Sikorsky test pilot Nick Lappos on why whirlybirds are better than tilts:
"Tiltrotors are extremely complex, much more than helicopters. They have a full set of tandem rotor mechanisms, a full set of aeroplane mechanisms and a tilt mechanism. They are as if a Chinook and an F-14 had a baby."
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.
