Russia to Showcase Mi-171A2 Helicopter at Berlin Air Show

Russian Helicopters company will display its newest addition to the famed Mi-8/17 family of military transport helicopters at the ILA Berlin Air Show in Germany on September 11-16.
“The Mi-171A2 is the long-awaited latest model in the Mi-8/17 family – one of the most popular helicopters in the world,” Roman Kirillov, a spokesman for Russian Helicopters, said on Monday.
According to the official, the helicopter benefits from new engines and transmission, a new rotor system, a modernized integrated avionics suite, better technical and operational characteristics, a new operations and maintenance system.
The new aircraft will also have significantly reduced running cost per hour, he said.
The Mi-171A2 will be certified in Russia and abroad after a series of ground and flight tests by the end of 2012. The helicopter is expected to go in production by the end of 2014.

India, Ecuador negotiate the sale of Dhruv Helicopter

Sales stopped after a 2009 crash, negotiation is on for increased pricing .

NEW DELHI - The biggest customer of the indigenously made Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Dhruv outside the Indian armed forces is Ecuador, with which India is negotiating price for further orders after supplying the initial five helicopters, after which there has been no movement especially after one crashed in 2009. India has sold surveillance helicopters to Ecuador, not the weaponised combat ones.

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is the manufacturer of the helicopters, and after the ALH sold to the Ecuadorian Air Force crashed in October 2009, the process slowed India's plans of exporting these home-made choppers. The order was for seven aircraft for 50 million dollars in 2008, out of which five were delivered. HAL has an office in Ecuador. Inquiries showed that the crash was due to the pilot's error, after which the Bangalore-based Helicopter Academy to Train by Simulation of Flying (HATSOFF) decided to train Ecuadorian Air Force pilots, to prepare them for emergencies.

Iran Shahed 285 reconnaissance - attack - maritime helicopter

 Shahed 285 is a light attack/reconnaissance helicopter developed, designed and manufactured in Iran. It was unveiled on 24 May 2009. It is being produced in three versions: a light reconnaissance version, an attack version and a maritime patrol/anti-ship version. The Shahed 285 was unveiled in May 2009 on the anniversary of the 1982 liberation of the Iranian city Khoramshahr -- which was occupied by Iraqi forces during the 1980-88 war. The IRGC (Islamic Revolution Guards Corps) says the state-of-the-art helicopter is capable of taking part in seaborne and airborne combat operations. 

Special version of Ka-52K Helicopter with advanced radar and antiship missiles for Russian Mistrals

Russian Navy Mistral-class landing ships could see their power projection capabilities greatly improved thanks to a special version of the Kamov Ka-52 Alligator attack helicopter. The Russian Navy is designing a special version called "Ka-52K" to equip the four Mistral-class amphibious assault ships ordered from France.

The Ka-52K is a navalised version of the ground-based Ka-52 Alligator combat helicopter operated by the Russian Air Force. 

Sri Lanka eyes on Mi-17 helicopters ~ Asian Defence

Sri Lanka is conducting a feasibility study into the purchase of Mi-17 helicopters from Russia for use by the air force in its commercial venture.

The aircraft would be purchased under a $300 million credit line with Russia's state-owned arms trading business Rosoboronexport State Corp., a report by Sri Lanka's Sunday Leader newspaper said.

Cabinet spokesman Keheliya Rambukwella said up to 14 helicopters could be purchased but nothing would be decided until conclusion of the feasibility study.

Sri Lanka initially agreed to purchase up to 14 helicopters because of requirements during the war with the separatist Tamil Tigers.

"Since the war was coming to an end, we decided there was no immediate requirement to purchase 14 helicopters," he is quoted as saying by the Sunday Leader.

"I do not know when the study will be completed but I don't think the air force would utilize the entire facility and purchase 14 helicopters."

Tiger Helicopters Return to the Sky

The Australian Army’s fleet of Tiger Armed Reconnaissance Helicopters (ARH) has resumed regular training activities after a temporary suspension was lifted on 2 August 2012.

The suspension, which began on 26 June 2012, was put in place as a safety measure when fumes were detected in the cockpit of an aircraft that performed a precautionary landing at Shoalwater Bay training area the day before.

Following a detailed investigation and assessment into the source of the fumes, the Army Operational Airworthiness Authority lifted the suspension on the recommendation to resume flying operations from the Technical Airworthiness Authority.

Sikorsky Delivers 500th ‘M’ Model BLACK HAWK Helicopter

Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp., and the U.S. Army today celebrated the delivery of the 500th H-60M BLACK HAWK helicopter. The deliveries to date comprise 400 UH-60M utility and 100 HH-60M MEDEVAC aircraft, the latter used exclusively as an air ambulance by the U.S. Army to rush wounded soldiers to field hospitals. Also included in the 500 are 73 UH-60M aircraft sold by the Army to six foreign militaries via the U.S. Government’s Foreign Military Sales program.

“I speak for more than 17,000 Sikorsky employees — many of us service veterans — when I say we are truly honored to build a modern combat-proven helicopter that men and women in uniform around the world can count on to perform their critical multi-role missions,” said Sikorsky President Mick Maurer during remarks spoken a short distance from the BLACK HAWK helicopter production line.

The need for an all-new ‘M’ BLACK HAWK platform emerged during the late 1990s with the requirement to upgrade the analog UH-60A and UH-60L aircraft with a integrated digital cockpit, dual digital flight controls, wide-chord rotor blades, more powerful engines and structural enhancements. The resulting ‘M’ model saw measurable improvements to aircraft control, survivability, lift, range, navigation and situational awareness, engine durability and maintenance costs.

Sikorsky delivered the first production UH-60M, affectionately called the Mike model, helicopter in December 2007, preceded by 31 low rate initial production aircraft from 2005-2007. The first production HH-60M MEDEVAC, outfitted with a dedicated clinical cabin followed in August 2008. The aircraft have accumulated a combined 200,000 flight hours to date.

According to Colonel Thomas Todd, the U.S. Army’s Utility Helicopters Project Manager: “The UH-60M and HH-60M Black Hawk helicopters are performing extremely well in theater, and I receive positive comments from our combat commanders frequently. The platform receives very high marks for the situational awareness the system provides the crew. These comments are also common from the other services, agencies and countries that have purchased H-60M aircraft. Accordingly, this 500th roll out of the H-60M underscores that the U.S. Army's Utility Helicopters Project Office and Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation continue to provide our Soldiers with quality equipment in a timely and cost efficient manner."

Early evaluation for Tiger HAD

The light aircraft of the Army is testing a prototype version of the Tiger support-Destruction (HAD).For eight weeks, this helicopter will be evaluated as a military environment to propose its adoption.

Since 2005, the Tiger is part of the equipment the Army.

Version support-protection (PAHs) of this helicopter was first fitted the Franco-German school (AFE) of Cannet des Maures and the fifth regiment of combat helicopters (5th RHC) and the 4th Regiment of helicopters Special Forces (4th HRTS).

The 37 aircraft delivered to date have already proven their effectiveness in day and night, in Afghanistan and Libya. But to maximize this efficiency, the overall operational needs of such weapons is 40 Tiger HAP and 40 HAD Tiger.

The light aircraft of the Army (ALT) is preparing to experience a new evolution with the arrival of the first Tiger HAD in its units from the end of 2012. Including assignments to resume destruction of armored targets, buried or high value. But first they must be tested.

A first device has been made available to the airmobile group of the Technical Section of the Army (GAMSTAT) for its technical and operational evaluation (EVTO) for a period of eight weeks.

During this period, four rounds of shots will be conducted at the test center of the Directorate General of Armaments (DGA) on the island of Levant.

Moreover, on June 7, at thirty observers including General Commander Pertuisel ALT, the Tiger HAD successfully completed its first operational firing of air-ground Hellfire missile. Its range is 8 km and guided by laser designation.

At 11:59, a mixed crew GAMSTAT / EFA made the commander Brunette (shooter) and Captain Espelding (pilot) made this shot at 4200 m. 15 seconds after launch, it reached its target. A success.

3Rd Generation Apaches

The Israeli Air Force (IAF) will have to consider acquiring a new variant of the Apache assault helicopter, in the wake of the planned closure of Boeing's upgrade line. If a decision is made to acquire additional helicopters, then the variant that could be chosen is the third version of the Apache Longbow.

The AH-64D Longbow is the latest variant of the helicopter. It possesses a stronger engine, improved aerodynamics, improved network communication capabilities, and a high level of maneuverability compared to previous versions. Three of the IAF's additional AH-64A Apache helicopters are being upgraded to the D variant in the United States, where they have recently begun test-flights.

The IAF presently operates eighteen AH-64D helicopters, and had considered acquiring additional new Longbow helicopters before eventually deciding to upgrade its existing helicopters. The three A-variant helicopters are presently being upgraded in Boeings facilities in the US, and are expected to return to Israel at the end of 2012 and at the start of 2013.

All the signs are pointing towards Boeing not committing to additional upgrades, as there is no demand for such upgrades from other countries. The IAF's AH-64D helicopters are equipped with several Israeli-produced weapon systems that are not present on the original helicopters.

Black Hawk Formation

Four UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters land at Atlantic City International Airport, N.J., May 29, 2012. The crews are assigned to 1-150th Assault Helicopter Battalion, New Jersey Army National Guard. The helicopters transported civilian employers of New Jersey's Guardsmen for "Boss Lift," an event run by the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve. The civilian employers spent the day touring facilities and meeting soldiers and airmen. U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Matt Hecht

Iran to unveil a new home-made Cobra attack helicopter in the near future

The Iranian Army plans to unveil and put into operation Iran's first home-made Cobra chopper in special wargames of the Army's Airborne unit in the near future, a senior commander announced on Wednesday, May 24, 2012.

Mi-28NE Havoc Helicopter to be Displayed at Moscow Expo

The Mil Mi-28NE Havoc (Night Hunter) attack helicopter and 49 other military exhibits will be displayed by 14 Russian organizations at the 5th International Helicopter Industry Exhibition (HeliRussia 2012) in Moscow, the Federal Service for Military and Technical Cooperation reported.

The exhibition will be held on May 17-19 at the Crocus Expo exhibition center in the Russian capital’s northwest. Russia’s Industry and Trade Ministry is its organizer.

Russia’s state arms exporter Rosoboronexport, the Rostvertol and Kamov helicopter manufacturers and the Mil Moscow Helicopter Plant and other organizations will display products at the exposition.

Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin will attend the exhibition’s opening.

The event will also be attended by over 100 representatives from 56 countries, including Afghanistan, Brazil, India, Saudi Arabia, the United States, Turkmenistan, France and others.

Overall, 147 Russian organizations and 53 foreign companies from 17 countries will participate in the exhibition.

The TIGER

Lieutenant Colonel Vincent, program officer at the STAT, is categorical: "The Tiger in its support protection (PAHs) has been proven with over 3,000 flying hours in Afghanistansince 2009, and over 250 hours on Operation Harmattan. It combines speed, stealth, precision, with a capacity to fire 68 rockets of 68 mm, 4-to-air missiles and a 30mm gun. "

The year 2012 is still a big appointment for the Tiger, with the arrival of version support-Destruction (HAD). "The strike force is further enhanced with the addition of a missile air-ground laser guided Hellfire II. "

Again, the crew safety is a priority: the armored seats and floor and ballistic protection side, a decoy launchers or diminished by a radar signature through the use of composite materials protect the driver and the head edge.

Currently in technical-operational, delivering the product of a collaboration between France and Spain is planned for the end of 2012.

Tiger Helicopters Resume Flying Operations

The Australian Army’s fleet of Armed Reconnaissance Helicopters (ARH) has returned to regular training activities following the lifting of a temporary suspension that was put in place on 16 May 2012 due to the detection of fumes in the cockpit of the aircraft.

The Army Operational Airworthiness Authority lifted the suspension late yesterday following a detailed assessment and a recommendation from the Technical Airworthiness Authority to resume flying operations.

There are 22 ARH in the Australian Army’s Oakey and Darwin based fleet, 19 of which are in the fully capable configuration operating in the fleet.

2 Killed in Russian Ka-52 Helo Crash

MOSCOW — One of Russia’s most modern military helicopters has crashed during a training exercise, killing its two-man crew, officials said March 13.

The Ka-52 Alligator two-seater, which entered serial production in 2008, went down in the central Tver region on Monday night, the local investigative committee said in a statement.
One pilot was killed at the crash site while the other died of his injuries in a regional hospital on March 13, the defense ministry said.
Although Russia’s underfunded military frequently loses aircraft during training, often with fatal consequences, it was the first time that a Ka-52 had crashed

Russian President-elect Vladimir Putin has promised to spend about 23 trillion rubles ($780 billion) by 2020 on the modernization of the country’s Soviet-era military force.

mi-35 attack helicopter The flying tank

Eurocopter The X3 Concept: innovative rotary-wing aircraft - More speed , more range at less cost