Helicopters

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.

Russia is leading the way bringing military aircraft that are making their debut at the Dubai Airshow. Unlike the Paris Air Show or Farnborough, Dubai provides a stage for aircraft companies from east and west, including China and Russia. Among the Russian aircraft making their debut here in Dubai is Sukhoi with a model of Checkmate, and Russian Helicopters with Mi-28NE, KA-52, and Mi-226T.

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

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 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.

Airbus Helicopters (formerly Eurocopter) is displaying its newest newest military helicopter at Eurosatory, the twin-engine EC645 T2, which has been ordered by Germany for Special Forces Command (Kommando Spezialkräfte). Airbus is scheduled to deliver the first helicopters under this order next year

The Marine Corps' new heavyweight lifter CH-53K King Stallion completed an external lift of a 13 tons (27,000 pounds) payload at Sikorsky’s Development Flight Test Center in West Palm Beach June 17. The first two aircraft have already verified the King Stallion’s capabilities well in excess of the predecessor CH-53E.

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...

Israel is seeking US approval for the supply of eight SH-60F Sea-Hawk Helicopters from US Navy surplus to support the Israeli Navy security operations in the Mediterranean Sea. The helicopters will initially operate with the four new Meko-100 Class Magen corvettes Israel will receive from Germany by 2020.

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

Twenty-eight Israeli companies will present a wide range of advanced technologies – many of them operational – including sophisticated sensors and systems protecting borders and sensitive facilities, robotic and automotive logistics, electro-optics for artillery and infantry, airborne satellite communications, fire control solutions, tactical medical equipment, and more. See Defense-Update video coverage of Defexpo.

The Airbus Group has submitted the C295W light transport plane to the Indian AIr Force, as part of its teaming agreement with Tata Advanced Systems. The group also proposes different helicopters to be manufactured by Mahindra Defence.

Boeing will soon deliver the first new build MH-47G configuration to the US Special Operations Command. The modernized Chinook incorporates a number of production improvements to include the digital advanced flight control system, more robust, improved monolithic machined-frames, and improved air transportability

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.