DefenceTalkAgustaWestland is pleased to announce that the first ICH-47F Chinook for the Italian Army successfully accomplished its maiden flight on June 24th at Vergiate in Italy. The aircraft took to the air for 15 minutes, performing as expected whilst carrying out basic handling tests and main systems checks. This ICH-47F Chinook is the first of […]https://www.defencetalk.com/first-italian-army-ich-47f-chinook-performs-its-maiden-flight-48258/

DefenceTalkThe Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress June 7 of a possible Foreign Military Sale to Thailand of 6 UH-72A Lakota Helicopters and associated equipment, parts, training and logistical support for an estimated cost of $77 million. The Government of Thailand has requested a possible sale of 6 UH-72A Lakota Helicopters, spare and repair parts, […]https://www.defencetalk.com/thailand-requests-uh-72a-lakota-helicopters-48212/

DefenceTalkDuring the three-month long deployment of the FREMM frigate Aquitaine, the implementation crew for the NH90 helicopter from 33F Squadron had an opportunity to experience the operational capabilities of the FLASH SONICS system. The FLASH system (Folding Light Acoustic System for Helicopters) is an active low-frequency airborne sonar that has been requested by the French […]https://www.defencetalk.com/flash-sonics-sonar-enters-service-with-french-navy-nh90-helicopters-48189/

DefenceTalkThe Army is incorporating a new sensor capability into its Apache helicopters. The Apache Sensors Product Office has accepted delivery of the new Modernized Day Sensor Assembly Laser Rangefinder Designator, or LRFD, the first component to be fielded in the Modernized Day Sensor Assembly. The laser represents increased capability to the Modernized Target Acquisition Designation […]https://www.defencetalk.com/army-updates-eyes-of-apache-helicopters-48173/

DefenceTalkDaniele Romiti, Chief Executive Officer, AgustaWestland said “We are proud to achieve this major milestone on schedule. The start of full scale production brings us closer to the first AW189 delivery later this year and the when customers who already operate the AW139 will start benefitting from the Family advantage.” The AW189 flight test programme […]https://www.defencetalk.com/new-generation-aw189-helicopter-enters-full-scale-production-48166/

DefenceTalkA new study by Army researchers looks at inserting carbon nanotubes into the structural design of helicopter rotor blades to improve performance. The U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Command’s research laboratory hopes this approach could lead to the design and fabrication of the next generation of rotor blades and fixed wings. Bryan Glaz, Ph.D., […]https://www.defencetalk.com/army-researchers-chase-helicopter-performance-gains-48093/

DefenceTalkUS aerospace giant Boeing announced Tuesday it has received a multi-year $4 billion order from the US Army for 177 more CH-47F Chinook helicopters. The five-year deal includes an option for the army to buy 38 additional Chinooks, a multi-mission, twin-engine transport helicopter, Boeing said in a statement. “This order would eventually bring the Army’s […]https://www.defencetalk.com/boeing-gets-4-bn-us-army-helicopter-deal-48081/

DefenceTalkLockheed Martin recently delivered the first Modernized Day Sensor Assembly (M-DSA) Laser Range Finder Designator (LRFD) to the U.S. Army for the AH-64D/E Apache helicopter. “The new laser is the first component to be fielded in the Modernized Day Sensor Assembly,” said Lt. Col. Steve Van Riper, U.S. Army product manager of Apache Sensors. “The […]https://www.defencetalk.com/new-laser-range-finders-for-apache-helicopter-48062/

DefenceTalkSikorsky Aircraft Corp. has received a $435 million U.S. Navy contract to build four production-representative CH-53K heavy lift helicopters for the U.S. Marine Corps. Designated as System Demonstration Test Articles (SDTA), the four aircraft will enable the Marines to conduct operational evaluation of the new helicopter system in support of Initial Operational Capability in 2019. […]https://www.defencetalk.com/sikorsky-to-build-ch-53k-operational-test-helicopters-for-us-navy-48057/

DefenceTalk“We must generate the national rotary-wing capability, which means the creation of an economically operated and modern fleet meeting the challenges of the 21st century” – Minister of Defence Csaba Hende said in Budapest on May 22. In the morning of Wednesday, May 22, upon Minister of Defence Csaba Hende’s initiative a four-party consultation was […]https://www.defencetalk.com/hungary-to-buy-new-airlifters-helicopters-mod-47879/