DefenceTalkThe new addition to the Royal Navy’s Merlin family of aircraft has been conducting sea trials onboard the Royal Fleet Auxiliary Lyme Bay, operating daily from the Fleet Air Arm’s West Cornwall Base. The Green Merlin Mk 3 has recently been transferred from the RAF to the RN “Junglie” Commando Helicopter Force (CHF) and trials […]https://www.defencetalk.com/merlin-mk3-begins-royal-navy-sea-trials-63663/

DefenceTalkDespite cancelling its quest for an Armed Aerial Scout, or AAS, aircraft – a replacement for the OH-58 Kiowa – an Army leader told Congress there is still a valid need for that type of aircraft. During a March 19 hearing before the House Armed Services Committee, subcommittee on tactical air and land forces, Maj. […]https://www.defencetalk.com/armed-aerial-scout-still-valid-requirement-us-army-says-63605/

DefenceTalkSikorsky’s newest commercial aircraft, the S-76D helicopter, arrived in Malaysia, beginning the Southeast Asia leg of its demonstration tour. The international demonstration began at the SkyPark Aviation Center in Subang, Malaysia, and this week, the aircraft will be on display at the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA) ‘15 until March 21. Sikorsky is […]https://www.defencetalk.com/sikorsky-exhibits-and-demonstrates-s-76d-helicopter-in-malaysia-63585/

DefenceTalkThe State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to Mexico for UH-60M Black Hawk Helicopters and associated equipment, parts, training and logistical support for an estimated cost of $110 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale on March 16, 2015. The […]https://www.defencetalk.com/mexico-buys-uh-60m-black-hawk-helicopters-63569/

DefenceTalkThe U.S. Army science and technology community is charting the future of military vertical lift aviation that will enable warfighters to accomplish missions not possible today. The Army, supported by NASA and the Navy, is combining its areas of technical expertise to accomplish the aggressive scientific and engineering goals necessary to develop a new fleet […]https://www.defencetalk.com/us-army-engineers-define-future-aviation-fleet-63374/

DefenceTalkBell Helicopter announced the sale of 15 Bell 407GXs to the Mexican Air Force (FAM) with deliveries to begin this year. The aircraft will be configured for a variety of parapublic missions. “We are extremely pleased to provide the Mexican Air Force with such a high performing and reliable aircraft,” said Jay Ortiz, Bell Helicopter’s […]https://www.defencetalk.com/bell-helicopter-seals-deal-for-15-bell-407gxs-to-the-mexican-air-force-63362/

DefenceTalkAs the military rotorcraft market enters a downturn, Forecast International sees a strong niche in the medium/heavy military rotorcraft sector with over 5,300 units expected to be produced in the next 10 years. The company’s new study “The Market for Medium/Heavy Military Rotorcraft” reports that, during the 2015-2024 forecast period, the value of production will […]https://www.defencetalk.com/military-segment-remains-important-for-helicopter-manufacturers-63338/

DefenceTalkThe State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to Slovakia for UH-60M Black Hawk Helicopters and associated equipment, parts and logistical support for an estimated cost of $450 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale on February 18, 2015. The Government […]https://www.defencetalk.com/slovakia-to-buy-uh-60m-black-hawk-helicopters-63226/

DefenceTalkOn the 16th of December 2014, the Organization for Joint Armament Cooperation (OCCAR) has awarded a contract to Thales, in partnership with Rheinmetall Defence Electronics (RDE), to supply or upgrade 20 Tiger combat helicopter simulators for the French and German armed forces. Thales and its partner will upgrade 18 simulators to the latest Tiger helicopter […]https://www.defencetalk.com/thales-expands-tiger-helicopter-training-capabilities-62948/

DefenceTalkAgustaWestland announced today it has completed the delivery of the Italian Police’s AW139 intermediate twin helicopters at the end of December 2014. Deliveries started in mid-2013 and now eight aircraft are in service at five different bases in central and southern Italy comprising three aircraft in Pratica di Mare close to Rome, two helicopters in […]https://www.defencetalk.com/agustawestland-delivers-final-aw139-helicopter-to-italian-police-62809/