DefenceTalkSikorsky Aircraft today unveiled the first of two S-97 Raider helicopter prototypes, signaling the start of activities in the program’s test flight phase and a major step toward demonstrating the new – and first – armed reconnaissance rotorcraft featuring X2 Technology designed for military missions. “Today, Sikorsky unveiled the next generation of military rotorcraft, with […]https://www.defencetalk.com/sikorsky-unveils-s-97-raider-helicopter-60651/

DefenceTalkRussia will deliver 8 Mi-171Sh multi-purpose helicopters to Peru’s air force in December, the deputy director of Russia’s arms export agency was quoted as saying Friday. Peru, a major buyer of Russian military hardware, bought 24 helicopters from Russia for $406 million in December last year for use in combating drug trafficking and to replace […]https://www.defencetalk.com/peru-to-receive-8-russian-military-helicopters-in-december-60624/

DefenceTalkCarrier-based aircraft are military aircraft designed specifically for operations from aircraft carriers. The term is generally applied only to fixed-wing aircraft, as naval helicopters are able to operate from a wider variety of aviation-capable ships. Carrier-based aircraft must be relatively sturdy to withstand demanding carrier operations. They must be able to launch in a short […]https://www.defencetalk.com/gallery-blue-sky-thinking-colors-chinas-drone-industry-60630/

DefenceTalkHelibras’ contract to modernize 34 AS365 K Panther helicopters for the Brazilian Army Aviation (AvEx) to the K2 version, known as the Super Panther, reached an important milestone in August following the successful completion of the first technical-operational evaluation. The first upgraded machine demonstrated 98% availability in the evaluation phase, during which the aircraft performed […]https://www.defencetalk.com/panther-helicopter-successfully-upgraded-for-brazilian-army-60589/

DefenceTalkRussian Helicopters has delivered the first consignment of four upgraded Mi-8AMTSh transport helicopters to Russia’s Defence Ministry. The helicopters were built at Ulan-Ude Aviation Plant (UUAP), a Russian Helicopters company, as part of the state defence order, and have successfully completed the flight to their new duty stations. A long-term state contract for upgraded Mi-8AMTSh […]https://www.defencetalk.com/first-consignment-of-upgraded-mi-8amtsh-delivered-to-russia-60461/

DefenceTalkRaytheon Company and MD Helicopters, Inc. successfully fired four TALON laser guided rockets from the MD 530G armed aerial scout (AAS) helicopter during a series of tests at Yuma Proving Ground, Ariz. “This test further demonstrates the maturity of the TALON Laser Guided Rocket weapon system as a complement to MD’s AAS platform,” said Darryl […]https://www.defencetalk.com/md-530g-helicopter-fires-laser-guided-rockets-60315/

DefenceTalkThe UK’s next generation of submarine-hunting Merlin helicopters have been put through their paces on exercise in the Atlantic Ocean after successfully entering service with the Royal Navy four months early. Embarked on HMS Illustrious, the Merlin Mk2 aircraft took part in Exercise Deep Blue, simulating anti-submarine warfare, maritime patrol and casualty evacuation capabilities. The […]https://www.defencetalk.com/royal-navys-sub-hunting-helicopters-enter-service-early-60130/

DefenceTalkAgustaWestland is pleased to announce that the Ministry of Defence (MoD) of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh has signed a contract for two AW139 intermediate twin-engine helicopters. These helicopters, which will be delivered by the end of 2015, will be operated by the Bangladesh Air Force to perform maritime search and rescue (SAR) and other […]https://www.defencetalk.com/bangladesh-air-force-orders-two-aw139-helicopters-60128/

DefenceTalkDefense Secretary Chuck Hagel today hosted Qatar’s Minister of State for Defense Affairs Hamad bin Ali al-Attiyah at the Pentagon to sign letters of offer and acceptance for Apache helicopters and Patriot and Javelin defense systems valued at $11 billion. “Today’s signing ceremony underscores the strong partnership between the United States and Qatar in the […]https://www.defencetalk.com/us-qatar-sign-helicopters-defense-systems-deal-60124/

DefenceTalkOn the occasion of German Chancellor Angela Merkel’s state visit in Beijing where she met with Chinese Premier Li Keqiang, Airbus Helicopters signs a record 123 civil helicopters with three customers from various Chinese provinces today. The rotorcraft will be used for general aviation activities covering multiple missions including utility work, aerial tours, passenger transport, […]https://www.defencetalk.com/airbus-sells-123-helicopters-in-china-60063/