Thailand has ordered three Eurocopter AS.332L2 Super Pumas for use by the country's royal family. The first two VIP-configured aircraft are scheduled for delivery in October 1996. The Super Puma was selected over the Sikorsky S-70 after it was determined that the US helicopter offered the King insufficient headroom in the toilet.
Source: Flight International
The US government has blacklisted more private companies over alleged connections to the training of Chinese military aviators, including two firms operated by former test pilots in the UK Royal Air Force and South African Air Force.
Airbus Helicopters and partner PHI Aviation will shortly begin route-proving trials with the former’s H160 medium-twin in the Gulf of Mexico.
Piasecki Aircraft has secured new work for its ‘Heliplex’ facility in Coatesville, Pennsylvania, signing a collaboration agreement with Columbia Helicopters to upgrade Model 107 tandem-rotor helicopters to a new more fuel-efficient standard.
