South Korea is expected to issue a delayed request for proposals for three new VH-X presidential and VIP transport helicopters in late March or early April. Seoul has allocated $9 million in its 2004 budget to launch the estimated $100 million project, and should announce a supplier before year-end. Deliveries of the AgustaWestland EH101, Kazan Mi-17 or Sikorsky S-92 will begin in late 2006.
Source: Flight International
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.
MD Helicopters has promoted Ryan Weeks to the role of president, overseeing the day-to-day operations of the rotorcraft manufacturer.
