Latest Helicopters News (page 3)

Helicopters are the most versatile flying machines in existence today! These aircraft which are lifted and propelled by one or more large horizontal rotors (propellers), are classified as rotary-wing aircraft. This section of your international aviation news magazine presents news from designers and builders of the world's most advanced helicopters for commercial, industrial and military use.

16/07/08: AgustaWestland - Leading The Way In The Clean Sky Programme

AgustaWestland is fully committed to investing in technologies and processes that reduce the impact on the environment in all phases of the life-cycle of its rotorcraft, from manufacturing and operation right up to its final disposal. As part of this commitment AgustaWestland is not only playing a major role in the European Clean Sky Joint Technology Initiative programme as co-leader, but is also investing its own money in programmes that will deliver “greener” aircraft. Under the umbrella of the Clean Sky programme AgustaWestland is undertaking work in a wide range of areas including efforts to reduce external noise signatures, reduce fuel consumption and investigations into “green” flight paths. Overall company goals (consistent with Advisory Council for Aeronautical Research in Europe vision for 2020 targets) include a 50% reduction of carbon dioxide emissions through drastic reductions in fuel consumption, an 80% reduction of nitrous oxides emissions and a 50% reduction in external noise. The research is aimed at the next generation of vertical-lift aircraft that will enter service after 2015 as well as the possibility to retrofit the technology into the existing product range.

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16/07/08: AW139 - The Helicopter Of Choice For SAR Missions

As the best selling medium twin turbine engine helicopter in the world with over 350 units on order by approximately 100 customers in nearly 40 countries, the AW139 has become the helicopter of choice in the SAR market and has also had great success in the emergency medical services market. Selected by leading SAR operators worldwide, the AW139 is now in operational service with several customers including the Spanish Marine Safety Agency (Sasemar), the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency and Japan Coast Guard. In March 2008 the Japan Coast Guard took delivery of its first three AW139 helicopters as the initial phase of a replacement programme for up to 24 helicopters. These helicopters will also operate from Coast Guard ships performing SAR duties. A month later three AW139s provided by CHC Helicopter Corporation entered service with the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency providing 24 hour SAR cover for much of the English Channel from two bases, then in May 2008 Sasemar ordered three additional AW139s bringing the total number ordered up to eight aircraft. Sasemar already have three aircraft in service performing SAR and water pollution detection missions.

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16/07/08: American eurocopter annonces latest training offering: NVG check airmen/instructor pilot course

Grand Prairie, TX – Today, American Eurocopter announced the introduction of its FAA part 141 approved NVG Check Airman/Instructor Pilot course. The purpose of the course is to train Check Airmen and Instructor Pilots to evaluate and teach pilots within their organizations to operate with Night Vision Goggles. Upon completion of this course, students should be able to create an effective NVG proficiency flight evaluation to be used within their own organization to determine both pilot proficiency and training program effectiveness. “The importance of Night Vision Goggles (NVG) has grown in all segments of the industry,” explains Del Livingston, American Eurocopter Vice President of Flight Operations and Training. “We are offering this course to help operators improve the safety and efficiency of their NVG operations. Their instructors are provided with the necessary tools to conduct flight evaluations and develop course curricula designed to meet the needs of their missions.”

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16/07/08: X2 TECHNOLOGY™ Demonstrator Approaches First Flight

X2 TECHNOLOGY™ Demonstrator Approaches First Flight

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16/07/08: Heli Malongo Selects S-76C++™ Helicopter for New Search and Rescue Service

FARNBOROUGH INTERNATIONAL AIR SHOW, July 16, 2008 – Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. has been selected by Heli Malongo to provide three S-76C++™ aircraft for its new Search and Rescue (SAR) service in Angola, Sikorsky announced today from the Farnborough International Air Show. Sikorsky is a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE:UTX). The agreement marks Heli Malongo’s first purchase of a Sikorsky Aircraft product. Heli Malongo, an offshore oil operator based in Angola already operating 20 aircraft, plans to establish a Search and Rescue service to support the country’s growing oil industry. It will be the first Search and Rescue operation to serve Angola.

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16/07/08: Falcon Aviation Services Signs Delivery Position Agreements For four Sikorsky S-76D™ Helicopters

FARNBOROUGH INTERNATIONAL AIR SHOW, July 16, 2008 – Falcon Aviation Services (FAS), a provider of helicopter charter and maintenance services based in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE), today announced the signing of delivery position agreements for four S-76D™ helicopters with Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. for VIP/Corporate transport. Sikorsky is a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE:UTX). FAS was formed in late 2005 under the initiative of His Highness Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Khalifa bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, who attended the Farnborough Air Show and announced the signings with Sikorsky. The S-76D helicopter will be the next production model in the S-76® helicopter line that already has delivered more than 700 aircraft performing many missions including VIP and Head of State, emergency medical transport, search and rescue, civil defense, and offshore oil crew transport. The S-76D model is on track for initial certification in late 2009.

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15/07/08: Michaniki S.A. Orders an AgustaWestland Grand Helicopter

AgustaWestland is pleased to announce that Michaniki S.A. of Greece has placed an order for a Grand light twin turbine engine helicopter in VIP configuration. This purchase marks the entrance of the Grand in the Greek commercial helicopter market and further confirms the steadily growing success of this AgustaWestland model in the European market. A new light twin helicopter developed to meet a wide range of market requirements, the Grand provides levels of cabin space and payload that until now could only be met by larger, more expensive helicopters. Distinguishing features are its spacious passenger cabin, superior performance, advanced avionics, high safety levels, low operating costs and excellent serviceability.

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15/07/08: Oboronprom Corporation And AgustaWestland Cooperation Background

Oboronprom and AgustaWestland are developing a long-term strategic partnership through a stepped approach, whose driving concepts are based on several common objectives. Through the partnership Oboronprom will foster the development of the Russian commercial helicopter industry for the domestic and international markets and will drive the growth of the Russian civil market through exclusive sales rights and support to AgustaWestland products. As far as AgustaWestland is concerned, through the agreement the company will sustain and maintain a positive sales trend in the Russian commercial market, thereby increasing its market share, duly support the AgustaWestland fleet with a sound technical and maintenance service network and will take advantage of Russian industrial competitiveness and design skills to benefit its line of products.

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15/07/08: Oboronprom Corporation And AgustaWestland Sign Heads Of Agreement For AW139 Helicopter Final Assembly In Russia At Farnborough-2008

Farnborough, 15 July 2008 - Oboronprom Corporation and AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, have signed a Heads of Agreement at Farnborough-2008 to set up an industrial Joint Venture for the final assembly of the AgustaWestland AW139 civil helicopter in Russia. The agreement has been signed within the framework of the large-scale & long-term co-operation between Oboronprom Corporation and AgustaWestland in the helicopter business, which was announced during the Moscow International Exhibition HeliRussia-2008 in May 2008. The initial step of such co-operation was the signing of a Distribution Agreement between AgustaWestland and Oboronprom Corporation, together with Loyd’s Investments Corp., for AgustaWestland civil helicopters in Russia and CIS countries. A second stage is the joint activity of Oboronprom Corporation and AgustaWestland to establish a network of maintenance centres for AgustaWestland products in Russia. The industrial Joint Venture will be set up on a parity basis between the parties involved. The civil AW139 Final Assembly project foresees that the production line will be built in a green-field location in the Moscow area. The civil AW139 produced in Russia will be primarily used to satisfy the requirements of the markets in Russia and CIS countries and - through the AgustaWestland network – for the rest of the world.

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15/07/08: First Grand Delivery To Russia

AgustaWestland is pleased to announce that the first Grand light twin helicopter sold in Russia has been delivered to its private owner. The delivery of this Grand helicopter marks the entry into the Russian market of this best selling light twin for VIP and corporate transport. The Grand joins a number of AW119 and AW109 Power helicopters that are already in service with private and corporate clients in Russia. The company, which has achieved significant success in recent years in Russia, sees even greater business opportunities in the country through the contract and distribution agreement recently signed with Oboronprom Corporation and Loyd’s Investments Corp. This three-staged agreement also foresees the establishment of a number of maintenance centres, to support the expanding AgustaWestland fleet in Russia, and a joint production agreement of AgustaWestland helicopters in Russia for both domestic and international markets.

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15/07/08: AgustaWestland at the forefront of rotor technology: BERP IV Rotor Technology Delivers Operational Benefits Today While Active Rotor Technology Promises Future Advances

AgustaWestland as a result of its technology investment strategy is now delivering BERP IV rotor technology to its customers to give improved operational capabilities and is also investing in active rotor technology research, where it sees the promise of significant performance and environmental benefits over current technology rotors.

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15/07/08: AW139 To Target Long Range Offshore Market

AgustaWestland is undertaking work to certify the AW139 with a Maximum Gross Weight (MGW) of 6,800 kg (14,991 Ib), a 400 kg (882 Ib) increase on the current certified MGW of 6,400 kg. The increased MGW and payload will enable the AW139 to target the long range offshore transport market currently being met by larger 18/19-seat types. The increased maximum gross weight will give operators even higher levels of productivity while maintaining the helicopter’s excellent performance and operating envelope, including Category A/Class 1 performance. The increased MGW will be available on all new production aircraft as an option. A dedicated bulletin will be available to allow aircraft already in service to operate at the increased MGW. The bulletin involves minimal hardware modifications.

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15/07/08: H-92® Helicopter to Demonstrate Capabilities in European Tour

FARNBOROUGH INTERNATIONAL AIR SHOW, July 15, 2008 – The H-92 SUPERHAWK® helicopter will visit at least nine countries throughout Europe over the next several weeks to demonstrate its mission capabilities, Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. announced today from the Farnborough International Air Show, where the aircraft is on static display. Sikorsky is a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE:UTX). The SAR mission-equipped SUPERHAWK helicopter offers a robust menu of optional equipment that provides mission flexibility and off-the-shelf customization. Countries scheduled to be visited during the upcoming tour include the U.K., Belgium, Germany, Denmark, Poland, Czech Republic, Hungary, Romania and Greece.

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15/07/08: Sikorsky Search and Rescue S-92® Helicopter Tallies 150+ Rescues in North Sea & North Atlantic: Aircraft Proves Reliable Since 2007 Introduction to U.K. SAR Market

FARNBOROUGH INTERNATIONAL AIR SHOW, July 15, 2008 – Sikorsky Aircraft’s Search-and-Rescue (SAR)-configured S-92® helicopter has logged more than 150 rescues in the challenging topography of the North Sea and North Atlantic since being introduced into service by the United Kingdom Maritime and Coastguard Agency under the operation of CHC Helicopter Corp., Sikorsky announced today at the Farnborough International Air Show. Sikorsky, based in Stratford, Conn., USA, is a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE:UTX). Sikorsky initially developed the uniquely capable helicopter for over-water search and rescue for one of the most demanding and challenging environments ever, the North Sea and North Atlantic, and introduced the dedicated SAR S-92 helicopter in March 2007.

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15/07/08: Sikorsky Announces S-92® VIP Helicopter Sale to Azerbaijan Airlines

FARNBOROUGH INTERNATIONAL AIR SHOW, July 15, 2008 –Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. has sold an S-92® VIP helicopter to Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL), the state-owned airline of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Sikorsky announced today at the Farnborough International Air Show. Sikorsky Aircraft is a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE:UTX). The S-92 aircraft will be used for corporate VIP missions. The aircraft is expected to be delivered in early 2011. In addition to the VIP helicopter, the contract includes options for two additional helicopters for offshore oil missions.

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15/07/08: PZL Mielec Transformation Paves Way for INTERNATIONAL BLACK HAWK™ Helicopter

FARNBOROUGH INTERNATIONAL AIR SHOW, July 15, 2008 –The first BLACK HAWK helicopter cabins to be delivered from PZL Mielec, Sikorsky Aircraft Corp.’s affiliate in Poland, are scheduled for later this year as the company moves toward the introduction of the INTERNATIONAL BLACK HAWK™ helicopter in 2011, Sikorsky announced today from the Farnborough International Air Show. Sikorsky is a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE:UTX). Progress at PZL Mielec has included various modernization projects as the production ramp-up of BLACK HAWK helicopter cabin parts moves forward. In addition, the transformation has yielded increased employee engagement, the successful incorporation of UTC’s operating system and a thriving production of legacy M28 and the M18 aircraft.

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14/07/08: Bell/Agusta BA609 Tiltrotor Makes Its First Appearance At Farnborough Air Show

The Bell/Agusta BA609 Tiltrotor is making its first ever appearance at the Farnborough International Air Show. The second prototype, aircraft #002, is showcased by the Bell/Agusta Aerospace Company having flown for the first time in November 2006 at AgustaWestland’s Cameri facility in Northern Italy. The BA609 tiltrotor flew to Farnborough from Italy demonstrating excellent performance, unique aircraft flexibility and high reliability while exercising its envelope in both vertical lift and high cruise speed airplane mode. The BA609 Tiltrotor is one of the most significant technological developments in the aeronautical world. This unique aircraft offers green and efficient extraordinary capabilities. The BA609 tiltrotor flight envelope includes an effective combination of helicopter’s vertical take-off and landing capability together with the speed, range and comfort of typical turboprop airplanes. The 4-prototypes based programme has so far achieved more than 300 flight hours performed by the first two test aircraft (aircraft #001 in USA, #002 in Italy). Aircraft a/c #003 is being assembled at the AgustaWestland facilities (Italy). The flight test program has validated the BA609 unique flight envelope including altitudes up to 25,000 feet and speeds up to 310 knots, all at the maximum weight. The test program continues to check all the points of the flight envelope as required by both the FAA and EASA.

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14/07/08: Air Engiadina Adds An AgustaWestland AW119 Ke Helicopter To Its Fleet

AgustaWestland is pleased to announce that Air Engiadina (operated by Swiss Jet) of Switzerland has added an AW119 Ke single engine to its helicopter fleet. The helicopter, which is used for sightseeing, air taxi and VIP flights, is being displayed at Farnborough International Air Show - marking the first appearance of this upgraded model at the event. Air Engiadina (operated by Swiss Jet) already operates an AW119 Koala helicopter and one Grand light twin and has ordered two AW139 medium twin helicopters as well. This latest addition is further evidence of the AW119 Ke success in the world market as an unrivalled helicopter in its category for performance, capacity and operational flexibility.

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14/07/08: Top-Of-The-Range AW119 Ke Enters Service

AgustaWestland’s response to customer demand for a high performance, modern, multi-role single-engine helicopter, the state-of-the-art AW119 Ke (Koala enhanced) has now entered operational service with several operators in Europe and North America including FAASA, Seacor and Air Engiadina. FAASA Aviación of Spain took delivery of its first two out of an order of eight AW119 Ke helicopters in February 2008 to perform fire-fighting missions. Seacor is operating the AW119 Ke for offshore transport as well as fire-fighting purposes taking advantage of the aircraft’s superior speed and flight endurance.

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14/07/08: Andhra Pradesh State Government Orders One AW139 Helicopter

AgustaWestland is pleased to announce that Andhra Pradesh State Government (India) has signed a contract for one AW139 medium twin turbine engine helicopter. This helicopter will be used to perform executive transport missions. With approximately 20 commercial helicopters of various types ordered in India and half of them already delivered to their respective government and corporate customers, AgustaWestland has experienced a dramatic growth in the Indian market in recent years and this latest purchase made by this new customer increases the number of AW139s ordered by various operators in India to five. Andhra Pradesh adds to other Indian State Governments such as Jammu & Kashmir, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh which already operate AgustaWestland helicopters.

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14/07/08: Bell/Agusta Unveils BA609 SAR Variant

As the most advanced rotorcraft technology innovation that will revolutionize vertical flight in the forthcoming future, the BA609 Tiltrotor features an unparalleled combination of high performance and maximum flexibility which makes it a perfect platform for a variety of Government support roles such as SAR (Search and Rescue) operations, Homeland Security missions, Special Forces insertion/extraction , border and maritime patrol, vertical fleet support/patrolling, head of state transport, Emergency response, evacuation, interdiction , disaster relief, airborne command and control, and training, etc.

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14/07/08: Hawker Pacific Places Large Order of Bell Helicopters

FORT WORTH, TEXAS (July 14, 2008) - Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, announced that Hawker Pacific Pty Ltd, its sales representative in Australia, has ordered 12 Bell 407 and two Bell 206B3 helicopters. “Hawker Pacific has represented Bell Helicopter extremely well since 2004,” said Glenn Murray, Bell’s regional sales manager. “Their territory now includes Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and New Caledonia. By placing these orders, Hawker Pacific will be much better positioned to optimize delivery schedule to customers and will enable Bell Helicopter to continue growing its presence in this region.”

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14/07/08: SkyBOOKS Captures Significant Sales

FORT WORTH, TEXAS (July 14, 2008) - SkyBOOKS, a Bell Helicopter and Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, this week announced that several fleet operators opted to sign multi-year service contracts for SkyBOOKS electronic based system that includes maintenance programs, flight logs, pilot logs, and other tracking systems. “SkyBOOKS provides a single source solution for the management of all flight operations data that can be applied to a single aircraft or an entire fleet,” said John Willis, SkyBOOKS chief operating officer. “With the application of Skybooks electronic platforms, the future of aircraft maintenance has arrived. We anticipate this service will provide substantial benefits to the aviation community in the coming years,” said Mike Blake, executive vice-president for Bell’s customer solutions organization.

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14/07/08: TLC Will Broadcast American Chopper Episode July 10 Featuring Sikorsky Tribute Motorcycle

STRATFORD, Conn., July 2, 2008 – Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. today announced TLC will air a new episode of American Chopper on July 10 at 9 p.m. and again at 11 p.m. Eastern time featuring the design and production of the Sikorsky Aircraft Tribute Motorcycle. Sikorsky is a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE:UTX). Sikorsky commissioned Orange County Choppers to design and build the motorcycle for use in the company’s fund-raising campaign to benefit the community, while paying tribute to Sikorsky’s work force and history of technological innovation. The motorcycle was unveiled to employees June 13 and features wheel spokes shaped like helicopter rotors, an instrument panel modeled after a helicopter panel, a likeness of company founder Igor Sikorsky, insignia representing the company’s U.S. military customers, and many other unique design elements.

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14/07/08: Sikorsky S-92® Helicopter Fleet Reaches 100,000 Flight Hour Milestone

FARNBOROUGH INTERNATIONAL AIR SHOW, July 14, 2008 – Sikorsky Aircraft’s S-92® helicopter fleet continues to perform at an impressive operational tempo with the fleet recently passing 100,000 total flight hours, the company announced today at the Farnborough International Air Show. Sikorsky Aircraft, based in Stratford, Conn., USA, is a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE:UTX). The first production S-92 helicopter was delivered in late 2004. There are now 67 S-92 helicopters in operation. Eleven of the S-92 helicopters currently in service fly an estimated 130-170 hours per month; 13 of the aircraft have more than 3,500 flight hours to date. Operational availability for the S-92 fleet averaged 91 percent in 2007.

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