Helicopters

The Marine Corps examined an innovative autonomous flying capability that enables troops to safely and reliably control helicopters from the ground, even in difficult weather conditions. The demonstration flight took place this week at the Marine Corps Base Quantico, Va., as the Office of Naval Research (ONR) announced the successful conclusion of the Autonomous Aerial Cargo/Utility System (AACUS) program.

Bell Helicopter and Sikorsky Aircraft displayed at AUSA 2014 full size models of the future rotary wing platforms they are proposing for the US Army.

Sikorsky Aircraft yesterday unveiled the first of two S-97 Raider helicopter prototypes, signaling the start of activities in the program’s test flight phase and a major step toward demonstrating the new – and first – armed reconnaissance rotorcraft featuring X2 Technology designed for military missions.

The Russian Navy is activating the Mi-14 in the submarine hunting mission after the helicopter was decommissioned from this role in 1996. Back then the helicopter was tasked with depth charges and massive nuclear weapons used in anti-submarine warfare. On its new mission, the helicopter will receive lighter, conventional armed Zalon-2 guided anti-submarine weapons.

Airbus' EAGLE vision system began flight testing on ab H225 helicopter flying testbed. The system improves situational awareness and reduces the pilot’s workload by automating and securing approaches, take-off, and landing. Photo: Airbus

The Turkish Land Forces Command has received the first Turkish-built T129 attack helicopter, which inducted the new attack helicopter unit now equipped with nine T129s. The first nine T-129 helicopters going into service are the EDH models, an interim variant that replace some of the oldest Bell AH-1 Cobra helicopters. The Turkish variant is based on the AgustaWestland A129...

Elbit Systems received a first order for the BrightNite vision system from one of NATO air forces in, (name of the country has not been released). BrightNite is designed to enhance helicopter pilot visibility and situational awareness in Degraded Visual Environment (DVE) conditions. The company is expected to deliver the systems under a $17 million contract, within 30 months.

The British MOD is set to select soon the future Airborne Early Warning (AEW) system to be deployed on the future Royal Navy (RN) Queen Elizabeth II aircraft carriers. Thales UK and Lockheed Martin submitted final offers for the Crowsnest AEW solutions last month, competing for the £500 million ($761 million) contract.

Aircraft and helicopters on both sides used flares extensively but lacked the capacity to face the dense MANPADS on long sorties over the enemy area. Some Russian helicopters were also equipped with electro-optic jammer countermeasures, but these did not prevent losses.

The UK has mothballed a quarter of its AgustaWestland-Boeing WAH-64 Apache Longbow AH.1 helicopters following the end of combat operations in Afghanistan. According to IHS Jane's, 16 of the Army's 66 Apaches were placed into storage, leaving a force of 50 helicopters. These helicopters are likely to provide replacement parts, maintaining the operational fleet until the next upgrading of the British Apache fleet.

BAE Systems unveiled today a new countermeasures suite designed to protect helicopters and aircraft from current and future anti-aircraft threats. By better managing the deployment of traditional countermeasures such as flares, decoys, and hard-kill projectiles, ‘Smart D2’ acts as a layered defensive system protecting aircraft and aircrews from existing and emerging threats.

Airbus Helicopters has been selected to provide the Indonesian Navy with 11 AS-565 MBe Panther helicopters configured for Anti Submarine warfare.

Airbus Helicopters has delivered the first Tiger helicopter retrofitted into the HAD version of the French Army Aviation. In the UK, after completing a modernization of Puma 2 helicopters, the company entered an agreement to support the Royal Air Force Puma 2 fleet.

A superficial look at the 51st Salon la Bourget may give the impression that this year's Air Show is all about civil and commercial aviation. Take a closer look at the aisles and the static park, look under the wings or below some innocent looking planes, and you will realize that military aerospace is still 'in.'