making the aircraft more affordable.