The prototype of Airbus Helicopters VSR700 unmanned aerial system has performed its first free flight. The VSR700 performed a ten minute flight at a drone test centre near Aix-en-Provence in the south of France. This is a significant step in the programme following the first flight in November 2019 when the prototype was tethered to comply with regulatory requirements. To enable thi...
Bell 505 has been accepted by the Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority (TCAA) for airworthiness certification in the United Republic of Tanzania, making it the sixth country in Africa to certify the aircraft. “The Bell 505 is renowned the world over for delivering best-in-class value to our customers, and now, with TCAA’s type acceptance, we are excited to serve the needs of Tanzania w...
Many countries continue to take interest in the Bell Boeing V-22 Osprey for its role as a valuable asset needed to serve and support multiple mission capabilities. For the sprawling islands of Indonesia, it could connect teams and support long-range missions. News outlet The Drive notes that the aircraft “…is particularly well suited for Indonesia, a country that is made up of a...
The Western Australian Police Force has ordered one H145 helicopter to enhance police operations in Western Australia, making it the first Australian customer to operate the five bladed H145. Purchased to replace its BK117 helicopter, and to operate alongside the AS365 N3+, this state-of-the-art H145 offers a full range of capabilities for the WA Police Force, including single-pilot and instr...
Safran Helicopter Engines and ZF Aviation Technology have signed a Memorandum of Agreement strengthening their collaboration to offer a turboprop engine suitable for European military applications – specifically the unmanned, training and transport sectors. ZF Aviation Technology is also confirmed as a strategic partner for the propeller reduction and accessory gearbox of...
Most countries across the world have shut down their borders and restricted their activities for several months. The Coronavirus pandemic has arguably led to the worst economic crisis since the 2008 financial meltdown and the future remains uncertain despite gradual economic re-boot. The impact on the aviation industry and notably airlines is truly unprecedented with the cancellation of thousan...
Bell Textron is strengthening its customer service and support offerings with the acquisition of Zhenjiang Aerochine Aviation Limited to increase Bell’s helicopter maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) capabilities in China. Previously appointed as an Authorized Maintenance Center, the acquired Zhenjiang Aerochine – now Zhenjiang Bell Textron Aviation Service Co. Ltd (Zhenjiang Bell)...
Leonardo announced further enhancements for the AW139 intermediate twin engine market leader with the recently obtained EASA certifications for the Honeywell Primus Epic integrated avionics Phase 8 software and the EGPWS (Enhanced Ground Proximity Warning System) optional kit with offshore modes. The Phase 8 software release marks the introduction of an advanced Synthetic Vision System (...
Airbus Corporate Helicopters has won a new order for its latest ACH160 helicopter, announced just days after the H160 achieved certification. This new order, placed by an experienced Italian operator for use on private and corporate flights mainly inside Italy, means the ACH160 has been ordered by customers in eight countries across North America, Latin America, Europe, China and South-E...
Airbus Helicopters marks 60 years of long-standing partnership with Japan this year. Since its predecessor Sud Aviation entered into an exclusive distributorship agreement with Nozaki & Co., Ltd. in Japan in 1960, followed by the company’s first helicopter delivery – an Alouette II – in 1961, there are over 370 Airbus helicopters flying in the country today for a variety of m...
Leonardo delivered of the first of two AW169 basic training twin engine helicopters to the Italian Army during an official ceremony held at the 2nd Rgt. AVES ‘Sirio’ based in Lamezia Terme in the presence of representatives from the operator and industry. The second aircraft is expected to be handed over in the next few months. The introduction of the new generation traini...
Airbus Helicopters has joined hands with over 20 Australian partners to form Team Nightjar, as the consortium launches its solution to Project LAND 2097 Phase 4. Under this Project, the Commonwealth of Australia is seeking a fleet of helicopters to support the Australian Defence Force’s Special Operations. Bringing together Australia’s best industry capabilities and academia, the Te...
