DefenceTalkDesigned as a military improvement over the AC-311, China’s Avicopter Z-11B made its first successful flight late last month. In November of 2010, Chinese state-owned manufacturer Avicopter unveiled the AC-311, a single-engine helicopter capable of carrying up to six people. On September 28, the company conducted the first test-flight of its military version, the Z-11WB. […]https://www.defencetalk.com/chinas-new-attack-helicopter-avicopter-z-11b-first-flight-65561/

DefenceTalkThe H160 mock-up is making its British debut today at Helitech, as the program steadily pursues its flight test campaign. The first prototype flights are progressing according to plan and the aircraft has already reached a maximum speed of 175 kts and an altitude of 10 000 feet. As the validation of technical parameters is […]https://www.defencetalk.com/airbus-helicopters-h160-program-in-full-swing-65564/

DefenceTalkNew Delhi: India on Tuesday cleared a $2.5 billion deal to buy 37 military helicopters from aviation giant Boeing, on the eve of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the United States, a government source said. Modi’s government is in the middle of a multi-billion dollar upgrade of its Soviet-era military hardware, partly to keep […]https://www.defencetalk.com/india-clears-2-5-billion-boeing-military-chopper-deal-65468/

DefenceTalkThe Royal Navy’s newest helicopter wowed as it was tested to the limit in the searing heat of the Gulf. Wildcat – which will provide the aerial eyes and punch of British destroyers and frigates for a generation – spent a fortnight flying in punishing temperatures in the Middle East during key trials with destroyer […]https://www.defencetalk.com/royal-navys-new-wildcat-helicopter-demos-during-gulf-heat-trials-65445/

DefenceTalkThe Royal Navy’s anti-submarine warfare helicopter, the Merlin Mk2, has achieved Full Operating Capability (FOC), on time and under budget. The significant milestone of the £807 million program has now been met, following the delivery of 24 out of a total of 30 Merlin helicopters to the Royal Navy. The upgraded Merlin Mk2s are the […]https://www.defencetalk.com/royal-navys-next-generation-helicopters-ready-for-action-65392/

DefenceTalkMetro Aviation of Shreveport, La. has contracted to purchase six EC145e twin-engine helicopters from Airbus Helicopters Inc. Metro is the first North American customer for this new lighter weight and lower cost version of the highly successful Airbus Helicopters EC145. Airbus Helicopters Inc. and Metro have launched an extensive North America demonstration tour to show […]https://www.defencetalk.com/metro-aviation-places-order-for-six-ec145e-light-twin-helicopters-65369/

DefenceTalkChina and Russia are close to finalizing an agreement to jointly develop a heavy-lift helicopter next year, according to senior Chinese helicopter designers. “The project is progressing smoothly, and we are discussing with our Russian counterparts terms and clauses in the agreement. The negotiations should conclude before the end of this year and the development […]https://www.defencetalk.com/china-russia-to-co-develop-heavy-lift-helicopter-in-2016-65343/

DefenceTalkPakistan and Russia are in talks about the delivery of Sukhoi Su-35 fighter jets and previously agreed upon delivery of Mi-35M helicopters, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister (FM) Sergei Ryabkov said, Sputnik reported. Earlier this year, a draft contract for the delivery of four Mi-35M ‘Hind E’ combat helicopters was sent to Pakistan from Russia, a […]https://www.defencetalk.com/pakistan-russia-talks-delivery-su-35-mi-35s-65339/

DefenceTalkThe State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the United Kingdom for AH-64E Apache Guardian attack helicopters and associated equipment, parts and logistical support for an estimated cost of $3.00 billion. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale on August 26, […]https://www.defencetalk.com/us-approves-upgrades-for-uk-ah-64e-apache-attack-helicopters-65219/

DefenceTalkFinmeccanica-AgustaWestland announced today that the new AW189 super medium twin engine helicopter has obtained Russian Civil Certification. This achievement will allow the AW189 to be delivered to customers in Russia, opening up a further market for the AW189, which is already in service in various countries including UK, Denmark, UAE, Qatar and Malaysia. The AW189 […]https://www.defencetalk.com/aw189-helicopter-obtains-russian-civil-certification-65178/