Mag Spreads Vol.38 No - Helikopters BE

HelicopterVolume 38 Number 2 September - October 2014

I N T E R N A T I O N A L

The Industry’s Leading Commercial & Defence News Journal

In this issue: Helitech 2014 Preview £4.50/US$6.55

ISSN 0143-1005

Helicopter INTERNATIONAL 9

Commercial 42

FAA to re-examine FAR Pt.27/29... AW189 in service... Trekkers for Italy...

Enstrom back on track... Helivert in trouble... More UK Cabri orders...

EC175 completes hot/high trials... KAI to develop new 4.5 tonne helicopter etc...

Tail Rotors 68

News Updates from around the world to 28th August 2014

Regional NewsAsia Pacific 48

Offshore Worldwide 62

North America 61

Parapublic 58

MarketingAccident Spot 66

Civil Sales 64

Classified 70

GeneralBooks Corner 63

Clubs and Associations 63

Rotary People 63

The Collective Column 41

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Helicopter INTERNATIONAL is publishedevery other month on the 1January/March/May/July/September/November by Avia Press Associatesand printed in England by TaskerPrinters Ltd. It is sold subject to thecondition that no material writtenor pictorial is copied as part of anyother publication in the way ofadvertising or feature materialwithout the written consent ofthe publishers. No responsibility isaccepted for the authenticity ofclassified or display advertising.Authors manuscripts and photo-g raphs where not d i rec t l ycommissioned are welcome but onthe understanding that these maynot be returned unless adequatepostage is provided. All readersletters requiring an answer mustbe accompanied by a stampedaddressed envelope.

© Avia Press Associates 2014

Front Cover Picture:Development of the Mil Mi-38transport helicopter is con-tinuing to slip as RussianHelicopters struggles tocomplete testing with theKlimov TV7-117V engines,which replaced the Pratt &Whitney PW127/5 powerplantsused in the original flighttrials. Now more than 20 yearsin development and 10 yearssince its first flight, certi-fication is not now expectedbefore 2016. Some commercialcustomers, including UTair arenow opting for the new MilMi-17/A2 instead.

VOLUME 38 - NUMBER 2 - SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER 2014

Contents

Military Helicopter News 49

Defence 50

CRH-60 go-ahead... US Army moves on OH-58D disposals...

Brazil to upgrade Lynx fleet... UK MoD signs FASGW Integration Contract...

JMR selections for next phase... ASAC Sea King life extension etc...

Censored 54

Military News Updates from around the world to 28th August 2014

Features 46

Helitech International 2014 PreviewMember of the

Periodical PublishersAssociation

ASSOCIATIONPUBLISHERSPERIODICAL

Helicopter INTERNATIONAL Page 41

The Collective Column

Elfan ap Rees

Publisher/EditorELFAN ap REES

Flinst SMM MBIM Associate RAeS

Managing EditorCLAIRE ap REES

North American EditorKENNETH SWARTZ

EDITORIAL OFFICE75 Elm Tree Road, Locking

Weston-super-Mare,Somerset, BS24 8EL

ENGLANDTel: +44(0)1934 822524Fax: +44(0)1934 822400

e-mail: [email protected]: www.aviapress.co.uk

Contributing EditorsRashid Ali

Oscar BernardiPhilippe Boulay

Frank ColucciBob Evans

Peter FosterEmanuele Ghiroldi

Pierre GillardToni Heumann

Robert KerrJuri Matvejev

Trevor ReesKiyoshi Sato

Anthony TsagaratosPeter Wernli

PhotographyAlan Norris

Jay Miller

AdministrationLucia ap Rees

Tracey WatkinsAccounts

Lucy Wallis

Advertising SalesHeidi Mueller-Jacobs

FinalisationIan Tasker

Helicopter INTERNATIONAL

75 Elm Tree Road, Locking,Weston-super-Mare,Somerset, BS24 8EL

ENGLANDTel: +44 (0) 1934 822524Fax: +44 (0) 1934 822400

e-mail: [email protected]

Web: www.aviapress.co.uk

LONG STANDING rumours that Prince William, The Duke of Cambridge, is tobecome an air ambulance pilot were officially confirmed on 7 August with anannouncement from Kensington Palace. The Duke, who until recently flewWestland Sea King helicopters in the search and rescue role with the Royal AirForce, will take up his new role next spring.

That the second in line to the throne has chosen such a worthwhile career canonly be good news for the helicopter air ambulance services in the UK, that relyso much on charity donations to survive and for the broader helicopter industryin general. After all, if a future King is allowed to fly helicopters, they must be safemustn’t they?

Prince William will work for the East Anglian Air Ambulance (EAAA) based atCambridge for at least the next two years and will be paid a normal salary, whichhe will then donate in full to the air ambulance charity. He is expected to fly bothday and night shifts, although his rota will take into account any duties he isrequired to undertake on behalf of Her Majesty The Queen. Cambridge Airport isusefully situated between his new home at Anmer Hall on the Queen’sSandringham estate in Norfolk and his apartment at Kensington Palace.

The Duke currently has some 1300 flying hours in helicopters, but will nowneed to complete several months of training and written tests to secure thenecessary CPL (IR) civil qualifications. He will also convert to the new AirbusHelicopters EC145T2, currently on order and due to enter service with the EAAAin the coming months. Initially he will fly as a co-pilot, but eventually as ahelicopter commander.

Of course helicopter flying is something of a tradition in the Royal Family,started by the Duke of Edinburgh in the 1950s and followed on by William’sfather, Prince Charles and his uncle, Prince Andrew, who both spent time with theFleet Air Arm. Meanwhile brother Prince Harry flew Apaches with the Army AirCorps in Afghanistan. So good luck to William in his choice – and let’s hope thereis not a sudden onset of ladies swooning across the East Anglian fens next year!

★

Meanwhile, what about Harry? Well, we see the argument over tourism and otherhelicopters over flying the Hudson River waterfront and New Jersey has eruptedagain, with local senators and politicians calling now for flights to be banned on“safety grounds”, claiming the congestion in the sky is a public safety issue forpeople on the ground below. They have appealed to the New York City Mayor toban flights from the city-owned heliport and threatened to put forward newlegislation to force shutdowns of such flights.

Maybe the UK can help? We know the Americans love the Royal Family so whynot send them Prince Harry for a season. We bet they won’t complain if he isflying along their beach fronts – they’ll all be too busy trying to spot him and telltheir friends.

Elfan ap [email protected]

Helicopter INTERNATIONALPage 42

FAA to re-examine FAR Pt.27/29The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)is to formally re-examine the certificationstandards for helicopters under FAR Parts 27and 29 following industry pressure, inparticular from Bell Helicopter. Bell has alreadysucceeded in securing multiple exemptions inother countries, to operate their Model 429over the FAR Pt. 27 3175kg (7,000lb) weightlimit without meeting more stringent Pt.29standards.

FAR Pt.27 is normally applicable tohelicopters with nine seats or less, whilst andhelicopters that weigh more than 3175kg(7,000lb) and have 10 or more seats must meetthe FAR Pt.29 standards. Transport Canadahowever gave the Model 429 an exemption to3402kg (7,500lb), after Bell argued that thiswould allow the aircraft to carry newgeneration and additional safety-relatedtechnology and equipment, withoutjeopardising needed fuel and payloaddemands. Since then a growing number ofcountries have accepted this exemption butnot the FAA or the European Aviation SafetyAgency.

The FAA sought public comment on apossible change to the rules last February andhas received substantial feedback, supportinga revision to restructuring the certificationstandards under FAR Pt.27 and FAR Pt.29. TheAuthority has now recognised that thestandards may have not kept pace withtechnology and the capabilities of newgeneration helicopters, and will now moveforward with more formal consultation anddiscussions with the helicopter industry andother interested parties. The latter are likely toinclude EASA as well as Transport Canada

AW189 in serviceFollowing the delivery of the firsttwo production AgustaWestland AW189,helicopters to Bristow Helicopters for offshoreoil and gas support, the manufacturer alsohanded over the first AW189 to WeststarAviation at the recent Farnborough Air Show.This AW189, c/n 49012, is also configured foroffshore use and will enter service in Malaysia.

AgustaWestland claims to have orders,framework agreements and options for about130 AW189s to date, with the 8.3 tonnehelicopter available in standard 16 seat, highdensity 19 seat and long range 12 seatconfigurations, and with a unique 50 minuterun-dry capable main gearbox. Weststar is thelaunch customer in South East Asia for thenew aircraft, which will operate alongside itsgrowing fleet of AW139 helicopters. Thecompany recently passed the 50,000 flighthour milestone with the smaller aircraft,performing offshore transport missions.

Commercial- INTERNATIONAL

Above: The new AgustaWestland AW189 hasnow begun to enter commercial service withthe offshore oil and gas support operators. Thisaircraft is the first delivery to WestStar inMalaysia.

Meanwhile in the UK, Bristow launchedcommercial flights with the AW189 fromNorwich out to the Cygnus Field 222km(120nm) offshore in the Southern North Sea on21 July, on contract to GDF Suez. Bristow has atotal of five AW189s on order for oil and gassupport. In addition the AgustaWestlandfactory in Yeovil has now received the firstAW189 assembly kits for completion in thesearch and rescue configuration for the BristowHelicopters SARH contract with the UKMinistry of Defence.

11 aircraft are on order for this contract, allto be assembled and completed in the UK. Thefirst two are due to be delivered this autumn forSAR training to get underway.

Trekkers for ItalyElitaliana has signed a letter of intent toacquire two AW109 Trekker light twinhelicopters for emergency medical service(EMS). The preliminary sales contract marksthe first for the new variant in Europe and thefirst for the aircraft in an EMS configuration.

Unveiled at HeliExpo in California last Marchwith a full scale mockup, with a display also atthe recent Farnborough Air Show, the Trekker isa skid-equipped version of the AW109S

GrandNew with internal space for up to sixpassengers or two stretchers with two medicalattendants. AgustaWestland claims theperformance, including a cruise speed of296km/h (160kt) and over 1500kg (3306lb)useful load, outclasses the rival AirbusHelicopters EC135 and offers highlycompetitive operating costs.

The aircraft is currently intended to featurethe Garmin G1000HTM glass cockpit, but thishas been criticised by potential operators asoffering no IFR capability. This could limit salesin areas such as Canada, where there hasotherwise been some interest in the Trekkerfrom utility operators.

Elitaliana is acquiring the aircraft as part ofits expansion plans in Italy and abroad.Currently operating two A109E and four A109SGrandNew helicopters in the Lazio andCalabria regions of Italy, the company alsosigned in 2011 and 2013 letters of intent for atotal of six new AW169 4.5 tonne helicopters.

Kaman decision soon on new K-Max productionKaman Aerospace is expected to make a decision on resuming production of its K-Max single-seat external load carrying helicopter by September, despite a continuing absence of militaryorders for the unmanned variant following the US withdrawal of forces from Afghanistan.

Previously the company had hoped for further interest from the US Army and US MarineCorps, but the latter has now withdrawn its remaining Unmanned K-Max from the Afghantheatre and made no budget allocation for the repair of its second aircraft, damaged thereduring operations. The surviving helicopter returned to the USA in early July and will next beused in an autonomous technology trial for the US Army at Fort Benning, Georgia later thismonth. This demonstration, showing how the Unmanned K-Max can autonomously locate andhook up to a cargo before then delivering it to another location, will be followed in early Augustby a second trial. This latter demonstration will see the unmanned helicopter deploying anunmanned ground vehicle under a Lockheed Martin squad mission support system (SMSS)project. Two days of practice will take place before an actual demonstration of this capability.Kaman and its partner are also seeking an opportunity to demonstrate the capability of theUnmanned K-Max with the Marine Corps and US Navy for ship board vertical replenishment(VERTREP) operations, especially during landing operations.



Enstrom back on trackEnstrom Helicopters is getting back on trackfollowing some disruption of its productionduring the recent factory expansionprogramme at the Menonimee facility inMichigan, caused by the need to relocatemachinery and jigs etc. The companycurrently holds an eight-nine month orderbacklog and planned to deliver 31 aircraftthis year, increasing to at least 45 in 2015.

In addition to completing earliercontracts, last March Enstrom announced anorder for 16 Model 480B helicopters for theVenezuelan Air Force and Navy, to be used ina training role and delivered over an 18month period, and most recently has signed

up three new dealers including DSA in theCzech Republic and local companies inNorth Carolina and Indiana.

DSA is a well established fixed and rotary-wing operator based in Prague, whichincludes training, sightseeing and taxi flightsamong its activities, as well as providingmaintenance. The company will nowrepresent Enstrom locally but also inSlovakia and Hungary. In North Carolina thenew representative is Hi-Tech Helicopterslocated in Elkin, whilst Indiana Helicopters inFort Wayne and its partner company SweetAviation already uses the Enstrom 28F forflight training and is a launch customer forthe new TH180 trainer, shown in mockupform by Enstrom at HeliExpo last February.

Enstrom is also now discussing with itsChinese parent, Chongquing HelicopterInvestment Co, the re-assembly of US

manufactured helicopters in China for thelocal market. This line would utilise FederalAviation Administration approved partslinked with a Civil Aviation Administration ofChina production certificate. The companysays there are no plans to transfer any actualmanufacturing, at least not in theforeseeable future, but sees a big marketopening up in the East Asia region.

Meanwhile certification of the GarminG1000H integrated flight deck for the Model480B was completed in late July and Enstromhas cut metal on the prototype two-seatTH180 and expects to begin flight testingthis September. The company has alreadybegun flight tests of the governor and newdrive system in an F28 test bed andcertification is anticipated by early 2016.

Helivert in troubleRussian industry sources at the FarnboroughAir Show claimed the joint RussianHelicopters-AgustaWestland joint venture,Helivert is in difficulty, with only three AW139helicopters assembled at the Tomilinofacility and no current plans to build furtheraircraft. Helivert was established in 2010 andhas an initial capacity to assemble up to 20AW139s per year.

The first locally produced aircraft madeits initial flight in December 2012 andwas followed by an announcement in May2013 of an order for five aircraft forAgustaWestland’s Russian sales agent,Exclases Russia, also to be assembled atTomilino. However it is understood that notmore than two AW139s have actually flownand instead AgustaWestland is supplyingthe aircraft direct to Russian customersfrom its Italian production line. Thatincludes at least seven AW139s delivered forgovernment agency and corporate owners,as well as eight delivered to date for UTAirout of a total order for 10 aircraft, with 10options.

AgustaWestland has declined to commenton the situation but industry sources saythat progress at Helivert has been slowerthan expected , primarily due to delays inreceiving an anticipated large Russiangovernment order. Current Russianrelationships with Western governmentshowever suggest this order is unlikely tomaterialise soon, if at all. Beyond the AW139,the partners did discuss the jointdevelopment of a light 2.5 tonne helicopterlast year, but recently abandoned thisproposal following market research.

Russia is also interested in the largerAW189 helicopter for local production, butdiscussions on this are seen as premature.

Above: Enstrom plans to begin flight trialsof the new TH180 two – seat trainer at itsMenominee plant in September (Avia Press).

Airbus Helicopters signs multiple Chinese ordersAirbus Helicopters signed orders on 7 July with three Chinese customers for a total of 123helicopters, to be delivered over the next five years. The signings coincided with an officialvisit to China of Angela Merkel, the German Chancellor.

The three contracts include one with Guangdong Baiyun General Aviation Company(GAC) for 50 Ecureuil and EC135 helicopters, for expected expansion in its general aviationbusiness. Operating in the heavily populated business zone in Guangdong province onChina’s south east coast, the company is particularly interested in the relatively newsegments of helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS), search and rescue andcorporate transportation. An EC130T2 from the Ecureuil family will be delivered this year,followed by the first three EC135T2e arriving by April 2015.

Fujian Xinmei GAC, also based in south east China opposite Taiwan island, has alsocommitted to acquiring a total of 55 single and light twin-engine helicopters over thenext six years, beginning with five AS350B3e aircraft already ordered for delivery thisyear. The company currently operates an AS350B3e, delivered in 2012 for agricultural andutility missions, and with the new orders will become the biggest operator of this type inChina.

Finally Yunnan Fengxiang GAC, which is a relatively new business covering amountainous region in south east China, has ordered 18 AS350B3e to add to their existingtwo aircraft. The company is focusing on developing utility operations in the region, wherethere are major mineral reserves and where mountain peaks can top 3,000m (9800ft). Thefirst four of the new order will be delivered later this year, with the remaining 14 due toenter service over the next two years. Fengxiang plans to utilise its fleet in a range ofmissions, including aerial tours, business aviation and also HEMS.

Over 200 Jet RangerX signed upBell Helicopters now has letters of intent for over 200 Model 505 Jet Ranger X five-seathelicopters including more than 40 signed up in Europe, mostly for non-fleet operators.The company still expects to fly the first aircraft later this year, with certification by mid2016.

Initial certification will take place in Canada, where the aircraft will initially be built andflown, but with US and European approval following on as soon as possible. Bell is keepingall three major airworthiness authorities in the loop on progress to try and avoid anycertification glitches. One issue that will have to be agreed is the use of “grand fatherrights” for the 206-4 dynamic and transmission system being used in the Model 505. Thecompany is not anticipating any problems with this being accepted, nor with the selectedTurbomeca Arrius 2R powerplant which is also already certificated, but has built in someflexibility just in case, in particular with the European Aviation Safety Agency approvalprogramme after watching the recent Robinson R66 certification saga.

Production of the Jet Ranger X will take place at a new plant at Lafayette in Louisiana, underthe direction of the current Model 505 programme manager Paul Watts. As general manager ofthe facility he will be responsible for day-to-day operations and growth plans in Lafayette, withinitial concentration on building up a high performance team and the necessary supportresources.

Meanwhile the company is praising the expected autorotation performance of the Model505, noting that it is lighter than the original JetRanger which itself had a good autorotativecapability.


EC175 completes hot/high trialsAirbus Helicopters has completed a six weekset of hot/high trials for the EC175 in theUnited States, supported by a 15 strong teamincluding pilots, flight engineers, techniciansand analysts to study the recorded data.

The aircraft which previously carried outcold weather trials in Canada last January, wasshipped out to Nevada by Antonov AN124 on19 June and initially was engaged in the hotweather portion of the tests, based in LasVegas. These were aimed at confirming thatthe EC175 components function properly at50 degrees C in the most extreme flightsituations, including prolonged periods ofhovering at maximum take off weight andflying when the onboard equipment hasalready reached the outside temperature.

The second phase of the trials were carriedout at Leadville, Colorado where the airportsits at some 3,000m (9927ft) altitude. This isthe highest airport in North America and thethird highest in the world. The tests herehelped establish the proper helicopterprocedures for takeoff and landing under veryhigh and hot conditions, before the EC175returned to Marignane on 1 August.

KAI to develop new 4.5 tonne

helicopterKorean Aerospace Industries (KAI) has beatenrival Korean Air to become the preferredproject leader for a new 4.5 tonne (10,000lb)class Light Civil Helicopter (LCH), for maritimesurveillance and transport roles. The aircraftwill also provide the basis for a new LightArmed Helicopter (LAH), to eventually replacethe South Korean military fleet of ageingBell AH-1 and McDonnell Douglas MD500Dhelicopters.

Parallel development of the LCH/LAH isexpected to considerably reduce the overallcosts of the programme by 340 billion won($577 billion), with up to 60 percentcommonality of parts and consequentreductions in manufacturing, maintenance andlogistics support costs. It is also estimatedthat the project will contribute up to 50 trillion($84 trillion) to the national economy withsales of up to 1000 aircraft, including 600 forexport customers. The project launch will bepartially supported by the government, whichplans to invest more than 1 trillion won ($974million), together with contributions from KAIand a yet to be selected foreign partner.

Four Western manufacturers are candidatesfor the partnership role, includingAgustaWestland which is offering a version ofthe AW169, and Sikorsky which is proposing adesign based on the S-76, but with anenlarged cabin. Bell Helicopter is also bidding,with a largely new design. The fourth

contender is Airbus Helicopters, whichalready partners with KAI in developing andmarketing the larger 8.7 tonne (19,180lb)Surion transport helicopter, now inproduction for the South Korean Army andPolice. Their new design is understood to bebased on an enhanced version of theAS365N/EC155 Dauphin family.

Subject to a final contract for the LCH/LAHdevelopment being approved, expected inNovember, and a decision on the foreignpartners, KAI aims to complete LAHdevelopment by 2020, with the LCH followingon two years later.

More UK Cabri ordersThe Helicentre Aviation Academy in Leicesterhas confirmed an order for three additionalGuimbal Cabri G2 helicopter. The almost Euro1 million contract was agreed at the recentHeliExpo UK event in June.

The new order will take the Helicentre Cabrifleet up to ten aircraft by early 2016, adding to

five helicopters being leased from the UKdistributor, Cotswold Helicopter Centre, andfive airframes currently in production at theGuimbal factory in France.

Helicentre is presently consistently loggingmore than 120 flying hours per month on eachof the three Cabris currently in service,predominantly on professional pilot training,and expects to fly over 9,000 hours this yearfrom its base at Leicester Airport. The fourthaircraft for Helicentre is due for delivery inAugust, followed by the next three in early2015.

Meanwhile, following certification in Chinathe first of ten aircraft currently on order forlocal customers and registered B-7793 c/n1069, is now en route for delivery whilst in theUnited States, Precision Helicopters is flyingthe first US registered example, N370PA, on anexperimental certificate pending FederalAviation Administration approval. This isexpected some time this year.



EC145T2 deliveries beginAirbus Helicopters began deliveries of theEC145T2 upgraded variant on 31 July, with thehandover of the first customer aircraft (D-HDSF) to DRF Luftrettung for air medicalmissions. The helicopter is expected to enter24/7 day and night service at the operator’sMunich base around the end of the year andfollowing the installation and certification ofthe medical interior at the company’s Baden-Baden maintenance facility.

DRF Luftrettung has 20 EC145T2s onorder, under an upgrade programme toreplace older BK117 and Bell 412 helicopters

at bases across Germany and Austria andsees the new type as ideal for expanding itsnight time air ambulance capability, withimproved performance and flight safety. Theaircraft features the Helionix digital avionicssuite with a 4-axis autopilot, a fenestronshrouded tail rotor and new 894 shpTurbomeca Arriel 2E engines, with dualchannel full authority digital engine control. Anew axial compressor and turbine bladescoupled with other improvements gives theengine 20 percent more power than the Arriel1E2 installed in the original EC145 and a 30minute emergency power rating, providing asuperb hover performance, even one-engine-in operative situations.

EC145T2 production is currently centredat the Airbus Helicopters Donauworthfactory, where the company is ramping up tomeet the expected demand. More than 100

orders have already been placed for the newhelicopter, with other customers includingthe German Armed Forces, which ispurchasing 15 for Special Forces operations,a German police air squadron, and otherEuropean air medical operators who betweenthem have ordered a total of 85 aircraft. Thehelicopter will also be used for offshoresupport to wind farms in the North Sea.

Airbus Helicopters expects to deliver 20EC145T2s by the year end, increasing to 50deliveries in 2015. A full flight simulator isalso being developed and should be availablein 2016.s to the CPI to only allow deploymentand activation as one event.

Autopilot kit for Bell 407GXBell Helicopter has introduced an in-housedeveloped autopilot kit for the Model 407GXhelicopter, designed specifically to integratewith the Garmin G1000H avionics suite andnow certificated in the United States andCanada for VFR operations. The companysays it has already received orders for the kitsfrom a major Bell 407GX operator wanting toimprove flight safety when pilots are facedwith inadvertent entry into IFR conditions.

The system has been derived from theModel 429 digital automatic flight controlsystem and features a two-axis functionalitywith cyclic force trim, and a stability andcommand augmentation system with headingand altitude preselects available. A “go-around” mode can be activated by a singleswitch to provide automatic attitude levellingand transition to climb. In addition tointegrating with Garmin G1000H navigationmodes and display, the system also integrateswith audio for alerts and modeannunciations, is compatible with a nightvision imaging system and automaticallydisengages in heavy turbulence or extremeflight attitudes.

Bell is now offering the kit under asupplementary type certificate for both newand retrofit options. The price is quoted ataround $100,000, which the company claims isless expensive than other competitors inthis market.

Above: Airbus Helicopters has begun deliveriesof the EC145T2 with the handover of the firstcustomer aircraft to DRF Luftrettung for airmedical missions. The helicopter is seen herewith its pre-delivery test registration.


Bell ramps up in EuropeBell Helicopter is ramping up its sales and support activities in Europe, which the companyhas recognised as the second largest helicopter market “now and for the next 20 years”.Although starting from a low base, the company says it has seen a 37 percent growth in theEuropean commercial helicopter market in recent years, with sales of the Model 429 nowtopping 40 units and the single-engine Model 407 also doing very well.

As a result Bell is investing more in its Prague facility in the Czech Republic, which willbecome the completions and customisation centre for Europe, Turkey and Russia as wellas the main delivery, training and support hub for regional customers. Initially the facilitywill concetrate on the Model 407 and Model 429 but will add the new JetRanger X and otherModels in due course. To mark the investment, the former Aviation Service Company, whichBell acquired in 2010 has now been legally changed to Bell Helicopter. Last year the facilityadded Design Organisation Approval to its maintenance certificates and this year ispursuing authorised training certification with the European Aviation Safety Agency.

The company is also increasing its European sales staff as part of a world-wide triplingof the sales force and has recently appointed Air Transport Europe in Slovakia as a Bellfacility. Eastern Europe is seen as a particular target to increase commercial sales.

Meanwhile the company appears to be no nearer convincing EASA and the US FederalAviation Administration to certificate the Model 429 at the increased 3402kg (7500lb)maximum take off weight, despite its acceptance by a growing number of other countries.Limited to 3175kg (7,000lb) under FAR Pt.27 regulations, this has undoubtedly affected airmedical and similar sales in Europe, where operators have to consider a trade off inequipment and payload, including fuel, to operate safely.

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Above: A helicopter view of the Amsterdam RAICongrescentrum, the venue for Helitech thisyear.

HELITECH this year is once againexperimenting with a new venue, this time inAmsterdam at the Amsterdam RAICongrescentrum. Following the criticism of theLondon venue last year, the spotlight will verymuch focus on organisers Reed Exhibitionsthis time to see if they have got it right. Atpress time, some 180 exhibitors had signed upto take space and Reed have also put togethera supplementary programme of meetings.

These begin with a Business and StrategyConference on 14th, looking at parapublic,UAV and future challenges, and ending with abusiness leaders forum. There is a charge ofEuro 199.00 to attend this event. On 15ththere is the free-to-attend EHA RotorcraftSeminar, which includes an item to considerthe effect of EASA Rulemaking activities,and on 16th there will be a free SafetyWorkshop covering flight training, riskmanagement, technological solutions andsafety management systems.

As usual HELICOPTER International andour sister-publication HELiDATA News &

Classified will be present on Booth C84,where visitors will be able to pick up copies ofour special HELiDATA Show issue.

Airbus Helicopters, formerly Eurocopter,(Booth J60) is the world’s No. 1 helicoptermanufacturer and employs more than 23,000people worldwide. With 46 percent market sharein civil and parapublic sectors, the company’sfleet in service includes some 12,000helicopters operated by more than 3,000customers in approximately 150 countries.

Finmeccanica – AgustaWestland (BoothE60) is a powerful force in the worldhelicopter industry, capable of satisfyingmarket demand by offering a widecommercial/military product range encom-passing all main weight categories with a fullvariety of missions.

R&D represents an important commitmentto improve existing products as well asto develop innovative solutions. All iscombined with an excellent supportabilitylevel devoted to total customer satisfaction.Providing unmatched capabilities rather than

See page 70for details of our special

Helidata Show Issuesfor

Helitech Amsterdam andHeliExpo Orlando.


mere platforms is a distinctive Agusta-Westland characteristic. With reference to2013 data, the headcount at AgustaWestlandwas 13,225 with major manufacturingfacilities located in Italy, UK, Poland throughPZL-Swidnik, and USA. Revenues in 2013stood at 4,076 million. The cumulativeorder backlog at the end of December 2013amounted to 11,928 million, with neworders worth 4,384 million.

★ Hiscox Global Flying protects commercialhelicopter pilots against the financialconsequences of losing their licence as aresult of illness or injury. Their policy isavailable to individuals, both as a substituteand a top up to an employer policy. Hiscoxalso offer trainee helicopter pilotsprotection against the possibility ofincurring considerable debt if they areunable to complete training as a result ofillness or injury.

With 20 years experience, Hiscox arerecognised as one of the world's leadingunderwriting teams in aviation loss oflicence insurance. The company currentlyinsure over 10,000 trainee and activecommercial fixed and rotor pilots aroundthe world who fly for a variety ofoperators, including niche executivecompanies, air ambulances and offshorespecialists.

Hiscox Global Flying provides a one-stop service for underwriting, docu-mentation and claims and Hiscox takepride in providing exceptional service.

★ Milestone Aviation Group (Booth L60) isthe global leader in helicopter leasing.The company partners with helicopteroperators worldwide and supports themthrough 100 per cent operating leasefinancing. Milestone provides financing forhelicopters, serving a variety of industries,including offshore oil and gas, search andrescue, emergency medical services, policesurveillance, mining and other utilitymissions. Since launching in August 2010,and as of September 30, 2013, Milestonehad acquired more than 115 helicoptersvalued at over US$ 1.7 billion andclosed leases with 25 operators in over20 countries on six continents.Further information is available atwww.milestoneaviation.com.

★ Russian Helicopters, JSC (Booth J20) isa subsidiary of UIC Oboronprom, which inturn is a part of State Corporation Rostec.It is one of the global leaders in helicopterproduction and the only helicopter designand production powerhouse in Russia.Russian Helicopters is headquartered inMoscow. The company comprises fivehelicopter production facilities, two designbureaus, a spare parts production and

repair facility, as well as an aftersale servicebranch responsible for maintenance andrepair in Russia and all over the world. Itshelicopters are popular among Russianministries and state authorities (Ministry ofDefence, Ministry of Internal Affairs,Emergency Control Ministry), operators(Gazpromavia, UTair), major Russiancorporations. Over 8000 helicopters ofSoviet/Russian make are operated in 110countries worldwide. Traditionally thedemand is highest in the Middle East,Africa, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Russia,and CIS countries. Russian Helicopters wasestablished in 2007.

Ulan-Ude Aviation Plant is a RussianHelicopters production facility. Theplant has extensive and advancedmanufacturing and technical capabilities

that enable it to quickly launch productionof new aircraft types and also to buildprototypes and mass-produce helicopters.The plant has built more than 8,000machines in its 70-year history. Today itspecializes in the production of the Mi-171 (Mi-8AMT) and Mi-171Sh helicopters.

★ World leader on design, production, sale &support of gas turbines for helicopters,Turbomeca (Safran Group) (Booth D40)provides a full range of services close tocustomers Our engines power civil,parapublic and defence helicopters forall leading manufacturers Huge R&Dinvestment enables our customers benefitfrom the latest technology & improved power ratings.

RegionalNews- ASIA PACIFIC REPORT

•Russian Helicopters is to deliver a third Mil Mi-26TS to China from theRostvertol plant in 2015, following a contract signed with Lectern AviationSupplies and confirmed at the beginning of July. The heavy lift helicopterwill be operated in support of forestry management in China’s Shandongprovince.

Commercial operators in China already operate three Mi-26TS onconstruction, firefighting and disaster relief missions, with two in servicewith Qingdao Helicopters and the third with Flying Dragon.

•Malaysian operator Aerial Power Lines (APL) has taken delivery of itsfirst two aircraft from Airbus Helicopters, for electrical power lineconstruction and maintenance support. The company is a subsidiary ofSarawak Cable Berhad (SCABLE) and the only company approved by theMalaysian civil aviation department to perform aerial power lineoperations in the country.

To develop the new service, APL has worked with Airbus Helicoptersand the French national electrical grid operator RTE, which hasconsiderable experience of helicopter power line support over a 40 yearperiod. This has enabled APL and SCABLE to assemble a planned businessstrategy, meeting proven operational and safety standards bench markedby both European and Malaysian airworthiness authorities.

The first two helicopters were handed over on 27 June at the Subangfacilities of the Airbus Helicopters Malaysian subsidiary and comprisedsingle examples of the AS350B3e and an EC135T2e. Both aircraft willremain based at Subang, with the manufacturer providing ongoingtraining and maintenance support. The AS350B3e, with its provenhot/high performance, will be tasked mainly for power line inspectionsand surveillance. The EC135T2e will be used to support on-site power linemaintenance and construction, with a maximum take off weight of up to2.95 tonnes (6500lb).

In mid-2015 APL will also take delivery of an EC225 heavy helicopterfor power line construction and airlift support at major infrastructureprojects.

•Bristow Australia has been working with local CareFlight medicalsupport teams to provide joint training with its helicopter crews assignedto search and rescue aircraft for offshore emergencies. CareFlight will beresponsible for providing the medical support in the event of a call out.

Part of the training has focused on the new stretcher system beingused, which can be fitted securely into all Bristow helicopter types, as wellas in fixed-wing aircraft and ground ambulances. Kept stored on offshoreplatforms, the new stretchers enable injured workers to be transportedfrom an offshore facility to an onshore hospital with no need for astretcher transfer at any point en route. This should greatly improve themedevac process.

Meanwhile CHC Helicopter has launched its dedicated search andrescue contract for Shell Australia. The Airbus Helicopters EC225 is basedat Broome Airport on 24 hour standby, to respond to emergenciesoffshore in the region including the Prelude Floating Liquid Natural Gas(FLNG) project.

Prelude is the first deployment of Shell’s FLNG technology and islocated some 475km (256 nm) north east of Broome. The project is underconstruction at present, with Shell currently drilling the offshore wellsthat will feed gas into the storage and transfer facility.

The EC225 has a range of 555km (300nm) from Broome but the serviceis currently limited to medevac only at night. A new helicopter is due tobe introduced next year by CHC with a full 24 hour SAR capability.

•Russian Helicopters have begun deliveries of 20 Kamov Ka-32A11BCmultirole helicopters to the Sino-Russian Helicopter TechnologyCompany in Quingdao, China. Two aircraft are already in service, with fourmore due to be handed over by the year end and further deliveriesthrough 2015 and 2016.

Built at the Kumertau Aviation Plant, the fleet of Ka-32A11BCs isexpanding rapidly, according to Russian Helicopters, with the co-axialrotor aircraft being used for construction work, cargo transportation andlogging contracts. One aircraft has also been flown in support of China’sAntarctic exploration missions with the Chinese State OceanicAdministration.

This was used last January to support the rescue of passengers fromthe Academican Shokalsky research ship, after it became trapped in thesea ice in Commonwealth Bay, Antarctica.

•The Channel Island of Guernsey, which recently launched its ownaircraft certification and registration department under the ICAOdesignated prefix 2-, has accepted its first helicopter, the corporateSikorsky S-76A+ based on the neighbouring island of Brecqhou for theowners of the Littlewoods retail chain, Ritz Hotel and Telegraph mediatitles.

Previously on the UK register as G-BYDF, this particular helicopter isa S-76A+ Mk.II, unusually with a sealed and overpainted starboard sidecabin door and with power improvements over the standard aircraft. Itwas originally built for Honda in Japan in 1990 but flew very little whilstthere, spending much of its time hangared before being brought to theUK in 1998.

•Kogoshima Aviation in Japan has ordered a second AgustaWestlandAW109S GrandNew helicopter for the nationwide Doctor Heli systemair medical programme, which is intended to provide modernemergency medical services (EMS) coverage to all prefectures inJapan.

Kagoshima Aviation already provides a GrandNew for EMS inKagoshima prefecture, covering the southwestern tip of Kyushu island.The new aircraft has been ordered to cover the northern island ofHokkaido, operating from Hakodate airport on behalf of the HokadateCity Hospital.

The GrandNew will be equipped to accommodate one or two litterswith appropriate medical attendance and will also be fitted with acomprehensive selection of EMS equipment and avionics. Hokkaido isthe most northerly of Japan’s 47 prefectures, with a number of mountainsand volcanic plateaux requiring the fitting of skis and an ice detector onthe helicopter for cold weather operations.

The new GrandNew is scheduled to enter service in early 2015.

•Northrop Grumman and Yamaha are to collaborate on furtherdeveloping the successful Yamaha RMax unmanned helicopter, which iswidely used in Japan for agricultural spraying missions. Since itsintroduction in 1997, around 2500 RMax have been built and loggedmore than 2 million flight hours.

The new partners now plan to take the proven airframe and install thelatest autonomous control and sensor technologies, for use in urbanenvironments and for applications such as search and rescue, power lineinspections and forest fire observation. Northrop Grumman has coinedthe name Rotary Bat (R-Bat) for the new variant, which is seen asfitting in with its existing Bat family of unmanned aerial systems.


Above: The Ulan Ude Aviation Plant has recently carried out flighttraining courses for the Mongolyn Alt Corporation, which operates twoMil Mi-8/17 helicopters. UUAP recently delivered its 850th aircraft inthis series.

September - October 2014

MilitaryHelicopter

News

Likely marking their swansong at the annual are RNAS Yeovilton

Air Day commando assault finale, this pair of Westland Sea King

HC.MK.4s valiantly played their part, supporting friendly forces

repelling a “terrorist” attack, a role they have played for some 30

years (Avia Press).

Likely marking their swansong at the annual are RNAS Yeovilton

Air Day commando assault finale, this pair of Westland Sea King

HC.MK.4s valiantly played their part, supporting friendly forces

repelling a “terrorist” attack, a role they have played for some 30

years (Avia Press).


Defence- INTERNATIONAL

CRH-60 go-aheadThe US Air Force has confirmed a contractwith Sikorsky Aircraft to launch developmentof the CRH-60 combat search and rescuehelicopter. The $1.28 billion order will onlycover an Engineering and ManufacturingDevelopment (EMD) phase, but is expectedto eventually lead to production of up to 112aircraft with a potential order value ofaround $7.9 billion.

The joint Sikorsky/Lockheed Martin bid forthe contract, to replace the ageing HH-60GPave Hawk combat rescue fleet, is based onthe latest UH-60M Black Hawk variant. Likethe UH-60M, the new variant will be poweredby General Electric T700-GE-701D enginesand will feature composite wide-chord mainrotor blades and the fatigue and corrosion-resistant machined aerostructures that arenow well established with the US Army BlackHawk fleet.

New will be an increased internal fuelcapability, new integrated rescue missionsystems and other modifications necessaryfor the specialised Air Force role. The EMDphase will also cover the delivery of fourCRH-60 development aircraft, together withseven aircrew and maintenance trainingsystems. Options include the delivery of fiveadditional CRH-60s by 2020 and the initialtraining of Air Force crews and maintenancetechnicians.

Sikorsky and Lockheed Martin entered ahighly competitive bid to secure the AirForce order, before the companies becameaware that any potential competitors hadwithdrawn from the tender process. As aconsequence the US Congress and theDepartment of Defence (DoD) were keen tosecure the launch funding in the latestdefence budget negotiations and shiftedpriorities to ensure this was possible.

Eventual production quantities howeverstill depend on future funding allocationsdetermined by Congress and DoDacquisition priorities, and are likely to bedecided on an annual basis over the life ofthe programme.

US Army moves on OH-58D disposalsThe US Army is already discussing thedisposal of its Bell OH-58 Kiowa and TH-57Creek fleets with the manufacturer, whilst atthe same time budgeting to acquire 100additional Airbus Helicopters UH-72 Lakotahelicopters to take over the training role, atan estimated cost of $804 million.

The principle of retiring the older aircrafthas already been accepted by the majority ofUS Congress members, with the FY2015budget intended to start the process.

Proposed acquistions include 55 AirbusHelicopters UH-72A, 27 Bell UH-1Y/AH-1Zupgrades, 19 Bell Boeing V-22, 28 Boeing AH-64E, and 124 Sikorsky H-60M Black Hawks-adding eight to the original Pentagonrequest.

Currently the Army has 335 OH-58D KiowaWarriors and 182 TH-67s in its inventory, inaddition to earlier OH-58 variants, all ofwhich are slated for retirement. Plans torebuild a number of OH-58Ds and a parallelcockpit and sensor upgrade to an OH-58Fconfiguration have been scrapped. Initially26 OH-58Ds will be placed in long termstorage this year whilst Army officials lookfor foreign military sales (FMS) or transfers toother US agencies, following the traitpreviously established with earlier OH-58Aand OH-58C disposals. Further OH-58Ds willbe retired as the Boeing AH-64E fleetmatures to provide the planned replacementoption.

Disposal of the TH-67 fleet will follow asimilar pattern as additional UH-72s become

available, but these may be offered for saleon the civil market as the aircraft is based onthe Model 206 JetRanger. New UH-72s willlikely begin to follow on from the end of thecurrent production contract for 340 UH-72Aaircraft, which ends next year. AirbusHelicopters recently delivered the 300thLakota, and has an additional FMScommitment for six aircraft to be deliveredto Thailand.

Meanwhile both AgustaWestland and BellHelicopter are challenging the Army’scommitment to the Lakota for training,arguing that a new generation single-engined helicopter would be more costefficient for the ab-initio training role. Bothcompanies are already planning to bid for asimilar training programme to replace 130Bell TH-57 Sea Rangers used by the USNavy.

Above: The Italian Air Force is to evaluate theAgustaWestland AW189 for a special forces rolefollowing its recent military certification.

Italy evaluates AW149...The Italian Air Force Special Forces are to evaluate the AgustaWestland AW149 helicopter,following its recent military certification by the Italian Directorate of Air Armaments(ARMAEREO). The Type certificate was signed and handed over at a special ceremonyduring the Farnborough Air Show, witnessed by a number of official guests including theItalian Defence Minister.

An AW149 aircraft, on static display at the Show in Italian Air Force markings but carryinga test registration, carried out the certification trials at the RSV official test centre at thePratica di Mare airbase and will now launch the operational evaluation trials. The Italian AirForce is understood to have a requirement for up to four AW149s for special forces use, tosupplement the smaller AW139M helicopters it already has in service.

The eight tonne class AW149 is also AgustaWestland’s entry in the currently runningPolish Air Force multi-role transport helicopter competition. The company is offering localassembly and support at its PZL-Swidnik plant, which already manufactures the airframesfor this type and its commercial AW189 equivalent. The AW149 is competing with the locallycompleted Sikorsky S-70i and Airbus Helicopters EC725 for the business, butAgustaWestland believes it holds a major advantage due to the new technology embeddedin the design, including the ability to continue flying at gross weight and 222km/h (120kt)for at least an hour following the loss of main gearbox oil. This would ensure pilots couldsafely leave a combat zone before needing to make an emergency landing.



Brazil to upgrade Lynx fleetAgustaWestland have secured a contract withthe Brazilian Navy to carry out a midlifeupgrade on eight Lynx Mk.21A helicopters overa two year period, beginning in mid-2015.

The Euro 117 million contract will be carriedout at the company’s Yeovil plant and includesreplacement of the Rolls Royce Gem engineswith the LHTEC CTS800-4N powerplant, and newnavigation, cockpit displays, mission avionicsand an electrically powered rescue hoist.

The new glass cockpit will be fully nightvision goggle compatible and complementedby an advanced avionics suite comprising atactical processor, satnav, traffic collisionavoidance system, ILS, and radar warningreceiver/electronic surveillance measuresintegrated with countermeasures dispensers.

The 1361 shp CTS800-4N engines havealready been proven in the Lynx Mk.9A upgradefor British Army operations in Afghanistan andalso power the Super Lynx300 variant in servicewith Algeria, Malaysia, Thailand, Oman andSouth Africa, and the new AW159 Wildcat,currently entering service with the Army AirCorps and Fleet Air Arm in the UK. Theinstallation will provide the Brazilian Lynx withmajor power improvements in hot/highenvironments, enabling the aircraft to fly withan increased payload and, due to the engine’sbetter fuel efficiency, over an extended area ofoperation.

The Brazilian Navy has operated the Lynxhelicopter since 1978 with the delivery of nineMk.21 aircraft for frigate and land-basedservice. Whilst five of these were refurbishedand upgraded with the Gem 42 powerplant and360 degree Seaspray 3000 radar to a Mk.21Aconfiguration in the mid-1990s. Brazil alsoordered nine new aircraft at the same time,deliveries of which took place in early 1997.

One of the latter was subsequently writtenoff in a crash at sea in 2003, whilst onapproach to the frigate Conti, but it is the eightsurvivors that will be the subject of the newupgrade.

Deliveries of the refurbished Lynx back toBrazil are scheduled to begin in the Autumn of2017, with all the aircraft back in service byearly 2019 to give the Brazilian Navy asignificant improvement in its capabilities.A comprehensive support and trainingpackage, that includes a Flight Training Device,is also included in the contract.

UK MoD signs FASGW Integration

ContractThe UK Ministry of Defence officially signed a£90 million contract with AgustaWestland tointegrate the Thales Light and MBDA HeavyFuture Anti-Surface Guided Weapons (FASGW)on the AW159 Wildcat helicopters enteringservice with the Royal Navy. The contractfollows much delayed orders placed earlier thisyear with the two missile manufacturers todevelop their FASGW concepts.

FASGW Light being developed by Thales is a13kg (29lb) missile, with the same laser beamriding guidance system as the company’sStarstreak missile and is capable of targetingboth surface and airborne threats. The optionof an infrared seeker for the missile is alsounder consideration for the future. The weaponcarries a 3kg (7lb) dual-purpose warhead andboth a contact and a lazer proximity fuse.

MBDA is developing the 100kg (220lb)FASGW (H), which is guided by an infraredseeker and offers a fire-and-forget capability.This missile is armed with a 30kg (66lb)warhead and has an operational rangesignificantly in excess of 15km (9 miles). FASGW(H) will be known as the Sea Venom in RoyalNavy service but the missile has also beenordered by the French Navy as the Anti-NavireLéger (ANL) to arm its NH Industries NH90NFHhelicopters.

AgustaWestland is expected to begin flighttesting the missiles on the Wildcat in a 2018-2019 timeframe using ranges in North Scotlandand West Wales, before deployment by 2020,although this will leave a capability gap if thecurrent Sea Skua anti-surface missile iswithdrawn from service with the plannedWestland Lynx retirement programme over thenext three years. 28 Wildcats HMA Mk.2 are inthe process of entering service with the RoyalNavy as Lynx replacements and the type is dueto reach an Initial Operating Capability (IOC)without the missile armament next year.

62 Wildcats are on order for the Britishmilitary, with just over half delivered by earlyJuly. The Army Air Corps AH Mk.1 variant willreach IOC this year.

Above: The Brazilian Navy is to upgrade itsWestland Lynx Mk.21A helicopters after some17 years of service.

...and Polish MRH decision soon?Industry sources suggest an answer on the Polish Request for Proposals (RfP) for theprocurement of new multi-role helicopters for all three military services is now expected by 14September, with a final decision and contract award likely to follow in short order. The RfPrepresents one of the biggest helicopter deals available anywhere at the present time, withthree teams bidding to supply a total of 70 helicopters in mixed configurations.

Under the RfP, the requirement is for a single helicopter type but with 36 configured fortactical transport duties, 26 configured for combat search and rescue, and eight fitted out fornaval anti-submarine-warfare missions. Competing are Airbus Helicopters/WZL 1 offering alocally assembled EC725 Caracal, AgustaWestland subsidiary PZL Swidnik offering the AW149manufactured in Swidnik, and Sikorsky Aircraft subsidiary PZL Mielec proposing the S-70i BlackHawk. A fourth potential bid from NH Industries with theNH-90 helicopter was not submitted, after the partner companies agreed it would exceed theavailable Polish budget.

Local manufacturing, maintenance and overhaul support is seen as a key factor in thedecision making process and all three short-listed companies have this high on their agenda,together with an eye on possible additional sales in neighbouring Eastern European countries.The US Army deployed a unit of Sikorsky UH-60L Black Hawks to Poland in early June forexercises. Five UH-60Ls from the 12th Combat Aviation Brigade, normally based at Katterbachin Germany, arrived at Miroslawiec on 6 June to support US and NATO forces training in theregion.



JMR selections for next phaseBell Helicopter and a Sikorsky/Boeing teamhave been selected for the next phase of theUS Army Joint Multirole Rotorcraft programmeand will each now build demonstrators of theirconcept aircraft, under a contract whichincludes three years of flight trials.

AVX Corporation and Karem Aircraft, whichboth put forward innovative concepts in thefirst round of the competition, are not beincluded in the next phase but may receivesome separate funding to partially supporttheir research.

Bell Helicopter will now continuedevelopment of its V-280 Valor optimum-speed tiltrotor, which builds on theoperational experience gained with thecurrent V-22 Osprey but introduces new thirdgeneration technology improvements,including two horizontally-fixed GeneralElectric T67 turboshafts. Partners in thisprogramme are Lockheed Martin for themission system, Spirit Aerosystems which isproviding the composite fuselage, GKNbuilding the VeeTail, and Moog developing thefly-by-wire flight control system.

Sikorsky and Boeing will compete with theSB-1 Defiant compound coaxial rotor design,powered by two Honeywell T55 engines asused in the Boeing CH-47F Chinook, andleveraging in results from the experimentalSikorsky X2 high speed helicopter and Boeingcomposite airframe experience. The partnershave already invested $250 million of theirown funds in the SB1 and plan to spendconsiderably more, roughly four times thegovernment investment to develop and buildthe 13608kg (30,000lb) class full-scale Defiantdemonstrator.

Both rotorcraft offer speeds in excess of426km/h (230kt) and are due to fly in late2017.

ASAC Sea King life extensionDelays in development of a new helicopterairborne early warning (AEW) system for theRoyal Navy are now expected to see at leastpart of the Westland Sea King ASAC Mk.7 fleetremain in service beyond the previouslyplanned 2016 retirement date. 14 ASAC Mk.7are currently on strength.

The UK Ministry of Defence plans toreplace the Sea Kings with a roll-on/roll-offAEW solution under the Crowsnestprogramme for the AgustaWestland MerlinHM.Mk.2 helicopter and has been assessingtwo options. The first, proposed by LockheedMartin, uses a radar installed in an externalpod, but development has been delayed dueto a switch in systems from the NorthropGrumman APG 81 radar to what is believed to

be an Israeli Elta system. Flight trials of thisare now expected to take place later thissummer.

The rival approach is from the currentincombent on the Sea King, Thales,proposing an upgraded version of theSearchwater radar already in use. This couldinvolve completely new units ormodifications of the existing radars to reducecosts. Flight tests of this option are plannedfor later this year.

The delays in procurement of Crowsnestwould have left a capability gap of at least twoyears before the Merlin AEW fit availability, ifthe Sea King ASAC Mk.7 had been retiredearlier. Now the MoD is expected to sign anew interim contract with AgustaWestland tocontinue support for the aircraft until at least31 March 2018.

30 AgustaWestland Merlin HM Mk.2s arecurrently in the process of entering service,with nine aircraft successfully completing adeployment exercise in the Eastern Atlantic

during June and an interim operatingcapability being declared at the end of themonth. Future deployment of the HM Mk.2will include 14 aircraft aboard the recentlylaunched new aircraft carrier HMS QueenElizabeth, providing a mix of anti-submarineand AEW cover for the accompanying taskforce.

17 Merlin HM.Mk.2s had re-entered serviceby early July, with four more engaged inongoing trials with Qinetiq at BoscombeDown. The last of the 30 Merlins is due to bedelivered back to the Royal Navy from theconversion line at AgustaWestland next year.However MoD officials are already discussingthe possible conversion of up to six additionalHM.Mk.1 aircraft, not yet allocated to theupgrade programme.

Above: The Sikorsky/Boeing entry for the JMRdemonstration will see their SB-1 Defiantcompeting with the Bell Valor tiltrotor during athree-year trials program.

Chinook APAS trial dates...BAE Systems expects its Active Parallel Actuation Subsystem (APAS), developed for theBoeing Chinook heavy-lift helicopter to be flight tested by the US Army on a modified MH-47G variant from mid-January 2015. The trial is likely to be completed over a four-monthperiod, after which the company hopes to secure a production order by 2020 for retrofit kitsof the system.

APAS is a tactile cueing system that provides synthetic force feedback to pilots and alertsthem if they are reaching operating limits ,enabling them to concentrate more outside of thecockpit and reducing pilot pressures. BAE Systems says APAS provides the same benefits asfly-by-wire controls but requires far less time to develop and is easily retro fittable to existinghelicopters. On the CH-47F or MH-47G Chinook it interfaces with the digital automatic flightcontrol system and replaces the old mechanical pallets with new active pallets, beforeuploading a new version of the software onto the autopilot. The system can be installed onany aircraft with mechanical connections to the pilot position and displacement-trim flightcontrols.

Boeing awarded BAE Systems a two year development sub-contract for APAS in December2012 and, subject to successful acceptance by the US Army, the near term plan is to furtherdevelop the kit for production. This will include reducing the weight where possible andcertificating the software. The company eventually hopes to make the system into a packagethat can be easily installed in the field.




Boeing looks to futureBoeing delivered 15 Chinook helicopters inApril-June this year from its Ridley Park,Philadelphia production facility for the USArmy and export customers. The quarterended on 30 June with the handover of thelast of 15 CH-147F variants, ordered by theRoyal Canadian Air Force for service withNo.450 Tactical Helicopter Squadron, basedat CFB Petawawa in Ontario.

Looking ahead to post 2020, when currentmajor production of the CH-47F for the USArmy is due to end the company is alreadyplanning a CH-47H upgrade, remanufacturingthe current variant to lift an additional 1810kg(3990lb) with a strengthened airframe andenhanced dynamic system. This wouldincrease the payload to 24,500kg (54,013lb)and allow the aircraft to remain viable throughto its planned retirement date of 2060.

Boeing also produced nine AH-64 Apachehelicopters during the same quarter, as thecompany confirms plans to further developthe attack helicopter beyond the current AH-64E production variant. Company officialsbelieve at least one more major upgrade willbe required by the US Army before theproposed Future Vertical Lift (Medium)replacement becomes available. Even thenthe company believes the AH-64 will remain inservice for some years after the newhelicopter enters service.

The proposed AH-64F model would includean upgrade to more powerful 3,000shpengines, currently the subject of the USArmy Improved Turbine Engine Programme,advanced main rotor technology and possiblya series of high speed improvements toprovide an enhanced battlefield capabilitywhen supporting drone aircraft. Suchmodifications might include a retractablemain undercarriage, aerofoil stub wings tooffload the rotor in fast cruise flight, and a tailrotor that could be hinged through 90 degreesto provide additional forward thrust.

Surplus UH-60A salesThe US General Services Administrationoffered 10 early production Sikorsky UH-60ABlack Hawk helicopters for sale by auction inJune, with a bid deadline of 21 July and areserve for each aircraft of at least $1.3million.

The helicopters, from fiscal year 1979through 1985, were all mostly complete butlacking some avionics and other minorcomponents. All bar one, which had beenstripped of its dynamic system, have beenstored outdoors,”as is” with no warranty oncondition, at Madison County Airport near theUS Army Redstone Arsenal in Alabama.Bidders were each required to put down a$100,000 deposit with their bids.

The US Army has also been part-exchanging early UH-60A helicopters withSikorsky under a Black Hawk Exchange andSales Transaction (BEST) programme. Thisallows the manufacturer to select and buyback the aircraft, with the sale proceedscredited against new UH-60M procurement tooffset the cost. The first three UH-60As to besold back under this programme were handedover at Madison County Airport on 11 June,with further aircraft following.

Sikorsky plans to either break downthe newly acquired aircraft for sparesrecovery or may overhaul them for newcustomers, including an option to upgradeselected examples to UH-60L standard.Over the next decade it is estimated thatbetween 400 and 800 early Black Hawks willbe retired from US Army service, either fordirect sale by auction or for transfer back tothe manufacturer.

Above: This Boeing CH-47D Chinook, now beingrefurbished for the Moroccan Air Force, wasoriginally built for the US Army almost 50 yearsago for service during the Vietnam war!

...& CH-47Ds for Moroccan Air ForceColumbia Helicopters is to overhaul three Boeing CH-47D Chinook helicopters for the Moroccan Air Force, under a $6 million contractissued by the US Department of Defence Foreign Military Sales Office.

The three helicopters are US Army surplus aircraft that require reconditioning and a 400 hour maintenance inspection. The work willinclude post-desert operations cleaning, and repainting the aircraft into a more appropriate desert camouflage pattern before delivering,re-assembling and flight testing the Chinooks in Morocco. The project is expected to be completed by the end of March next year.

The Moroccan Air Force previously took delivery of six CH-47C Chinooks, assembled by Agusta in Italy in 1979 with three more followingin 1982 Seven were later upgraded to a CH-47C+ standard with performance improvements. However the licence agreement with Boeingdid not permit Agusta to upgrade Italian-built Chinooks to CH-47D standard, which is one reason why the Moroccan government has chosenthe FMS route to acquire this variant.

Interestingly the three CH-47Ds now being purchased are only slightly younger than some of the CH-47Cs, with the first to arrive at theColumbia Helicopters being from from a fiscal year 1986 batch and formerly US Army serial 85-24366. This aircraft was originally deliveredin late 1986 by Boeing, following its rebuild from an even older CH-47A airframe built in 1966. The two other Chinooks have a similar history.The three aircraft flew into Aurora on 10, 12 and 13 August.

The work now being carried out is similar to a project completed for the Australian government by Columbia Helicopters last year,although in that instance maintenance crews began the process while the Chinooks were still in Afghanistan before completing the task inAustralia. This time the company will utilise its newly opened military maintenance facility near Aurora, Oregon. Although Columbia hascarried out maintenance on military helicopters and components in the past, this new overhaul centre is expected to generate significantadditional military work in the future, as more US Army surplus CH-47D helicopters become available following their replacement by newCH-47F Chinooks.


Kazan produces the helicopter in three mainconfigurations, the Mi-8MTV-1 (export versionMi-171V) which is a multi-role variant, the Mi-8MTV-5. (Mi-17V-5) which is a military transportalso capable of being produced in an armedconfiguration, and the Mi-172 passenger/VIPtransport. In conjunction with the Mil DesignBureau, the company is also working on newupgrades of the Mi-17V-5 whilst alsodeveloping the new Mi-171A2.

The Kazan plant was selected tomanufacture the original production Mi-8 in1965, replacing the previous piston-enginedMi-4 on the assembly line. The Ulan-Ude plantjoined production in 1970 to meet a growingdemand for the aircraft.� NH Industries is continuing negotiationswith the Qatar government to supply 12NH90TTH and 10 NFH variants to replace itscurrent Westland Commando Sea King fleetfrom 2017.

The aircraft would be the first of themanufacturer’s new baseline configuration,aimed at minimising certification andqualification delays, by allowing customers toinstead “plug in” their desired equipment fit.

Meanwhile the 200th aircraft, an NH90TTHfor the Belgian Air Force, was officially handedover on 23 June at the German Army AviationSchool in Buckeburg during the annual NH90Product Conference. The aircraft will beoperated by No.1 Wing from the Beauvechainair base. � The Indonesian Air Force has established anew combat search and rescue squadron atSuryadarma airbase in Subang, West Java tooperate Airbus Helicopters EC725s beingassembled by PT Dirgantara.

The new unit, No 9 Squadron, is due toreceive six EC725s this year from the localproduction line. A further ten aircraft are alsoexpected to be ordered next year to boostIndonesia’s military helicopter transport fleet.

Censored- DATELINE: 28th AUGUST 2014

Funding for the upgrades has already beenincluded in the US Army’s FY2015 budgetrequest.� The Indonesian defence ministry hasselected the Airbus Helicopters AS565MPanther helicopter for its future anti-submarinewarfare mission, operating from the Sigma1054 class guided missile corvettes of theIndonesian Navy.

Subject to final contract the Navy willreceive 16 aircraft, fitted with dipping sonarand a range of other specialised equipment,some of which may be installed locally by PTDirgantara Indonesia, Airbus Helicopters hasalready signed a memorandum ofunderstanding with the company to maintainand overhaul the new helicopters, work it willdo alongside its current assembly of EC725Cougars and maintenance of the AS350 andAS355 helicopters operated in the country. l The semi-autonomous Somali enclare ofPuntland has acquired an Aerospatiale SA316BAlouette 3 helicopter to support securityoperations in the area. The aircraft wasreportedly purchased from a South Africancompany, although its use has so far beenlimited due to a lack of spares support.

The Puntland base at Bosaso is also theoccasional home of US Special Forces, operatingtwo Mil Mi-17 helicopters in the region.� The Philippines Defence Ministry is expectedto make a decision by the end of the year onthe acquisition of two anti-submarine warfarehelicopters for naval operations. Thehelicopters are intended to be operated fromthe two frigates already in service with thePhilippine Navy. Likely candidates include theAgustaWestland AW159 Wildcat and the KamanSH-2G, although other types may also beunder consideration.� Kazan Helicopters has recently completedits 7,500th Mil Mi-8/17 helicopter, with theaircraft being delivered as part of a currentcontract with the Russian Air Force. The Kazanfactory shares Mi-8/17 production with theUlan-Ude Aviation Plant, which has deliveredmore than 4,500 units, taking total productionto date to over 12,000 aircraft.

� Recent new orders placed withAgustaWestland include two AW139 helicoptersfor the Bangladesh Air Force, to be delivered bythe end of 2015. The contract includes acomprehensive support and training package.

Both helicopters will be equipped for amaritime search and rescue (SAR) role with amission configuration including search/weatherradar, FLIR, search light, rescue hoist,emergency hoist, emergency floats and a 4-axisdual digital autopilot with hover and SARmodes. The aircraft will equip a new dedicatedSAR unit, able to handle the most demandingweather conditions and with secondary rolesincluding maritime security and disaster reliefin the flood-prone country.� Airbus Helicopters has completed a retrofiton the first four NH90 TTH helicopters deliveredto the Royal New Zealand Air Force, bringingthem up to the same final configurationstandard as the rest of New Zealand’s fleet. Thework was carried out by company teamsdeployed to the RNZAF base at Ohakea.

Similar retrofit programmes are beingcarried out on interim delivered NH90s forseveral other customers, at locations inAustralia, Finland, France, Germany and Italy.10 aircraft have already been upgraded and 17more are currently undergoing the process.� Sikorsky Aircraft has been awarded a $115million contract by the US Navy for engineeringwork under a FMS order to supply nine MH-60RSeakhawk variants to the Royal Danish AirForce. The contract adds to the original $135million order for the green airframes and willcover equipment including the deck locksystem, troop seats, wire strike protection, aVOR/ILS navigation system, HF radio antennaand an external lift raft pod.

The total acquisition cost of the Danishagreement is about $700 million, with firstdeliveries due by May 2016 and all nine aircraftto be in service by 2018.� The US Army is planning new Block 3upgrades to its Boeing AH-6M and MH-6MLittle Bird (MELB) helicopters, to retain thefleet in service.with its Special Forces for theforeseeable future.

Modifications will include overhauling andstrengthening the ageing airframes, which haveseen 10 years or so of intense operations, aswell as replacing the main and tail rotor bladeswith new commercially available compositeequivalents, to provide enhanced performanceand survivability. In the cockpit, the avionicsarchitecture will be changed to incorporate afully integrated digital Common AvionicsArchitecture System (CAAS), to optimiseplatform interoperability and improvesituational awareness. New missile warningsystems and infra-red countermeasures arealso being sought, compatible with the MELB’sweight restrictions.

Above: The Maltese Air Force is now operatingthe first of two AgustaWestland AW139helicopters in the search and rescue andmaritime patrol role.

Censored- DATELINE: 28th AUGUST 2014

� The handover of a first batch of productionTiger HAD-E attack helicopters to the SpanishArmy, by the Airbus Helicopters productionfacility at Albacete, has reportedly been putback until October 2015. Previously the firsttwo locally assembled aircraft were due to bedelivered this summer.

One French-built Tiger HAD-E waspreviously accepted by the Spanish Army, butis apparently being retained by AirbusHelicopters at Albacete for trials andcertification work.� Hindustan Aeronautics (HAL) has receivedan order to manufacture a new batch of 32Dhruv Mk.III advanced light helicopters, fornaval and coast guard search and rescue andarmed patrol operations.

Despite early concerns regarding thesuitability of the 5500kg (12,125lb) class Dhruvfor shipboard and maritime roles, the IndianNavy now operates eight aircraft on armedpatrols, whilst the Coast Guard has fourcarrying out coastal surveillance and rescueroles. Each of the services is now expected toreceive 16 Dhruv Mk.IIIs, considerably boostingtheir fleet size and replacing some older HALChetak helicopters in their inventory.

HAL had delivered some 150 Dhruvs from itsBangalore production facility by the beginningof July this year, the majority of which are inservice with the Indian Air Force and IndianArmy, supporting forces based in the country’sHimalayan borders region with Pakistan andChina. A small number of aircraft have alsobeen sold or gifted to overseas governments.


Above: AgustaWestland is reviewing the results of a nine month trial of an optionally piloted versionof the PZL Swidnik SW-4 light helicopter. Flight testing began at the Polish subsidiary’s facilities inSeptember 2013 and concluded at the parent company’s Frosinone plant in May this year.

Christened the SW-4 Solo, the modified helicopter was developed under an Italian defenceministry research contract to evaluate unmanned rotorcraft technology and its potential value tothe Italian armed forces. The trials included hands off and remote controlled manoeuvres,hovering, system monitoring and a range of mission profiles but at all times carried a safety piloton board as a precaution.

AgustaWestland is now discussing a second phase of the trials which could includedemonstrations in the UK for the Royal Navy for tactical missions at sea. The company is alsoprogressing plans for fully autonomous flight tests in Poland later this year, with no safety pilotaboard.

� The Tunisian government has entered aForeign Military Sales request to the US StateDepartment for the supply of 12 Sikorsky UH-60M helicopters, plus spares, equipment andtraining. The value of the proposed deal, whichhas to be approved by the US Congress, isquoted at $700 million.

The request includes the integration of aprecision guided rocket capability to permit thelaunch of laser-guided rockets and Hellfiremissiles. 9,100 2.75 in Hydra rockets, 100AGM-114R Hellfire missiles and 24 M1347.62mm machine guns and 24 GAU-19 0.50 calmachine guns are also included in the request,as well as embedded GPS/Inertial NavigationSystems electro-optical infrared laserdesignators, AN/AVS night vision goggles,missile warning systems, and variouscommunication and tactical systems.

Tunisian Air Force equipment currentlyincludes around 20 ex-US Army Bell UH-1H and16 ageing Agusta-Bell 205A-1 helicopters toprovide an assault transport capability.� The Royal Air Force has begun instructortraining on the new Boeing HC.Mk.6 Chinookhelicopter at RAF Odiham. Initial release toservice of the new variant, which is based onthe CH-47F with digital flight controls as part ofthe cockpit upgrade, took place in April.

Four HC.Mk.6 are currently in service andtwo more are scheduled to follow later in theyear. Another nine aircraft will be delivered in2015, bringing the Mk.6 fleet up to a total of 14helicopters.

The Ministry of Defence has also announceda new £115m contract with Boeing Defence UK

to maintain the engines of all 60 Chinooks inthe fleet from 2016, replacing five individualsupport contract and saving £20m.� The US Army has qualified the Boeing AH-64E Apache Guardian variant for deck landings,as part of an ongoing trial to evaluate theaircraft for a range of seaborne operations. Thequalification followed trials aboard the US Navyamphibious assault ship USS Peleliu by eightAH-64Es off the coast of Hawaii.

With the aircraft cleared to refuel and rearmat sea, additional tests were undertaken furtherout to sea as part of the US Navy’s Rim of thePacific exercise in the area. This includeddemonstrations of the helicopter’s ability tooperate in a maritime environment.

The eight AH-64Es were deployed by the 1stArmed Reconnaissance Battalion, 25thAviation Regiment normally based at FortCarson, Colorado and returned home in mid-August.� The UK Ministry of Defence has finallysigned a contract with Thales UK to developand integrate the company’s new LightweightMultirole Missile (LMM) for the AgustaWestlandWildcat helicopter. The agreement is valued at£48 million and covers a five-barrel launcherand laser guidance system, as well asdeployable test equipment.

Designated the Future Anti-Surface GuidedWeapon (FASGW) (Light) by the Royal Navy,which will be the prime customer, the 13kg(28lb) missile is a laser beam-riding precisionstrike low-cost weapon for attacks on smallships and similar surface targets, and iscomplemented by the FASGW (Heavy) missilenow being developed by MBDA.

Both programmes are well behind scheduleand unlikely to enter service before 2020. � The Ukraine government recently issued anorder to take back 26 Mil Mi-8MTV-1helicopters, operated by Ukrainian Helicoptersfor military service to support ongoing anti-terrorist operations in the east of the country.The aircraft have been on lease to the companyfrom the Defence and Interior Ministries since2003.

The government claimed that a clause in thelease allows for the return of the helicopters incase of a force majeure, fully operational andwith military equipment re-installed. UkranianHelicopters disputed the order, suggestingthat none of the aircraft were airworthy whenit took possession and all had to undergomajor overhauls and modernisation at thecompany’s expense before they could be putin service. The company also argued that ithas current contracts with the United Nations,the cancellation of which would damagethe country’s international reputation, losevaluable income and incure financial penalties,and ultimately put Ukrainian Helicoptersout of business.


CH-148 contract revision detailsCanadian sources have confirmed details ofthe revised contract agreed between thegovernment and Sikorsky Aircraft, to allowdeliveries of the much delayed CH-148Cyclone multi-role naval helicopter toproperly get underway. The new $1.9 billionpurchase contract was finally agreed on 18June.

Under the deal the Royal Canadian AirForce will begin accepting the first eight CH-148s for service next year, but the aircraftwill not have a 30 minute run-dry maingearbox and the government has insteadreluctantly accepted the current Sikorskydesign. Also dropped is an onboard startingsystem for cold weather operations andautomatic deployment of life rafts. Insteadthe aircraft will have to rely on ground startequipment, whilst the liferafts will need tobe deployed manually by crew members inan emergency, from stowage positions in thesponsons. The contract amendments alsoreduces some of the operational capabilityof the aircraft, for example the ability tosecure the rear ramp in various positionsduring flight, unobstructed hand andfootholds for maintenance use whendeployed, and cockpit ergonomic factorsand crew comfort systems, especially duringextreme temperature operations. Inaddition, performance of the Cyclone willremain below the original specification as aresult of weight and power compromises.

Initial deliveries in 2015 will be to aninterim standard, without a fully integratedsoftware package to control the aircraft’smission and warfighting equipment or anautomated datalink system. The firsthelicopters will be used primarily for trainingand later upgraded to the new agreedconfiguration post 2018. The agreement hasalso reviewed the separate in-service supportpackage to be provided by Sikorsky, increasingthis from C$ 3.2 billion to C$ 5.7 billion and

extending it to 2038. This package includesthe construction of a new training facility,equipped with simulators.

United Technologies has previouslyrecorded losses on the contract to supply the28 helicopters, amounting to a total of $597million by the end of FY2013. Later figures arenot yet available, but the company doesexpect to claw back some of the lossesthrough the new service support arrangement.

Mexico wants more Black HawksThe Mexican government has submitted aForeign Military Sale request to the US StateDepartment to purchase 18 Sikorsky UH-60Mhelicopters, to provide additional airliftsupport for its forces engaged in counter-drugoperations. The estimated value of the sale,which includes ancillary equipment, parts andtraining is $680 million.

Mexico already has US FMS approval toacquire a further five Sikorsky UH-60M for

anti-drug missions as part of its diverse fleetof transport helicopters for internal lawenforcement and defence missions. Theseinclude three UH-60M purchased in 2011 andseveral earlier Black Hawks. If approved by theUS Congress, the new order will expand andupgrade the existing fleet with new facilityconstruction, an additional aviation groundpower unit, five aviation mission planningsystems, tool and test equipment, and 18 sets ofAN/AVS-9 night vision goggles as part of the deal.

The aircraft will also be delivered with 36embedded GPS/Inertial Navigation systemsplus six spares, 36 M134 7.62mm machineguns and communication security equipment,including AN/ARC-210 RT-8100 series


Above: The Australian Army expects to clearthe NH Industries MRH-90 for full combatdeployment in September and has alreadybegun to retire its older Sikorsky S-70 BlackHawks from service.

MRH-90 replaces Black HawksFollowing previously publicised delays in the Australian MRH-90 helicopter programme, theArmy has now finally begun withdrawing the first Sikorsky S-70A-9 Black Hawks from service,three years behind schedule. 41 MRH-90 are being delivered to the Army by AustralianAerospace in partnership with NH Industries.

The new aircraft received its military type certificate in April 2013, but is currently beingflown under a limited operational clearance with no combat capability. This is expected tobe lifted fully in September, when the helicopter should be cleared for full Airmobile high-threat combat deployment, 41 months later than originally planned.

A number of design issues have impacted on the operational capability timetable,including the need to modify the self defence gun mount, the cargo hook releasemechanism, the cabin seating and the fast rope rapelling device. In addition the relativelylow flying rate, caused by reliability and maintenance immaturity during the initial entry intoservice, have impacted on aircrew training. As a result the Black Hawk fleet will not finally beretired until June 2018, adding some A$311 million to the service life costs.

Meanwhile the Australian Navy acquisition of six MRH-90 to replace the now retiredWestland Sea King helicopters for utility support is also late, with a first operationalcapability milestone running 45 months behind schedule. As a result the Navy has beenforced to use its S-70B-2 anti-submarine helicopters to plug the utility gap.

A recent audit report on the programme criticises both the Australian government andAustralian Aerospace for not recognising the complex nature of introducing a new andimmature helicopter like the MRH-90 into service, but also recognises the great potential inthe aircraft for future multi-role missions over the S-70, in particular during embarkedoperations.

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Above: The Bahamas Defence Force isevaluating an ex-Royal Air Force WestlandWessex HC.Mk.2 helicopter for search andrescue and security patrols. The aircraft,previously XV729, is one of several previouslystored by a private owner in Kent andoverhauled at Biggin Hill Airport.

A second Wessex Mk.2 is now beingoverhauled and the partners claim to haveseveral more airframes and ample sparesavailable as back up (Neil Johson).


group, to set up a joint company to producethe 180kg (397lb) gross weight air vehicle overan initial eight year period. The potential ordervalue is up to US $117,000 depending on thefinal systems provided.

The APID 60 is a 3.20m (10ft) long verticaltake off unmanned air vehicle, with a 3.30m(11ft) rotor diameter and a payload in the orderof 50kg (110lb). Power is normally provided bya 55hp two-stroke watercooled engine, giving acruising speed of 90km/h (56mph) and a flighttime of up to six hours. A mobile automaticlaunch and landing station allows thehelicopter to take off and land on movingsurfaces, such as the deck of a small ship, andthe aircraft is also available in a heavy fuelversion for maritime operations, avoiding theneed to store volatile fuels on board.

Sensors are provided through partners andtailored for the customer but can include FLIR,laser scanner, magnetometers, ground radar,biochemical sensors etc. Cybaero received aUS $7,000 order earlier this year for the APID60 from China’s Customs Agency, and haspreviously sold the system to Spain as thePelicano for naval trials, under a partnershipwith Indra.

The Chinese agreement sees AVICcommitting to purchasing at least 20 helicoptersystems during the first three years, and aminimum of a further 50 systems over thefollowing five years. Each system includeshelicopters, ground control stations anddatalinks. The contract also covers training andsupport, as well as an option that couldeventually see local assembly in China for theAsiatic market.

Through the joint company AVIC will takeresponsibility for marketing the APID 60 in theEast Asia parapublic and commercial aviationsectors, targeting customs and coastguardservices, the energy sector, agricultural,mapping and rescue services etc, where thesurveillance capabilities of the system can addvalue.

Diehl offers GILA for TigerGuided Weapons manufacturer Diehl Industriesis offering a new semi-active laser-equippedrocket for use on the Airbus Helicopters TigerUHT attack helicopter, in service with theGerman Army. Dubbed GILA (Guided Intelligent

Light Armament), the 70mm (2.75in) missile isclosely derived from the Elbit Systems GATR(Guided Advanced Tactical Rocket), developedsince 2008 as a low-cost weapon compatiblewith standard 70mm launcher hardware, andwith a range of up to 8km (5 miles).

Trialled in 2009 in partnership with AlliantTechsystems in the United States, when it wasfired from a Bell OH-58D Kiowa Warrior on therange at the Eglin Air Force base in Florida,GATR can be produced by modifying unguided70mm rockets for use in urban areas againstsoft or armoured targets, with minimalcollateral damage. This makes it a very effectivebut low cost option. The missile also features alock-on-before-launch mode, which provides amission abort capability not available withtraditional unguided rockets.

These features make it attractive for thetypes of United Nations peace keeping andNATO protection missions supported by theGerman Army and Diehl believes this makesthe GILA variant an ideal match for the TigerUHT for that very reason. Under the terms ofthe partnership with Elbit, Diehl Defence wouldreceive an extensive workshare if the missile isordered, including work on the guidance andcontrol unit, manufacture of the actuationsystem, final assembly of the rocket, simulationsoftware, helicopter integration and logistics.

Diehl suggests that, as the GILA couldbe integrated with the Tiger’s existing70mm launchers without modification, quali-fication and integration development

radios and IFF identity systems.Israel tests new gun systemsAn Israeli company, Duke Airborne Systems, isplanning to carry out flight trials of aretractable remote gun system for medium andheavy utility helicopters, which it claims willallow them to carry out missions without theneed for an attack helicopter escort.

The system features a 25mm electric cannonwith up to 2000 rounds of ammunition,mounted on a robotic base and with its ownmulti-spectral sensor system for day/nightoperations. Normally stored out of sight, in aninternal cage unit typically occupying aboutone-third of the cabin space adjacent to themain cabin door, the weapon deploysautomatically on command using a set ofrobotic arms that extend the cannon andtargeting sensor out through the open doorwayand position it under the fuselage, locking it inplace on cargo hook connections.

This ventral position gives the gun a 360degree field of fire, but allows the unit to bestowed back in the cabin when not required.The system is almost fully automated includinga gunfire location and suppression function,and requires no dedicated operator. Based onproven land-based technology, the roboticsystem uses a six-axis stablisation unit whichsuppresses vibration and translation in threeaxis of movements and three axis of rotation.

According to Duke, the new weapons systemweighs around 500kg (100lb), and can bejettisoned by the pilot in an emergency oreasily removed in non combat situations.

Cybaero APID 60 for ChinaCybaero, the Swedish manufacturer of theAPID 60 unmanned helicopter, has signed aframework agreement with the Chinese AVIC

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Parapublic

•Norsk Luftambulanse has been awarded aninitial three year contract by the NorwegianNational Air Ambulance Service to provide airmedical cover in the Evenes region. Thehelicopter will be based at Narvik airport.

The company will order a new AirbusHelicopter EC145T2 for the contract, which isdue to commence on 1 May 2015 and is valuedat NoK 43 million (Euro 5.1 million). The aircraftwill operate with a three-man crew including adoctor/paramedic and will cover the LofotenVesterålen, Ofoten and Sør-Troms areas inNorway’s central spine.

Norsk Luftambulanse already operates eightof the 11 Helicopter Emergency Medical Servicebases in Norway, with contracts due for renewalin 2018. The shorter contract period for thislatest agreement will allow harminisation of thetender process at that time.

•ADAC Luftfahrt Technik has signed a Parts-by-the-Hour contract with Airbus Helicoptersto maintain the fleet of 14 new EC145helicopters operated by ADAC. The ten yearservice agreement is valued at Euro 25 millionand, includes technical services adapted to thecustomers requirements and provided at fixedcosts.

In conjunction with the Airbus Helicoptersagreement, ADAC Luftfahrt Technik has alsosigned a similar ten year contract withTurbomeca to cover support of the 28 Arriel 2Eengines installed in the EC145T2s.

•Sikorsky Aircraft has shipped the first S-76Dhelicopters configured for search and rescueoperations to Mitsubishi in Japan, for finalcompletion and delivery to the Japan CoastGuard.

To date the Japan Coast Guard has ordered11 S-76Ds, all configured with the fully coupledfour-axis autopilot and Thales Top Deckintegrated avionics system, and the morepowerful Pratt & Whitney Canada PW210Sengines introduced on this latest S-76 variant.The shipment follows the initial delivery of S-76Ds in the offshore support and corporatesectors of the market and should be followedby the first air medical configured aircraft in acouple of months.

Currently the S-76D production line at theCoatesville assembly and completions facilityin Pennsylvania is still at a low rate, but buildingup to produce an expected 25 aircraft this year.Other recent deliveries have included S-76Dsfor Bristow Helicopters for Gulf of Mexicooperations and an executive aircraft registeredto the Prudential Insurance Company ofAmerica.

The first operator to put the S-76D intorevenue - earning service, National Helicoptersin Trinidad, has logged over 500 hours oil andon gas flights since beginning operations lastFebruary and is due to receive two more S-76Ds later this year.

•The Ministry of Internal Affairs in Ugandahas ordered a W-3A Sokol from PZL-Swidnik fordelivery in 2015, to carry out law enforcementsupport for the Ugandan Police. The helicopterwill be equipped with a cargo hook, rescuehoist, search light, rapelling system and a loudspeaker system, as well as FLIR and provisionsfor firefighting equipment and emergencyflotation.

The contract with PZL-Swidnik also includesthe sales of an AW109S Grand New helicopterfrom parent company AgustaWestland. Thisaircraft will also be delivered to the UgandanPolice next year, equipped for a lawenforcement role.

•AgustaWestland delivered in late June thelast of six AW119Kx helicopters for Lifelink III ofMinnesota and Wisconsin, to support aconsortiom of nine hospitals in the region.Ordered from the company’s Philadelphiaproduction line last year, deliveries began inearly 2014.

Operated on behalf of Lifelink III by AirMethods Inc, the first three helicopters arealready in service. When induction is complete,the six aircraft will serve five bases locatedthroughout Minnesota and western Wisconsin,replacing the current Bell 407 fleet and providinga 24 hour seven day week air medical servicethroughout the year. All the helicopters are fittedwith the latest Garmin G1000HTM avionicssystem, including synthetic vision, moving map,highway in the sky and obstacle/terrainavoidance systems for enhanced situationalawareness and safety. Lifelink III also retainsoptions for an additional six aircraft.

Nearly 240 AW119 helicopters have beenordered to date, with sales in more than 30countries by over 100 customers. The AW119Kxrepresents the latest variant of this single -engine helicopter, production of which iscurrently solely at the Philadelphia plant.

•The Wiltshire Air Ambulance is nowexpected to remain at its current base adjacentto the Wiltshire Police Headquarters in Devizesfor up to a further five years, when the currentjoint arrangement ends in December.

The Wiltshire Police will be vacating thehangar at the year end when their air supportunit amalgamates with the National Police AirService operating from Filton on the outskirtsof Bristol. A lease for continued use of thehangar with opt out clauses has been signed,which will allow the Air Ambulance to vacateearlier once it has a permanent site of its own.

The charitable trust is continuing to focuson the Devizes area for its long term base andis currently focusing on four potential sites, allwithin 16km (10 miles) of the team.

•The Queensland Police have leased anupgraded MBB Bo105 CBS Super Fivehelicopter from Surf Life Saving Queensland fora two year period to provide aerial support inthe Brisbane area. The aircraft is the second oftwo helicopters funded by the stategovernment, following promises made in therun up to the 2012 Queensland election.

The 20 year old aircraft has been fitted withnew avionics, infra red sensor ball and search-light, and will be based at Archerfield Airport.

•The Great North East Air Ambulance Service(GNAAS) has opened a new base at NewcastleAirport in Tyne and Wear, under a partnershipwith the airport authority which has providedoffice space, toilet and kitchen facilities for theservice, to supplement the main north eastEngland GNAAS base at Tees Valley Airport,near Darlington in Durham.

The air ambulance is a frequent visitor atNewcastle’s Royal Victoria Hospital and the newbase will allow crews to refuel, restock and re-plan missions locally, rather than flying back toDarlington. The new base will also allow GNAASto respond more quickly to incidents in theNewcastle region.

GNAAS also has a helicopter based atLangwathby in Cumbria, which remainsunaffected by the change.


Above: Sikorsky Aircraft has shipped the firstSAR configured S-76D helicopters to Japan.Seen here is the second example during pre-delivery flight tests.

Parapublic

•The Philadelphia Police Department tookdelivery of the first of two Airbus HelicoptersAS350B2 helicopters in late June, becomingthe latest US law enforcement agency to selectthe type for its aviation needs. More than 220AS350s are currently in use across the UnitedStates in the role.

The Philadelphia Police will use theAS350B2 for general patrol duties, harbourand coastal security, rescue missions includinghoist rescues for the first time, and SWAT teaminsertions. The aircraft were ordered lastOctober using a federal grant and are expectedto log around 1,000 flight annually in service,replacing the current Bell 206-L4 operated bythe aviation unit.

•A Bell 429 helicopter, customised by Heli-Drive in Russia for air medical operations, hadcompleted 52 patient evacuation missions bymid-June after entering service last March in StPetersburg.

Heli-Drive is one of Bell Helicopter’sindependent representatives in the region andhas a state-of-the-art facility in St Petersburg,with more than 8500 sq.m(91,493sq.ft) ofspace including hangarge, service areas andtraining classrooms. To facilitate helicopteremergency medical services in the region,Heli-Drive has constructed six helipads atregional hospitals in the area, under anagreement with the Russian Ministry ofHealthcare and the local healthcaredepartment.

A further ten helipads at other hospitals inthe St Petersburg region are planned forconstruction in the near future.

•Haynes Ambulance in Alabama isintroducing an Airbus Helicopter AS350B to itsambulance business, in partnership with MetroAviation. The new Life Flight service, based atWetumpka in central Alabama, was launchedon 15 June.

The aircraft is the first to enter service withthe company, which operates groundambulances from nine locations throughoutMontgomery, Elmore, Pike and neighbouringcountries in the State, and has been inbusiness since 1977. The helicopter wascompleted at Metro’s Louisiana facility and willbe operated by the company under a contractwith Haynes.

•Helinet Technologies in Van Nuys, Californiais to develop and install a customised missionsuite in four Bell 429 helicopters, purchased bythe New York Police Department (NYPD) for lawenforcement and counter terrorism operationsin the city region. The new contract followsrecent work by Helinet developing a real-timevideo and data downlink system for the NYPDcurrent aircraft fleet.

The new mission suite for the Model 429swill be developed in partnership withequipment providers Wescam, ChurchillNavigation, Vislink and Trakka Corporation,providing live streaming of high definition videoand data from the helicopters to commandcentres and handheld receivers being used byofficers on the ground. Aircrews will also beable to overlay information such as addresses,points of interest and other data onto thevideo for transmission via the secure downlink.The system will provide completeinteroperability with the existing NYPD airbornesurveillance structures and the systems of localstate and federal partners.

In developing the new system, Helinet istaking advantage of commercial-off-the-shelfequipment where practical, and will alsoprovide ongoing training and24/7 support following service entry of thesystem.

•MD Helicopters has officially handed over asecond new MD500E helicopter to the PolkCounty Sheriff ’s office in Florida, continuingthe Sheriff ’s programme of replacing its oldmilitary - surplus Bell OH-58A aircraft.

Polk County covers over 5,180sq.km (2,000sq.miles) of land and water in the state and theMD500E is fully equipped to support ground

units with surveillance, pursuits and search andrescue missions. The onboard equipmentincludes a Garmin 500H glass cockpit withnight vision goggle compatibility, a moving mapsystem and tactical radio, and a Nightsunsearchlight and Meeker mount. The aircraft isalso fitted with a 907 kg (2,000lb) cargo hookand an auxiliary fuel tank.

The Polk County aviation unit operates withseven full-time pilots and 10 part-time flightofficers.

•Airbus Helicopter Vostock has won anopen tender to supply two speciallyequipped EC145 aircraft for air ambulanceservice in Moscow. The contract award wasannounced by the Moscow HealthDepartment in late July, on behalf of thedepartment’s Scientific and Practical Centreof Emergency Medicine. Two othermanufacturers also entered bids.

Three EC145s already operate on air medicalmissions with the Moscow Aviation Centre,saving around 600 lives annually. The newaircraft are due to be delivered in 2015. Eachwill be fully equipped for emergency medicaltreatment and patient transport, with neonatalfacilities including an incubator and lungventilator for newborn infants.

Airbus Helicopters has over 155 aircraftoperating in Russia at the present time, as wellas more than 70 flying in neighbouringCommonwealth of Independent States. Thecompany holds over 60 percent of the Russianforeign turbine helicopter market.

•Bell Helicopter has signed a purchaseagreement with the Georgia State Patrol in theUnited States for a Bell 429 helicopter, to beused for a range of law enforcement missionsincluding surveillance, support of groundpersonnel and search and rescue. The aircraftwill join a mixed Bell helicopter fleet, operatingfrom six field locations across the State andincluding six Model 407s, one Model 206 andfive OH-58s.

Elsewhere in the USA, Bell has received anintent to purchase from the San Diego CountySheriff for a Bell 407GX to cover parapublicmission alongside the two Bell 205A1++ andone Model 407 already in use, whilst thePennsylvania State Police took delivery on 22July of the first two of six Model 407GX onorder.

Pennsylvania currently has six policeaviation patrol units, based across the stateand still operating six ageing Bell 206 aircraft.The State Police also operated twoAgustaWestland AW119 Koala helicopters forten years but sold both in 2013 and early 2014,along with a Bell 206L-3, as part of a policy toreplace its older aircraft. It will however retain a1999 Bell 407 in service to provide backup for the new fleet.


Above: Airbus Helicopter Vostock has receivedan order for two more EC145 helicopters for airmedical service in the Moscow region. Threeaircraft, including RA-01882, are alreadyoperational in Moscow.

•The Starlite Aviation Group have signed a new leasing and hourlysupport agreements with Vector Financial Services for an overhauledAirbus Helicopters AS332L Super Puma. The aircraft is one of a numberof ex-offshore support Super Pumas traded in to Vector Aerospace.

Vector upgrades the aircraft systems and installs new avionics at itsCanadian facilities, before providing the helicopters to customers forfurther service. Previously overhauled AS332Ls are already in use foroffshore operations in South East Asia, flying missions in Afghanistanand supporting peace keeping activities elsewhere. This latest SuperPuma is being deployed by Starlite on utility operations.

•Bell Helicopter opened its new 21,368sq.m (230,000sq.ft)headquarters building at its historic Hurst site in Fort Worth Texas at theend of June, with initial occupation by 1100 corporate, commercialsales, military programmes and human resources personnel previouslyspread across the area.

By vacating offices in some of the old 1950s buildings at Hurst andrelocating staff from facilities at Alliance Airport, Bedford and othersites across Fort Worth, the company expects to produce majorefficiencies in terms of consolidation and energy saving, amountingto over $20 million annually. Over the next 12 months Bell alsoexpects to complete a new flight and maintenance training centre atHurst, which will then see that activity also relocating from AllianceAirport, and bring all the company’s Fort Worth activities onto onecampus.

The total investment at Hurst is expected to be in the order of $235million by the time it is completed, although this bill has beensweetened with tax incentives from the city of Fort Worth. These areworth up to $13.5 million over ten years, subject to Bell guaranteeingagreed employment numbers over this period.

•Enforcement of a mandatory heli-route along the North Shore ofLong Island, New York following local political pressure, has causedmore noise complaints than previously, say critics. The route was mademandatory by the Federal Aviation Administration in August 2012, witha review due in August this year.

Previously helicopter operators mostly followed the railroad tracksup the centre of the island, with voluntary guidelines to disperse andminimise any noise. Now helicopter traffic is concentrated on one off-coast route, with a minimum transit height of 762m (2500ft) andincreased safety risks. The critics claim that since its inception twoyears ago, noise complaints from North Shore residents have increasedby 360 percent, proving the regulation has not worked. Insteadoperators are calling for a new and more flexible noise abatement plan,which could be followed voluntarily and minimise noise levels overspecific neighbourhoods.

•The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is proposing to adopta new airworthiness directive for certain Sikorsky S-92A helicopters,requiring the installation of modifications to better alert and preventmain gearbox oil loss, which could lead to gearbox failure.

The upgrade include fitting a sensor and vacuum switch wiring in thegearbox to alert pilots to a failed oil pump, and installing an oil autobypass system. In addition the directive will require new software forthe aircraft management system to show a new visual warning, togetherwith enhanced ground proximity warning system software that providesan aural warning of a complete loss of oil pressure.

The proposal has been prompted by evidence that pilots have beenunable to manually activate the bypass valve within five seconds of theoil pressure dropping below 35 psi. The auto bypass and softwareeliminates the need for manual activation, but alerts the pilot so thathe can switch the bypass valve out of bypass to cool the oil whennecessary. Failing to do this can lead to the hot oil damaging the inputmodule seals, leading to a catastrophic oil leak and failure of the maingearbox.

According to the FAA, up to 44 US registered S-92A helicopters willbe affected if the airworthiness directive is confirmed, although allaircraft up to construction number 920179 could be affected if notalready retrospectively modified. Later deliveries are not affected.

•The VIH Aviation Group has purchased the former South KoreanWorld Peace Unity Foundation Sikorsky S-92A helicopter, formerlyoperated in an executive configuration for the cult’s leader. Originallybuilt in 2008 the aircraft was offered for sale some 18 months ago, witha total airframe time of just 329 flight hours.

The VIH Group is the parent company of Cougar Helicopters but hasrecently been selling off its own light helicopter fleet and support basesin Western Canada to focus on heavy lift operations. For this work itprimarily uses a fleet of four Kamov Ka-32 helicopters, including oneaircraft imported earlier this year from Switzerland. This has replaced aKamov Ka-32 damaged in a roll-over accident in British Columbia in 2013.

•Heliflite in New York has completed an upgrade on its Sikorsky S-76executive helicopter fleet, including the introduction of two additionalS-76B aircraft purchased in 2012.

Both helicopters are now configured in an eight seat executivepassenger layout. A third S-76 in the fleet seats seven passengers andfeatures an on-board refreshment centre. The refurbishment alsoincluded both interior and exterior refinishing as well as enhancementsto the avionics and satellite tracking systems on board all three aircraft.

Since being established in 1998 at Newark Liberty InternationalAirport, to provide executive helicopter travel in the Northeast Corridor,Heliflite has grown to a fleet of eight helicopters in total, including alsoa recently leased AgustaWestland AW109 and four Bell 430 helicopters.All the aircraft are Category A certified and equipped with a TrafficCollision Avoidance System to enhance safety in the bust airspace inthe region.

The mixed fleet operates within a 402km (250mile) radius ofNew York City.

Regional News- NORTH AMERICA


Above: Airbus Helicopters carry out 12 year inspections for US andCanadian operators of the EC120 and AS350 family at their Grand Prairie,Texas and Fort Erie, Ontario facilities. This is an EC120 under overhaul forthe Albuquerque Police Department.


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The new building will cover a 1955sq.m (21,04 3 sq.ft) floor area tohouse up to six helicopters, with stores space and personnelchanging facilities. The car parking area will be reconfigured toprovide space for 22 vehicles, together with six taxi spaces.

•Statoil has confirmed a five year contract, with an extensionoption for up to three years, for CHC Helicopter to provide offshoretransport services to the Mariner oil field, 250km (155 miles) off thenorth east Scottish coast. The service is expected to begin in mid-2016.

CHC will provide two Sikorsky S-92 helicopters for the newcontract, operating from either Aberdeen or Sumburgh on theShetland Isles to reach the field, which lies in the North Sea on theEast Shetland Platform of the UK Continental Shelf. The project is thefirst oil field to be developed by Statoil in the UK sector of the NorthSea and is the largest field development on the UK Continental Shelfin more than a decade, with an estimated reserve of more than 250million barrels of oil and an expected 30 year life.

Statoil anticipates the hook-up and commissioning phase of theMariner field to begin in 2016, with production starting the followingyear. The contract also includes some additional flexibility, includingoptions to support further exploration activity and possibleexpansion in the area.

•PHI Inc has signed a joint agreement with Cyprus Airways toestablish a new company on the Mediterranean island. PHI AirEurope will serve the Cyprus Exclusive Economic Zone and theEastern Mediterranean from a joint base at Paphos Airport.

PHI Air Europe hopes to attract business from the oil and naturalgas industry operating offshore in the region and sees thepartnership as providing a base for shared maintenance andengineering and other services. However the state-controlled CyprusAirways is in serious financial trouble at present, having posted heavylosses for years and the airline is on the market with bid submissionscurrently under consideration following the sale already of variousassets to stay afloat.

The deal with PHI Inc may therefore throw a lifeline by providingwork and income in the near term, but with no long termguarantees.

•Recent deliveries and production of the Sikorsky S-92A for theoffshore support industry include 5N-BPC for Bristow Nigeria, LN-ONE for Bristow Norway, and c/n 920214 for Bristow US operations inthe Gulf of Mexico.

B-7305 c/n 920215 has been allocated to CITIC OffshoreHelicopters Co in China, whilst C-FBXY, c/n 920216 was delivered inMay to CHC Canada as the first of two aircraft allocated for the newcontract with Statoil, which will begin later this year, PHI Inc hastaken delivery of the next two S-92A, c/n 920217 and ‘218 as N942PHand N943PH respectively, and Bristow Australia has c/n 920219, ‘221with ‘222 allocated to Bristow US.

Finally Bond Offshore Helicopters received G-VINI c/n 920220 atAberdeen at the end of March this year, with G-VINK c/n 920223 andG-VINL c/n 920226 following in June.

•Bristow Helicopters Norway has secured a three year contract toprovide offshore support services for Lundin Petroleum, and DetNorske, sharing a dedicated Sikorsky S-92 helicopter operating fromStavanger Airport.

The aircraft will service the Edvard Grieg oil project in the NorthSea, 180km (112 miles) west of Stavanger, where Lundin haspreviously identified large deep water oil reserves and is currentlypreparing for a production start up in the fourth quarter of 2015. TheS-92 will also provide a service to the nearby Ivar Aasan oil field,175km from the Norwegian coast and being jointly developed withLundin by Det Norske. Initial oil and gas production from this field isexpected to begin in 2016.

The contract is scheduled to begin in early 2015 and includesthree two year extension options, and additional helicopter supportas required by the two companies. Bristow currently has 17 S-92sbased in Norway on offshore support operations.

•Gulf Helicopters has begun flying the first two of 15 newAgustaWestland AW189 helicopters the company has on order. Bothaircraft were operating from Doha in Qatar in late July. The AW189s willsupport Gulf offshore oil and gas support operations in the region.

The 8 tonne class helicopter is optimised for long range offshoremissions and received European Aviation Safety Agency certificationlast February, with production now established at the manufacturer’sVergiate plant in Italy. Gulf Helicopters is among the first threeoperators to put the type in service and has also ordered an AW189Full Flight Level C simulator to support its pilot training programme.The company already uses an AW139 Full Flight Level B simulator inits training school and in future will offer both simulators to the widercustomer market as an AgustaWestland authorised training centre.

More than 130 AW189s have been ordered to date, with theaircraft uniquely offering a certified 50 minute run-dry capable maingearbox to enhance safety and reliability for long range over wateroperations.

•CAE has confirmed an agreement with Caverton Helicopters inNigeria to provide training services over a six year period at a newcentre, to be located in Lagos. The turnkey operation will include anAgustaWestland AW139 full motion simulator, alongside a similar unitfor the Boeing 737NG and two CAE Simfinity Integrated ProceduresTrainers.

•Bond Offshore Helicopters has received approval to construct anew hangar and maintenance facility at Aberdeen Dyce Airport,adjacent to the company’s existing eastern terminal. The site iscurrently partly used as a car park.

Regional News

- OFFSHORE WORLDWIDE

Above: Lease Corporation International (LCI) has placed an AgustaWestland AW139 helicopter with Indwe Aviation in South Africa, toprovide offshore crew change support from George Airport to new oiland gas exploration areas in the Northwest Pletmos region off WesternCape province.

The aircraft is the first AW139 to enter service with an offshorehelicopter operator in South Africa and is part of a multi-million dollarorder placed by LC1 with AgustaWestland for new helicopters, firstannounced in 2012. Indwe Aviation is a subsidiary of the TitanHelicopter Group, which provides helicopter services throughout Africaas well as overseas in Peru, India and Antarctica.


Airbus Helicopters has appointed Colin James as Managing Director ofits UK subsidiary, succeeding Markus Steinke who is moving to a newposition within the Airbus Group at Toulouse. James previously held theposition of Vice-President Engineering with Eurocopter since 2009,after carrying out various roles in the company over the previous 17years. These included managing the development of the Tiger ARHcontract and support structure in Australia between 2001 and 2006...Precision Aviation Group has re-appointed Adrienne Robinson asVice President Business Development, following her temporary dualrole since 2012 acting as President of Precision Aviation Services(PAS)... David Ford has now been appointed as President of PAS,moving from his previous position as General Manager of ChromallyGas Turbines... Columbia Helicopters has named Mike Brunner as itsnew Vice President of supply chain and manufacturing and has recentlyadded newly retired Major General William Crosby to its board ofdirectors. Crosby was previously programme executive officer for USArmy Aviation and before that was programme manager for the CH-47Chinook... Three Victoria Air Wing officers in Australia have receivedPolice air Medals for courage after rescuing a Russian sailor last April.Peter Dillon, Mark Weekley and Bradley Pascoe found the stricken

yacht in 10m (33ft) waves in storm conditions at night, 204km (110nm)offshore in the Bass Strait... Jet Support Services, headquartered inChicago has appointed Raymond Weiser Jr as their first HelicopterProgramme specialist to develop the rotary-wing maintenancebusiness. Weiser has more than 12 years civil technical experience,following a career in the US Army... Former Bell Chief Executive OfficerTerry Stinson has been elected to the Board of CPI Aerostructures fora three year term, following a period as a senior executive with AARCorporation... The US Navy and Marine Corps have appointed ColonelHenry Vanderborght as Programme Manager for Heavy Lifthelicopters, succeeding Col. Robert Pridgen who is taking programmeresponsibility for the Presidential Helicopters Programme.Vanderborght previously head up the Bell UH-1Y programme but alsohas considerable career experience since 1995 of the Sikorsky CH-53Eand initial stages of the CH-53K development programme... TheBristow Group has appointed John Briscoe as Senior Vice Presidentand Financial Officer following the promotion of his predecessor,Jonathan Baliff, to Bristow President and from 31 July as ChiefExecutive Officer... Dart Aerospace has named Peter Olep as VicePresident Programmes and Engineering... Doug Boessen has joinedGarmin as Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, effective from 31 July...Bell Helicopter has appointed Frank Carmichael as RegionalSales Manager in Western Canada... Michael Choo has joinedUniversal Avionics as Regional Sales Manager for Asia.

ROTARY PEOPLE

Clubs andAssociationsWestland Sea King by Charles Stafrace. Published by WarpaintBooks. Price: £16.00. Coincidentally, this softback book is also partiallyaimed at the modeller and so also contains three-view plans, colouredside elevations and lots of photographs of its subject, supported again bythe development history of the British-built Sea King variants.

The publisher has a long standing reputation for accuracy in its coverageof multiple aircraft subjects and the author of this volume does notdisappoint. Each of the Westland variants is covered in turn, withproduction and service histories varying depending on the operatorcovered. Naturally this means fuller coverage of the Royal Navy and RoyalAir Force Sea Kings than say Pakistan and Qatar. However it is nice to seesome previously unpublished pictures of these overseas variants included.

Again detail close ups and a list of models available to make up thiscoming winter completes this 64 page history, which we heartilyrecommend to any and all interested in the subject.

Russian Gunship Helicopters by Yefim Gordon & Dmitry Komissarov- Published by Pen & Sword Books. Price: 16.99 (UK). This duo ofauthors have produced a prolific range of books over the past 20 years,focusing entirely on Russian aviation history and development and with aworld-class reputation for detail. This 96 page softback does notdisappoint.

Aimed partially at the aircraft modeller, it contains a host ofphotographs, plans and colour side elevations of the Mil Mi-24, Mi-28 andKamov Ka-50/Ka-52 along with the development history of each type anddetails of the various model kits available.

Invariably in a book of this price range, the authors have been unableto go into the full histories of each type - you need to look at other titlesthey have had published to learn more, but this book does cover all themajor developments and some of the original design proposals. Forinstance, one of the original Mi-24 mockups had a strong resemblance toan armed Bell Huey, whilst the Mi-28 was initially offered as a side-by-sidetwin rotor compound with a pusher airscrew.

Only the single-seat Kamov ka-50 appears to have remained true to itsrevolutionary design, a concept that we recall triggered a US panic intodeveloping the ill-fated RAH-66 Comanche, when their intelligenceagencies first caught sight of the prototype in 1982. However this bookconcentrates more on the two-seat Ka-52, so this early history is onlythinly covered. Pity-it would have been of interest to some we expect tomodel the original Ka-50 prototype, as flown with a fake cabin door andwindows painted on the fuselage to fool the West!

The World Encyclopedia of Military Helicopters by Francis Crosby.Published by Lorenz Books. Price: £17.99 (UK) $35.00 (USA). This isa lavishly produced hardback of over 250 pages, which covers not justindividual helicopter types used by military forces since the early 1940s but alsoincludes brief chapters on the early pioneering work, key conflicts wherehelicopters played major roles, technology advances like rotor systems, enginesand unmanned systems and even occasional cut-aways of specific designs.

With over 520 photographs in total and featuring more than 80helicopters in the main directory, this book seems excellent value formoney. A pity then that its use as a reference book is spoiled by amultitude of mistakes, far too many to list here and destroying any valueas an authorative source. To pick out just a couple of example at random.The Piasecki H-16 was not the world’s first twin-engined helicopter andthe Bristol Sycamore captioned as an HC.11 “evaluated by the Royal AirForce search and rescue” has an accompanying photograph of the laterHC.Mk.14. In any case the version evaluated by the RAF was the HR.Mk.12and later Mk.13! A photograph of a Westland Lynx captioned as a Merlindoesn’t help authenticity either and neither the Kawasaki OH-1 or theSikorsky HH-52 receive even a mention.

The conclusion has to be that what could have been an excellentsource of reference is not, all for the want of better editing and crosschecking. On the other hand, provided the reader accepts the faults andinaccuracies in the text, it is still an interesting collection of photographsand good value for that alone.

Alouette III Sous L’Uniforme by Patrice Gaubert and BernardPalmieri. Published by Editions LeLa Presse. Price: €50.00 (France).As you may have already guessed this history of the SudAviation/Aerospatiale Alouette 3 in military and parapublic service is inthe French language but, if you aren’t fluent, don’t let that put you off.This 332 page A4 size hardback is well worth every cent.

Lavishly illustrated with many previously unseen photographs,accompanied by various detail illustrations and information on every air armthat ever operated the type, this “piece de résistance” (sorry!) is a productionlist of every aircraft built and the customer. All the variants are coveredincluding the one-off prototypes developed in Romania and South Africa.

As the Alouette 3 moves ever closer to retirement now, it is easy to forgetwhat an important role it has played in many air arms since first beingintroduced to service in 1961. Over 2,000 were eventually built withwidespread military service in more than 60 countries. This book isa fitting tribute.

Book Corner

Region Type c/n Owner/RemarksAustraliaVH-EEB Robinson R22 Beta II 4638 HelifliteVH-ESK Robinson R44 Raven II 13698 HelifliteVH-FIP Bell 206B 3135 Commercial HelicoptersVH-IAY Robinson R22 Beta II 4642 HelifliteVH-JFN Airbus Helicopters AS350B2 2637 P,FranksVH-KHO Bell 212 31181 Cronin Aviation ServicesVH-KHY Bell 212 31185 Cronin Aviation ServicesVH-LEE Bell 206L-3 51230 Southern Cross ExecutiveVH-MZS Hughes 300C 100-0056 HeliflyVH-NZZ AgustaWestland AW139 31146 HNZ AustraliaVH-ONT Bell 206B 4004 Aerial AgricultureVH-OUR AgustaWestland AW109C 7603 Commercial HelicoptersVH-PCQ Airbus Helicopters AS355F1 5189 Pacific Crown HelicoptersVH-PNF Kawasaki BK117B-2 1043 State of NSW PoliceVH-SSD Robinson R22 Beta II 4636 HelifliteVH-SSM Airbus Helicopters AS350B2 7857 North Star PastoralVH-UAH Airbus Helicopters AS350B3 7861 Heli AssetsVH-UUA Robinson R22 Beta II 2946 B.DelektaVH-WOE Airbus Helicopters AS350B2 2469 HNZ AustraliaVH-WYH Airbus Helicopters EC130B4 3624 Whitsunday Air Services

AustriaOE-XAA Bell 212 31182 Heli AustriaOE-XJI AgustaBell AB206A 8137 G.PaarOE-XLS Airbus Helicopters AS350B3 7378 Heli Austria OE-XPR Robinson R22 Beta 4643 P&B HelitradeOE-XYN Robinson R44 Raven II 13555 Heli-LineOE-YAA Schiebel Camcopter S-100 000232 Schiebel Elektronische Geräte OE-YAB Schiebel Camcopter S-100 000250 Schiebel Elektronische Geräte OE-YAC Schiebel Camcopter S-100 000303 Schiebel Elektronische Geräte

CanadaC-FBWX Bell 206B 4572 National HelicoptersC-FBXY Sikorsky S-92A 920216 CHC HelicoptersC-FHUE Bell UH-1L 6060 Helicopter Transport ServicesC-FLFF Bell 206B 4031 Lally ProductsC-FLQX Airbus Helicopters AS350B2 2786 Lakelse AirC-FSVH Hughes 369E 0532E Vortex HelicorpC-GHJT Sikorsky S-76B 760299 Helijet InternationalC-GRHX Airbus Helicopters AS350B3 7645 Remote HelicoptersC-GRJI Safari Helicopter 0252N W.GreensladeC-GVAM AgustaWestland AW109SP 22298 AIRMEDICC-GZGK Bell 205A-1 30256 Guardian Helicopters

ChinaB-7163 Airbus Helicopters EC120B 1113 Guangdong Poly XiangB-7296 Schweizer S-269C S-1955 Shanghai Eastern Gen AviaB-7305 Sikorsky S-92A 920215 CITIC Offshore HelicopterB-7447 Airbus Helicopters AS350B3 7725 Hubei Yinyan Gen AviaB-7536 Robinson R44 Raven II 13678 Hunan Xiang Gen AviaB-7537 Robinson R44 Raven II 13679 Hunan Xiang Gen AviaB-7538 Robinson R44 Raven II 13666 Elm General AviationB-7541 Robinson R44 Raven II 13562 Sichuan General AviationB-7542 Robinson R44 Raven II 13635 Sichuan Xiangyun Gen AviaB-7543 Robinson R44 Raven II 13652 Sichuan Xiangyun Gen AviaB-7545 Robinson R44 Raven II 13615 Henan Yongxiang Gen AviaB-7546 Robinson R44 Raven II 13636 Henan Yongxiang Gen AviaB-7547 Robinson R44 2303 Sichuan General AviationB-7577 Robinson R22 Beta II 4645 Sichuan General AviationB-7579 Robinson R22 Beta II 4641 Beijing Tianxin Gen AviaB-7617 Bell 206L-4 52444 Xinmin General AviationB-7620 Bell 206L-4 52443 Jiangxi Intertek Gen AviaB-7621 Bell 206L-4 52442 Jiangxi Intertek Gen AviaB-7623 Bell 206B 4556 Shandong Phoenix Gen AviaB-7785 AgustaWestland AW109SP 22324 Shanghai Jinhui Gen Avia

Czech RepublicOK-EHM Robinson R44 1761 Park Lane International SchoolOK-SGR Bell 407GX 54426 Blue Sky Service

FinlandOH-HZW Hughes 369D 29-0457D Mustang HelicoptersOH-HZY Hughes 369D 12-1096D Mustang Helicopters

FranceF-HCHB Airbus Helicopters AS350B3 7695 H2iF-HCLT Airbus Helicopters AS350B3 7930 HelicorseF-HLRT Airbus Helicopters AS350B3 4938 SAF HelicopteresF-HOGP AgustaWestland AW139 31565 Heliconia Offshore Helicopters F-HURX Airbus Helicopters AS365N3 9001 Heli UnionF-HVAA Airbus Helicopters EC155B1 6976 Heli Securitie

GermanyD-HSTH Robinson R22 Beta 1368 Startrade

Great BritainG-CIEX Aerospatiale SA341G 1987 Gazelle Flying GroupG-CIGX MDH MD900 900-00124 Police Aviation ServicesG-CIIY Robinson R22B 3668 A.G. Littara

Region Type c/n Owner/RemarksGreat Britain (continued)G-ICIO Robinson R44 Clipper II 12315 HelicomG-IGIS Bell 206B-2 1669 C.J.EdwardsG-JNNH Robinson R66 0016 HawesbatesG-OAGD Airbus Helicopters EC225LP 2902 CHC ScotiaG-OHAS Robinson R66 0349 Heli Air ScotlandG-OENA AgustaWestland AW139 49007 Bristow HelicoptersG-OTUA Robinson R22 Beta II 2947 HQ AviationG-ROAT Robinson R44 Raven II 13694 R.JordanG-SKBL AgustaWestland AW109S Grand 22011 Sky Border LogisticsG-SNSD AgustaWestland AW139 31552 CHC ScotiaG-VIND Sikorsky S-92A 920006 Bond Offshore HelicoptersG-VINL Sikorsky S-92A 920226 Bond Offshore HelicoptersG- VIPE AgustaWestland AW109E 11692 Castle AirG-VMSF Robinson R22B 3953 Alcam InternationalG-WDCL AgustaWestland AW109E 11710 Wickford Development CompanyG-XXEC AgustaWestland AW109S Grand 22104 The Queen’s Helicopter FlightG-YRTE AgustaWestland AW109S Grand 22133 Galegrove 2

IrelandEI-DVZ Robinson R44 Raven II 11629 M.o’Donovan

ItalyI-CABO MBB BK117C-2 9205 INAERI-IDVE AgustaWestland AW139 31534 HelisirioI-LUXT AgustaWestland AW139 31549 LuxotticaI-PHAX Airbus Helicopters AS350B3e 7828 Pellissier Helicopter

New ZealandZK-HCG Airbus Helicopters AS350BA 1628 LiftmacZK-IDZ MDH MD520N LN406 Heli ImportsZK-IOJ Airbus Helicopters AS350B3 7815 Central South Island Helicopters

NorwayLN-OHS Airbus Helicopters EC225LP 2691 ERA LeasingLN-OJN Airbus Helicopters EC225LP 2911 CHC Helikopter ServiceLN-OSY Airbus Helicopters AS350B3 7593 Pegasus Helicopters

PakistanAP-MRH AgustaWestland AW109E 11796 Golden Eagle Aviation

Papua New GuineaP2-BKD Kawasaki BK117B-2 1045 Pacific HelicoptersP2-HFR Bell 212 30507 Helifix OperationsP2-MHL Mil Mi-8MTV-1 95721 HeviliftP2-PAR Bell 212 30978 Pacific Helicopters

SlovakiaOM-AVA Mil MI-8MTV-1 95901 UTair Europe

South AfricaZS-HCK Robinson R66 0521 A-M Connsulting EngineeringZS-HGN Bell 206B 2212 Sable RanchZS-HTF AgustaWestland AW139 41018 Starlite HelicoptersZS-HVJ AgustaWestland AW139 31545 Titan HelicoptersZS-HVS Robinson R44 Raven II 13415 Bushveld Game Capture

South KoreaHL-9305 Bell 206L-3 51450 Korean Forest Service

SpainEC-MAZ Bell 412EP 36183 INAEREC-MBJ Airbus Helicopters AS350B3 7573 Coyot AirEC-MBN Airbus Helicopters AS355N 5598 INAEREC-MBO AgustaWestland AW139 41357 INAEREC-MBP AgustaWestland AW139 41359 INAEREC-MBQ Airbus Helicopters AS350B 4934 INAEREC-MCC Airbus Helicopters AS350B3 3493 Coyot AirEC-MCD Airbus Helicopters AS350B3 3340 Coyot AirEC-MCG Airbus Helicopters AS350B3 3612 Coyot AirEC-MCJ Airbus Helicopters AS350B2 2558 Coyot Air

SwedenSE-JOT Airbus Helicopters AS350B3 7838 South Sweden School of AeronauticsSE-JRL AgustaWestland AW139 31558 SjofartsverketSE-JVO Airbus Helicopters AS350B3 7859 Daidalos Aero

SwitzerlandHB-ZNR Airbus Helicopters AS350B3 7905 Europavia Suisse

ThailandHS-UOH AgustaWestland AW139 - United Offshore Aviation Co

UkraineUR-CIJ Kamov Ka-32A11BC 9813 Arctic GroupUR-CMI Mil Mi-8MTV-1 93295 AAL GroupUR-CMJ Mil Mi-8MTV-1 103M01 AAL GroupUR-CMM Mil Mi-8MTV-1 94385 AAL GroupUR-CMN Mil Mi-8MTV-1 95490 AAL GroupUR-CWE Mil Mi-8T 30521 Crimea Universal Avia

United States (Extracts)N27WA Airbus Helicopters AS350BA 2792 Wings Air HelicoptersN356EV Airbus Helicopters AS350B3 3649 Can See AviationN534LL AgustaWestland AW119 Mk. II 14822 Critical Care ServicesN553RD AgustaWestland AW139 41369 ERA HelicoptersN500EH Bell 212 30945 Hilcorp EquipmentN214EB Bell 214ST 28130 Variant Aircraft FundN222UT Bell 222U 47559 Mark A.DiazN407NY Bell 407 53061 New York Cirt PoliceN135KJ Airbus Helicopters EC135 1123 California Shock TraumaN494HL MBB Bo105S S-813 Maritime HelicoptersN612NW Sikorsky S-61N 61719 US LeasecoN683MF Sikorsky S-76C 760566 ROP Aviation

Marketing Data- CIVIL SALES



Accident Spot5 Kawasaki BK117 ZK-HJC of Westpac Rescue

sustained minor damage in a hard landing in fieldnear Springston, New Zealand following in flightemergency whilst on patient transfer flight toChristchurch hospital.

5 Mil Mi-24 29 Red of Ukraine Armed Forces shotdown by rebel forces in Slavyansk.

8 Airbus Helicopters AS365N2 TU-HAA of VoltaRiver Aviation destroyed in crash into sea 32km (20miles) offshore Takoradi, Ghana after suspectedflight into poor visibility conditions whilst en routeto JackRyan oilrig. 5 fatal.

12 Heli-Sport CH-7B VH-SWQ of M Wills written offin crash 45km (28 miles) north west of Barcaldine,Queensland during mustering operation at HultonStation. 1 fatal.

12 Mil Mi-24 of Kenyan Air Force written off in crashinto jungle near residential area in Mandera County,northern Kenya. Forward fuselage partiallydetached from main fuselage and tail section alsobadly damaged, together with main and tail rotors.1 fatal.

13 Airbus Helicopters EC120B RA-07232destroyed when it crashed into forest near Lepsari,Leningrad region whilst en route to Solovyovo. 2fatal.

13 Robinson R22 VH-HEP destroyed by ground fireduring mustering operation 74km (40nm) north eastof Hughenden, Queensland when rotor bladeclipped tree and helicopter force landed in longgrass, which then caught alight.

13 Airbus Helicopters AS350BA C-FHPC of Heli-Boreal damaged 28km (15nm) north west of Sept-Iles , Quebec when it struck wire in flight, followedby an emergency hard landing.

14 Mil Mi-8T RA24421 of Yamal Air Companyinvolved in incident 7.5 km (5miles) from Tarko-Sale, Yamalo-Nenetsky region.

17 Bell OH-58A VH-OSQ substantially damaged inheavy landing at Coffs Harbour after engine lostpower at 30m (100ft) during take off. Aircraftimpacted terrain, collapsing skids and damaging tailboom.

18 Robinson R22B VH-HAY substantially damagedwhen it went into a spin and collided with terrainduring cattle mustering operations near FitzroyCrossing, Western Australia.

18 Bell 47G N16414 of J. Claridge substantiallydamaged when a skid caught on the groundhandling trailer during take off and aircraft fell off,rolling on its side.

18 Airbus Helicopters AS350B3 N840PA of PapillonAirways substantially damaged after landing at theRamada site at the bottom of the Grand Canyonnear Peach Springs, Arizona when pilot exited thestill running aircraft to carry out a fluid level check.Helicopter became airborne and then impactedground before rolling over, with rotor blades strikingpilot before it came to rest. 1 fatal.

19 Robinson R22 written off after heavy landing atTomaszow Boletawiecki, Poland during local flightfrom Warta Boletawieki airport. Helicopter had novalid airworthiness certificate and was composite ofN22431 (main fuselage), G-ORLT (tail boom) and tailrotor blades from R22M Mariner.

21 Bell 206A of Uganda Defence Force substantiallydamaged in forced landing at Abalo-Kodi aftercollision with eagle whilst en route to Guly. Pilot lostcontrol and during descent helicopter struckelectricity pole before crash landing.

21 Bell 206L-4 N55SL of Helicopters Incsubstantially damaged at Beverly municipal airport,Massachusetts when it landed hard duringattempted autorotation, following an abrupt loss ofpower shortly after take off due to engine failure.During flare and touchdown main rotor severed tailboom.

22 Airbus Helicopters AS350B3 C-GLHZ ofLakeshore Helicopters substantially damagedduring an external load operation at site north ofLac La Biche, Alberta when pilot lost control duringtake off and aircraft crashed.

23 Robinson R22 VH-WDB destroyed at CongarraStation, New South Wales when tail boom detachedduring final approach to land. Aircraft crashed androlled over.

23 Robinson R44 HB-XXX destroyed in crash nearCasares, Spain after pilot flew into power lines inthe Sierra Utera ridge during early morning flight. 1fatal.

23 Bell 206B C-GVTM of Far West Helicopterssubstantially damaged after skid caught fuel drumduring take off at Chamiss Bay, Northern Territoriesand aircraft rolled onto side.

23 Robinson R22B N4081H of Channel IslandHelicopters substantially damaged when it flew intopower lines near Santa Paula Airport, Californiaduring low level solo flight. Helicopter thenimpacted terrain. 1 fatal.

23 Bell UH-1H N260TA of Archer Aviationsubstantially damaged when it crashed nearWaitsburg, Washington State immediately after takeoff due to control failure. Helicopter struck terraintail first and rolled onto port side, damaging rotorsystem and tail boom.

25 Airbus Helicopters AS365N2 N365WM of WestMichigan Air Care substantially damaged when itlanded hard in a parking lot in Constantine,Michigan after pilot was unable to arrest rate ofdescent during final hover taxi positioning. Aircraftbounced once and then came to rest upright butwith damage to starboard fuselage and lowervertical stabiliser.

25 Brantly B2B N9023Z of W.R Mott substantiallydamaged in emergency landing on Hart-MillerIsland, Maryland following in-flight mechanicalproblem. Aircraft landed hard and rolled onto portside, breaking main rotor blades and damagingfuselage.

28 Robinson R44II N392GP of Global PositioningServices destroyed by fire after crashing atBirchwood airport, Chugiak, Alaska whilst carryingout practice external load maneuvering with fluidfilled 55 gall barrel on 46m (150ft) long-line. Pilotreleased load but helicopter pitched up, rolled leftand descended before impacting onto gravel roadon its port side and catching fire. 1 fatal.

28 Texas Helicopter M74A N51853 of G.Oleendestroyed when it crashed into roof of barn duringagricultural sortie north of Little Falls, Missesota.Aircraft penetrated metal roof and remainedjammed in structure. 1 fatal.

28 Bell UH-1H of 2/10 Gav, Brazilian Air Forcesubstantially damaged in heavy landing at CampoGrande air base following a mechanical failure at3m (10ft) during training flight. Skid gear collapsedon impact with ground and aircraft came to restupright on its belly.

28 Boeing CH-47 of US Army substantially damagedwhen it struck telecommunications mast duringtake off in Maruf district, Afghanistan and thencrashed. 1 fatal.

29 Mil Mi-8 16 Yellow of Ukraine National Guarddestroyed when it was shot down by rebels duringoperation in Slovyansk after lifting troops fromcheckpoint. 12 fatal

30 Bell 407 N1197 of Westwind Helicopterssubstantially damaged during recovery from anemergency ditching in the Gulf of Mexico close tooil rig Eugene Island 182A. Helicopter had partiallylost power on take off from rig and pilot inflatedfloats and landed on water, but aircraftsubsequently inverted before being salvaged.

30 Bell OH-58A+ N650MH of Maine Helicopterssubstantially damaged when it force landed intotrees after running out of fuel whilst on approach tocompany helipad at Whitefield, Maine. Helicoptercame to rest upright with fuselage and tail boomdamage and approx 50l (11 gall) of fuel in system.

31 Schweizer 269C N920CP of Kachemak Bay FlyingService substantially damaged at Draughon-Millerairport, Temple, Texas when it experienced groundresonance during a flight demonstration.

31 Mil Mi-8AMT RA-22423 of Gazavia written off innight time crash into Munozero Lake, Murmanskregion under unknown circumstances. 16 fatal.

31 Robinson R44 EC-JTC substantially damaged inemergency landing at night at Monte Lobeira,Pontevedra, Spain following suspected tail rotordrive failure. Aircraft rolled onto port side aftertouchdown, with tail boom detached and damagedmain rotor blades.

31 Robinson R22 N7122E substantially damagednear San Manuel, Arizona when it flew into powerline and crashed.

31 Sikorsky CH-53E 163063 of HMH-466, US MarineCorps written off in hard landing on airfield runwayin Afghanistan, when tail section separated andmain fuselage structure stressed.

June3 Robinson R44 II XB-IYO substantially damaged

when it ditched into Lake, Actopan in Mexico duringprivate flight.

3 Rotorway 162F N78291 of M. Emery substantiallydamaged by post crash fire after loss of yaw controland landing hard before rolling on side.

May1 Robinson R44 OK-SPW substantially damaged

near Sulice, Czech Republic when it force landed infield and overturned onto starboard side in longgrass, separating tail boom and wrecking main rotorblades.

1 Airbus Helicopters AS350B2 TF-HDW ofNordurflug substantially damaged after main rotorblades struck ice on side of Eyjafjallajokull Glacier,Iceland. Helicopter impacted terrain and rolledonto side with broken blades and cabin glazingsand fuselage damage.

1 Mil Mi-2 SP-SGT written off in forced landing intofarmyard at Czysta, Poland whilst en route toWilkowo. Aircraft mis-marked as SP-SFC and rolledonto port side after landing, with tail boom and onemain rotor blade detached, other blades brokenand fuselage damage.

1 AgustaWestland AW119 N119HF ofAgustaWestland Corp damaged during training atLumberton, New Jersey when it slid on landing onrunway uneven surface, and main rotor blade cutoff tail boom.

1 Robinson R22B N802CP of Advanced HelicopterConcepts substantially damaged during solo hoverpractice at Frederick airport, Maryland whenstudent drifted helicopter to the right whilstdescending and starboard skid contacted grass.Aircraft rolled to right and main rotor blades struckground before helicopter came to rest on itsstarboard side, with damage to rotor blades,fuselage and tail boom.

1 Airbus Helicopters AS365N F-GVFE ofHelicopteres de France suffered damage tostarboard landing gear in night time heavy landingat Maripasoula airport, French Guiana.

2 Mil Mi-8MT 61 Yellow of Ukraine Armed Forcessubstantially damaged by gunfire from rebel forcesin Slavyansk area.

2 Mil Mi-24 14 Yellow of Ukraine Armed Forces shotdown by rebel forces in Slavyansk area. 2 fatal.

2 Airbus Helicopters EC120B PR-FPL of FederalHighways Police substantially damaged inemergency landing near Luziania, Brazil whilst enroute to local airport when it touched down in longgrass and rolled onto port side, detaching tailboom, breaking main rotor blades and causingfuselage damage.

2 Mil Mi-24 02 Yellow of Ukraine Armed Forces shotdown by rebel forces in Slavyansk area. 3 fatal

3 Bell 206L-3 PT-HTQ of Nordeste Taxi Aereowritten off after impacting sea off Presidio Beach,Aquiraz, Brazil following mechanical problem whilston local flight from Fortaleza airport.

3 Bell 407 N407MH of San Miguel County Sheriffsubstantially damaged in emergency hard landing at3048m (10,000ft) altitude in Lizard Head Pass,Colorado after it lost power during search formissing skier.

3 Boeing CH-47F of 3-82 CAB, US Armysubstantially damaged in crash during high altitudetraining in mountains near Orogrande, New Mexico.1 fatal.

3 Bell 47G N7895B of 5847G LLC substantiallydamaged in precautionary landing 5km (3 miles)south of El Monte Airport, California after pilotexperienced partial loss of power on climb out.During landing with some forward movement,starboard skid caught on ground and aircraft rolledonto its side, structurally damaging rotor bladesand fuselage.

3 Airbus Helicopters AS350B 5Y-EVU of NorthWood Agencies damaged at Tipilikwani Camp inMaasai Mara, Kenya when passenger smashedwindows, doors and fuselage with blade tie downbar during tourism trip.

4 Unknown type of ISAF extensively damaged bygunfire from insurgents in Sangin district ofHelmand Province, Afghanistan.

4 MD Helicopters MD500 ZS-XXX of F.Lutzkiewritten off in crash on land at Doddieburn Ranch,Zimbabwe during alleged inspection of farmfencing. Owner burned the aircraft following theaccident, claiming it was in the interests of safety asthe wreckage was in a remote area.

Reports in Accident Spot are drawn from a number of sources,and the detail given may be provisional only, pendingconfirmation and official investigation. These factors should betaken into consideration when analysing the data provided.

[email protected]

Accident SpotValley airport, Pennyslvania separating tail boom,fracturing main cabin mountings and wrecking mainrotor.

17 Airbus Helicopters AS350BA FX1 N6094H ofSunshine Helicopters substantially damaged inemergency autorotative landing in long grass nearKalului, Hawaii following a loss of main rotor speedduring a scenic tour flight.

17 Bell 206B N536T of Federal Aviation Administrationsubstantially damaged during training flight when itlanded hard tail down during an autorotationdemonstration at Decatur airport, Texas. Helicopterskidded some 63m (207ft) and came to rest partiallyoff the runway, leaning to the left with the tail boomseparated aft of the stabiliser, the tail rotor gearboxseparated from the boom and the main transmissiontilted aft and free of the drive shaft.

18 Robinson R44 N74713 of Quicksilver-Airsubstantially damaged in crash at Coldfoot, Alaskafollowing an uncommanded descent whilst pilot waslooking for a landing site. Helicopter tipped forwardon landing and rolled over.

19 Robinson R22 N784SH of Helisat substantiallydamaged at Greenafield airport, Missouri whenstudent lost control during practice autorotation andaircraft dropped rapidly and impacted terrain.

20 Robinson R44 II CC-PXA of Agricola Garces writtenoff in attempted landing in snow at La Parva skiresort in Andes when it rolled over following touchdown.

20 Robinson R22B OK-LPS damaged in emergencylanding into field outside Prague, Czech Republicfollowing mechanical problems en route at 150m(492ft). Engine failed at approx 3m (10ft) on finalapproach.

20 Bell 206L-3 VH-NKW of MI Helicopterssubstantially damaged at Scotia seismic camp nearTaroom, Queensland when external load on long linebecame entangled and line pulled taut whilst pilotwas attempting to land. Aircraft crashed from about3m (10ft).

20 Robinson R22 N681SH of Star Helicopterssubstantially damaged when it rolled onto sideduring landing at Long Beach airport, California.

21 Mil Mi-8T 28 Yellow of Ukraine Air Force destroyedby fire after crashing in forest near Kharkiv, whilst enroute to Chuhuiv air base. 3 fatal.

21 Rotorway 162F N6828D of T. Payne substantiallydamaged in emergency landing in field at Hancocknear Indianapolis airport, after engine overheated andlost power following take off. Helicopter rolled ontoport side after landing in water logged corn stubble.

21 Mil Mi-2 RA3121K written off during crop sprayingmission at Staromavrinskoe, Krasnodar region afterpower line strike and subsequent post crash fire.

23 Airbus Helicopters AS350B2 N407EM ofEagleMed substantially damaged in emergencyautorotative landing near Texarkana, Texas after rotorrpm rapidly increased en route at 305m (1000ft) tohospital on air medical flight. Helicopter landed hardand main rotor blades partially severed tail boom.

24 Unknown Type of Kenyan Army substantiallydamaged in forced landing at Komu, MachakosCounty following mechanical problems duringtraining flight, whilst en route to Garissa.

24 Robinson R44II N544BS of L. Sikora substantiallydamaged in emergency autorotational landing onhighway near John Tune airport, Tennessee after enginebegan to run very rough and lose power soon after takeoff and following refueling. Helicopter landed hardfrom about 1m (3ft) and main rotor struck tail boom.

3 Mil Mi-24P 10 Yellow of Ukraine Army substantiallydamaged by rebel fire whilst in action at Slavyansk ineast Ukraine.

3 Enstrom F280C G-IDUP of Antique Buildings Ltdsubstantially damaged at Sywell airfield when mainrotor blades struck pump canopy whilst positioningto refuel.

4 Mil Mi-24P 91 Yellow of No.16 Aviation BrigadeUkraine Army substantially damaged by rebel fireduring combat at Slavyansk.

4 Mil Mi-24P 25 Red of Ukraine Army written off byrebel missile strike and subsequent post crash fireduring combat at Slavyansk.

4 Mil Mi-24P 15 Yellow of Ukraine Army substantiallydamaged by rebel fire during combat at Slavyansk.

5 Bell TH-57 of TAW-5 US Navy damaged in trainingaccident at Spencer Field, Florida.

5 Mil Mi-8T of Ukraine Army damaged by rebel fireduring combat at Slavyansk and forced to carry outemergency landing.

7 Helibras HB-350B PT-YJJ of Planalto IndustriaMecanica destroyed in crash during take off fromcamping site on bank of Rio Araguaia, Brazil. Aircraftbroke up and main fuselage rolled on side with skids,rotor blades and other parts detached. 5 fatal.

8 Robinson R44 Clipper I-LUSJ substantiallydamaged in hard landing in sports field at Prato, Italywhen it rolled over.

8 McDonnell Douglas MD369E N504NP of City ofMesa Police substantially damaged in emergencyautorotation landing at night near Mesa, followingloss of power in slow cruise at 213m (700ft) altitude.Helicopter landed hard in field in dark and main rotorblades severed tail boom.

11 Bell 206L-4 N207MY of Westwind Helicopterswritten off when it began to spin clockwise onapproach to South Time Bailier117 offshore platformin Gulf of Mexico before dropping into water andsinking, with tail boom separating on impact. 2 fatal.

11 Airbus Helicopters AS350B2 N356EV of Com SeeAviation substantially damaged in main rotoroverspeed incident, followed by ground resonanceand violent shaking during start up sequence atMerrill Field Airport, Alaska.

12 Unknown Type of Iraqi Air Force reported shotdown by rebel forces in Karmah area, Anbarprovince.

12 Schweizer 269 G-BWAV of Helihire substantiallydamaged at Dunfold airfield, Surrey in emergencylanding when it rolled onto side followingtouchdown.

13 Schweizer 269C OO-JCS of Ramimmo written off inaccident during training at Cerfontaine airfieldBelgium. 1 fatal.

14 Mil Mi-171 of Iraqi Air Force reported shot down atTikrit by rebel forces and written off.

14 Bell 206B of Aeroprak substantially damaged whenit ditched into the Ili River in Almanty region,Kazakhstan whilst en route to Araltobe airport.

16 Unknown Type of Iraqi Army shot down by rebelforces near Falluja, Anbar province. 2 fatal.

16 Mil Mi-171Sh EP-665 of Peruvian Armysubstantially damaged when it struck trees followingtake off from barracks in Ayachucho and crashed intogrounds of local university.

17 Bell OH-58B 3C-OD of Austrian Air Force writtenoff in very hard landing at 2000m (6560ft) in theWattener Lizum area of the Tirol during a trainingexercise. 1 fatal.

17 Schweizer 269C-1 N152CC of Acepilot Trainingsubstantially damaged in heavy landing at LeHigh

24 Mil Mi-8TV 63 Yellow of Ukraine Army destroyedwhen it was shot down by rebel fired missile whilsttaking off from artillery base on Karachom Mountainnear Slaviansk. 9 fatal.

24 Airbus Helicopters AS350B3e LN-OSY ofPegasus Helicopters substantially damaged in takeoff crash when it immediately lost height ondeparture from an Army artillery range nearHjerkinn, Norway.

25 Bell AH-1F of No.33 Sqdn Pakistan Army AviationCorps written off in night time crash on run way atMultan Army air base whilst attempting to take off.A dust storm may have been a contributory factor. 2fatal.

25 Robinson R44 C-XXX substantially damaged when257km (160 miles) north of Bagotville, Quebec whenhelicopter entered vortex ring state during descentand began to yaw, before main rotor struck terrain ashelicopter rolled over on impact.

26 Mil Mi-35M YI-352 of Iraqi Air Force destroyed byfire after being shot down by rebel forces duringcommando assault at Tikrit University. 5 fatal.

26 Boeing AH-64D of US Army damaged in hardlanding near Molinelli training range of Fort Rucker,Alabama.

26 Airbus Helicopters AS350B3 N808LF of PNCBank damaged in hard landing at Temple, Texas aftertail rotor pedal stuck during repositioning maneuver.

27 Mil Mi-8 damaged by rebel gunfire in Somalia whilsten route to Mogadishu and Selbur on UN contract.

27 Airbus Helicopters AS350B N69PJ of Pay Jay Airsubstantially damaged when it collided with terrainwhilst landing at a private heliport, following a flightfrom Artesia airport.

27 Robinson R44 N560LH substantially damaged inaccident during crop spraying flight near Quincy,Washington State when it struck pole and crashed.

28 Robinson R66 RA-1588G of Technodromdestroyed in crash and subsequent fire inApsheronsky district, Krasnodar region whilst enroute to Sochi. 4 fatal.

28 Mil Mi-25 of Sudanese Air Force reported shotdown and substantially damaged in Dilling areaSouth Kordofan by rebel forces.

29 Unknown Type of Iraqi Army reported shot downby rebel forces in Tikrit.

29 Airbus Helicopters AS350B2 N350CR of ReederFlying Service substantially damaged in collisionwith terrain near Dietrich, Idaho during an aerialphotography flight when it suddenly reverseddirection 180 degrees and descended tail first intothe ground.

30 Mil Mi-8 RA-24541 of AeroVir destroyed atBerezovoy Kharbarovsk region when it crash landedonto sandbank during a firefighting surveil-lance flight and subsequently caught fire.


IAS already has a 30 year history ofproviding helicopter services for its clients inAfrica and is the largest civil operator in theWest and Central regions, specialising inoffshore and onshore contracts across a rangeof missions, as well as providing helicoptermaintenance. Nearly 130 Airbus Helicoptersaircraft operate in the two regions and the newagreement will now see IAS equipped to fullyservice and support the AS350 and AS365models on behalf of the manufacturer.

The establishment of the new maintenancecentre is the latest in Airbus Helicopters plansto broaden its international network of suchfacilities to improve customer service.

•An Airbus Helicopters AS350 B3e helicopterhas set up a new Mexican high altitude landingrecord by flying to the top of Mexico’s highestmountain, Pico de Orizaba. The aircraft landedand took off from the 5610m (18405ft) summiton 2 June, piloted by AH Mexico flight crewJosé Rodriguez and Erick Valàzguez.

Airbus Helicopters has some 500 aircraftoperating in the region under the responsibilityof its Mexican subsidiary, including the AS350B3, EC145 and EC225/EC725. Around 500people are employed at facilities in Mexico City,Veracruz and also Queretaro, where a hightechnology plant manufacturing aircraftcomponents was opened last year.

•The Administrators for Fast Helicopters atShoreham in West Sussex, which went intoreceivership in 2011, have announced the finaldissolution of the company, with effect from 17October. The last report from the jointadministrators notes that the final deficitamounted to £204,721 which is irrecoverable.

Efforts to investigate the ownership of fourhelicopters which were transferred to anothercompany within the parent Longmint Groupjust before Fast went into receivership, wereabandoned due to the likely cost anduncertainties involved.

•The Milestone Aviation Group is to offer$350 million in Senior Notes due 2017, usingthe proceeds to pay down a portion of itssecured debt.

As at the end of March this year, the leasingcompany had a fleet of 135 helicopters, valuedat $2 billion and supporting 25 operators in 23countries. The company has also placed ordersand options for a further 145 aircraft, with anestimated additional value of $3.4 billion.

•Saxon Air, based in Norwich, has added arotary-wing air operators certificate (AOC) to itsCivil Aviation approvals, allowing the companyto expand its current helicopter operationsinto new markets. Previously it has operatedthis sector of its business under the AOC ofLondon Helicopter Centres.

Already well established for corporate jetmanagement as part of its fixed-wing AOC, thenew approval will allow the company to nowalso set up a new subsidiary, SaxonairHelicopters, and to add new rotary-wingaircraft to meet an already proven demand. Thesubsidiary will operate leisure and businesscharters, tourism flights across East Anglia andthe Norfolk Broads, agricultural surveycontracts, aerial filming and other missions,including specialist tasks for the energy andrenewables industry.

This work will build on the existinghelicopter operations that Saxonair hasbeen carrying out for several years, withoutbeing restrained by the previous limitationsof working under a third party AOC. AnAirbus Helicopters EC155 has alreadybeen added to the available fleet.


Tail Rotors- DATELINE: 28th AUGUST 2014

•Italian power company Terna SpA hasordered an AW109E Power twin-enginedhelicopter from AgustaWestland for powerlinesurvey and support missions. The orderrepresent an upgrade for the company, whichotherwise has relied on a single-enginedhelicopter fleet to carry out this work.

•Swiss operator Eagle Helicopter AG, basedat Sion and mostly managing third party ownedaircraft, has been declared bankrupt by theSwiss authorities who ordered the assets to beliquidated. The company last operated a singleAirbus Helicopter AS332 C1 Super Puma, andmanaged three AgustaWestland AW109helicopters.

Set up in 2002 primarily to support loggingactivities with a Kaman K-Max and lateradding further missions with two AirbusHelicopters AS350B3s, the companysubsequently replaced the K-Max with anAirbus Helicopters AS332C1. Like theAS350B3s, this was leased from the Frenchbank BNP Parabis, with Eagle offering theaircraft for construction work, firefighting andother roles both within Switzerland andelsewhere. At its peak Eagle employed some36 staff, including five pilots, but at the endof June the two AS350B3s, HB-ZGV andHB-ZES were transferred by BNP Parabis toanother Swiss company, Swift Copters, whichis headquartered at Geneva Airport.

The Super Puma is currently in storage.

•UK charter operator PremiAir is reported tohave received a new air operators certificateafter the suspension of the previous approvallast November, and is anticipating newinvestment to help the company make a fullrecovery.

•The Queens Helicopter Flight (THQF) hasadded an AgustaWestland AW109S Grand to itsoperations, with the registration G-XXECallocated on 11 June. The aircraft waspreviously registered to the manufacturer’s USsubsidiary in Philadelphia and originallyallocated for a sale in Brazil.

THQF operates a Sikorsky S-76C++ as itsprime aircraft to support Members of the RoyalFamily engaged on official duties, but onoccasion has chartered other corporate-configured helicopter to meet its needs.Speculation now is that the growing role of thetwo Royal Princes, William and Harry, has led tothe decision to take on a second aircraft. Bothare helicopter pilots and engaging much morenow on official Royal duties.

•Airbus Helicopters has officially certified themaintenance centre operated by InternationalAircraft Services (IAS) at Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoireto provide regional customers in West andCentral Africa with a complete maintenancesolution for their helicopters. The IAS Group isitself a major helicopter operator, with a fleet ofover 20 Airbus Helicopters aircraft.

Above: HeliStar SA in Turkey has secured acontract with the Turkish ElectricityTransmission Company (Telas) to carry outaerial monitoring and support of thepowerline infrastructure.

HeliStar is a joint venture company based inAnkara and set up in June 2011 by Kaan Air,(which is a distributor for AgustaWestland,Enstrom and Russian Helicopters), inpartnership with the US air medical operatorAir Methods. HeliStar will operate threeAgustaWestland AW119Ke helicopters plus abackup aircraft on the contract, with theaircraft configured with an enhanced FLIR andcamera, integrated with a multiple displaymission console in the cabin.


Reader EnquiryService

For Further information on the product/services advertised in this issue contactthe company address listed.

Name and Address Page No.

Classifieds - Classifieds- TO ADVERTISE IN THIS SECTION, TELEPHONE HEIDI: +44 (0)1934 822524

OR E-MAIL/FAX YOUR COPY (+44 (0)1934 822400) FOR AN IMMEDIATE PRICE.

Aero Sekur Ltd. 67Fowler Avenue, The Hub Farnborough Business Park Farnborough GU14 7JF. UK

Agusta Westland 40Via G. Agusta,520-21017 Cascina Costa di Samanrate (VA)Verese. ITALY

Airbus Helicopters 65Marseilles International AirportMarignane 13725. FRANCE

Alpine Air Support 70PO Box 61, CH-8311 Bruetten. SWITZERLAND

Garmin International 691200 E. 151st. Street, Olathe, KS 66062. USA

Heli Air Ltd. 70Wellesbourne Airfield, Warwickshire, CB35 9EU. UK

Helicopter Association International 711634 Prince Street, Alexandria, VA 22314-2818. USA

Hiscox Global Flying 461 Great St. Helen's, London, EC3A 6HX. UK

Milestone Aviation Group Ltd. 38Classon House, Dundrum Business ParkDundrum Road, Dublin 14. IRELAND

Powervamp Ltd. 7022 Bridgwater Court, Oldmixon CrescentWeston-super-Mare, BS24 9AY. UK

Robinson Helicopter Corporation 472910 Aircraft Drive, Torrance, CA 90505, USA

Russian Helicopters BC29 Bld. 141, Vereyskaya St.Moscow 121357. RUSSIA

Turbomeca 6064511 Bordes Cedex. FRANCE

Wir sprechen Deutsch Telephone: +44 (0)1934 822524

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Mag Spreads Vol.38 No - Helikopters BE

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Transcript of Mag Spreads Vol.38 No - Helikopters BE