Bell bets on ALFA testbed to drive autonomy development
Bell has revealed an autonomous flying testbed based on a 429 light-twin commercial helicopter fitted with a fly-by-wire flight-control system.
GD Helicopter Finance adds to portfolio through deal for up to 20 H175s
Start-up rotorcraft lessor GD Helicopter Finance has gained access to additional inventory following a deal for up to 20 Airbus Helicopters H175s from another of its owner’s businesses.
First flight sees Racer high-speed helicopter finally leave the starting blocks
Airbus Helicopters has performed the long-awaited maiden flight of its Racer high-speed demonstrator.
Robinson signals strategic shift with acquisition of UAV maker Ascent
Robinson Helicopter’s new chief executive David Smith has marked his first two months in charge of the rotorcraft manufacturer with the acquisition of a US-based drone maker, underscoring the firm’s commitment to expand into new markets.
H160 is first platform for new rotorcraft lessor GD Helicopter Finance
A new rotorcraft lessor has launched, targeting the offshore, SAR, EMS and government markets, and already boasts an orderbook of 50 Airbus Helicopters H160s, with the promise of more deals to come.
Airbus Helicopters cuts H160 empty weight as data overturns ‘conservative’ projections
Airbus Helicopters has reduced the published empty weight of its new H160 medium-twin by 100kg (220lb), driven by analysis of the airframes built so far and better than anticipated fuel consumption.
UK commits to six H145 helicopters for Brunei and Cyprus missions
Airbus Helicopters has been awarded a £122 million ($152 million) contract to supply six H145 light-twin helicopters to the UK for troop transport duties in Brunei and Cyprus.
Japan Coast Guard orders three more H225s
The Japan Coast Guard (JCG) has ordered three additional Airbus Helicopters H225s, which will take its eventual fleet to 18 examples of the heavy-twin.
Skyryse presses ahead with fly-by-wire system on R66 helicopter
Advanced flight-control developer Skyryse is forging ahead with plans to bring to market by 2025 a Robinson Helicopter R66 light-single adapted with an innovative fly-by-wire system.
Transport Canada mandates Bell 429 tail rotor inspections
Canadian regulators have ordered operators of certain Bell 429 helicopters to perform urgent tail rotor blade inspections after defects were found in the manufacturing process.