Latest Defence Helicopters news – Page 26
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NewsLow NH90 availability pinned on contract failings, but programme chief sees causes for optimism
Availability rates as low as 25% on the NH Industries NH90 were the result of too much focus on managing the acquisition and introduction of the helicopters and not enough on how to keep them flying, according to a senior Airbus Helicopters executive.
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NewsAirbus Helicopters warns on weight increase for NATO’s next-generation rotorcraft
NATO’s next-generation helicopter will need a maximum take-off weight of up to 17t if high-speed continues to be a priority while also seeking to maintain current payloads, according to preliminary calculations by Airbus Helicopters.
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NewsUK launches New Medium Helicopter procurement
UK defence officials have finally kicked off the procurement phase for the New Medium Helicopter programme – an effort that could see as many as 44 rotorcraft acquired as part of a total package worth up to £1.2 billion ($1.48 billion).
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NewsAirbus Helicopters looks to firm up ‘concrete’ export interest in H160M
Airbus Helicopters is already having “concrete discussions” with potential export buyers of its H160M Guepard medium-twin, as development activities for launch customer France accelerate.
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NewsLockheed sees numerous growth areas including FLRAA, precision weapons: CFO
Lockeed Martin sees increased sales of precision weapons, higher levels of defence spending by European countries, and a forthcoming decision on the US Army’s first new rotary aircraft program in decades as positive signs.
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In depthSupercomputers, simulations and smart tools: inside Sikorsky’s bid for Future Vertical Lift
The 99-year-old company, whose founder and namesake pioneered rotary aviation, is making a multi-billion-dollar bet that next-generation manufacturing can secure its bid to produce the US Army’s newest helicopters.
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NewsSouth Korea to upgrade special ops UH/HH-60 helicopters
South Korea will conduct an upgrade programme for Sikorsky UH/HH-60 helicopters used for special operations by the country’s air force and army.
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NewsAustralia confirms additional MH-60R buy and finalises Apache deal
Australia will obtain 13 additional Sikorsky MH-60R anti-submarine warfare helicopters, and has finalised its acquisition of 29 Boeing AH-64E Apache attack helicopters.
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NewsArmy pushes back FARA prototype testing one year
Budget documents indicate that tests of the US Army’s Future Attack Reconnaissance Aircraft programme will not begin until late 2023.
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NewsGermany will send heavy anti-aircraft weapons to Ukraine
50 German-made self-propelled anti-aircraft canons are being sent to Ukraine, the first heavy weapons the German government has agreed to provide.
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NewsUS Army seeks replacement for Stinger anti-aircraft missile
The Army says the venerable heat-seeking missile will become obsolete in the coming year.
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NewsBell and Boeing vie for Polish attack helicopter contract
Poland has shortlisted the Bell AH-1Z Viper and Boeing AH-6HE Apache for its ongoing attack helicopter requirement.
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NewsUS Marines’ CH-53K makes first operational flight
The US Marine Corps’ new heavy-lift helicopter has made its operational debut at a base on the East Coast.
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NewsUkrainian air force increases fighter fleet as international aid pours in
A senior US defence official says Ukraine is receiving military aircraft and parts, but declined to reveal from whom.
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NewsIsrael returns for more AW119Kx helicopters
Israel is to purchase an additional number of Leonardo Helicopters AW119Kx rotorcraft sourced via the USA’s Foreign Military Sales (FMS) mechanism in a deal worth almost $30 million.
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NewsLockheed Martin posts $1.7bn profit in first quarter led by aircraft sales
The American defence giant says it missed sales targets on the F-35 but beat expectations on F-16 sales.
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NewsRestrictions on drone exports hamper American foreign policy: Mitchell Institute
The US government rarely approves the sale of armed drones to foreign governments, despite regularly authorising exports of combat aircraft and helicopters.
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NewsSerbia looks West for fighter fleet renewal, seeking 12 Rafales
Serbia has “for already a year” been negotiating a potential purchase of 12 new Dassault Rafale combat aircraft from France, plus the same number of second-hand “fighter bomber” aircraft of unspecified type or origin.
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NewsUS clears Nigeria to acquire 12 AH-1Z attack helicopters
The US government has cleared the possible sale of 12 Bell AH-1Z attack helicopters to Nigeria.
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NewsPentagon’s Ukraine aid package includes 11 Mi-17s, 300 Switchblades
A new US government package to support Kyiv in its fight against Moscow’s invasion includes helicopters and loitering munitions.