Airbus Racer speeds past 400 km/h

Airbus’s Racer high-speed helicopter demonstrator, developed in the frame of the European Research Clean Sky 2 project, has reached its fast cruise speed target of 407 km/h (220 kts). On 21 June, less than two months after its first flight, the Racer demonstrator exceeded its level speed objective of 407 km/h (220 kts) by reaching 420 km/h (227 kts) in its initial configuration. In just seven flights and about nine hours of flight testing, almost all of the flight envelope has been opened.

“This achievement in such a short space of time is really a testimony to the hard work of our 40 partners in 13 European countries to bring all of this innovation to flight. On top of its performance, the aircraft's aerodynamic behaviour and stability are promising. We are all looking forward to the next phase of flight testing, especially the eco-mode which will enable us to shut down one engine in forward flight, thus reducing fuel consumption, and lowering the CO2 emissions,” said Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters.

The flight test crew consisted of Hervé Jammayrac, Chief Flight Test Pilot, Dominique Fournier, Flight Test Engineer, and Christophe Skorlic, Test Flight Engineer. The next phase of flight testing will focus on single-engine operations and finalise the flight envelope.

Optimised for a cruise speed of more than 400 km/h, the Racer demonstrator aims to achieve the best trade-off between speed, cost-efficiency, and mission performance. The Racer also targets a fuel consumption reduction of around 20%, compared to current generation helicopters in the same maximum take-off weight category, thanks to aerodynamic optimisation and an innovative eco-mode propulsion system. Developed with Safran Helicopter Engines, the hybrid-electrical eco-mode system allows one of the two Aneto-1X engines to be paused while in cruise flight, thus contributing to cutting CO2 emissions. The Racer also aims to demonstrate how its particular architecture can contribute to lowering its operational acoustic footprint.

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RTX to collaborate on hybrid-electric system for Airbus PioneerLab helicopter demonstrator

Pratt & Whitney Canada and Collins Aerospace, businesses of RTX, have been selected by Airbus Helicopters to support the development of a hybrid-electric propulsion system for its PioneerLab technology demonstrator. Based on a twin-engine H145 helicopter, PioneerLab aims to demonstrate the potential of hybrid-electric propulsion as well as aerodynamic improvements to enable up to 30% improved fuel efficiency and reduced CO2 emissions compared to a conventionally powered aircraft.

For the PioneerLab demo, the helicopter's existing engines will be replaced by a hybrid-electric propulsion system comprised of a Pratt & Whitney Canada PW210 engine derivative linked with two Collins Aerospace 250 kW electric motors and controllers through a common gearbox. This hybrid-electric configuration is designed to enable optimized engine performance and improved efficiency, with the electric motors providing high torque capability during flight conditions such as take-off and landing. Test flights of the hybrid-electric propulsion system are targeted to begin in 2027 at Airbus Helicopters' site in Donauwörth, Germany.

"With world-class efficiency and reliability, Pratt & Whitney Canada's PW210 engine is very well-suited to perform as part of a hybrid-electric helicopter propulsion system," said Maria Della Posta, president, Pratt & Whitney Canada. "To help achieve the goals of this innovative project, we'll draw on expertise from our growing list of hybrid-electric demonstrator programs, including the RTX Hybrid-Electric Flight Demonstrator, STEP-Tech and SWITCH."

Royal Navy's 847 Naval Air Squadron work with Commando Forces for raid, insertion and rescue training

Commandos have been put through their paces with raid, insertion, and rescue techniques in a range of scenarios both at sea and on land. Personnel from Commando Helicopter Force’s 847 Naval Air Squadron worked with Commando Forces from a range of units during a week of intense training across the south coast.

A Wildcat helicopter from 847 NAS and Chinooks from 7 Squadron RAF were used for a 4-aircraft aviation raid near Goodwood and then helicasting off Portland before CHF 847 NAS completed Joint Personnel Recovery serials near Exeter with the Royal Marines and 29 Commando. 

Poor weather precluded getting into the objective area of the aviation raid, however this was used as a training evolution. It tested the formation commander’s captaincy decisions and the skills of the handling pilots as they battled through heavy rain under a low cloud base in falling light.

Next up was helicasting in Portland with UK Commando Forces practising the insertion technique at sea before being recovered by boats. It’s a skill which gets Commandos into the action quickly, dropping them from the back of helicopters into the ocean.

The Royal Marines from M Company, 42 Commando, leapt from the Wildcat and Chinook helicopters into the water below.

Airbus H160 helicopter enters into service in the U.S. with PHI Aviation

Airbus has delivered the first H160 in the U.S. to PHI, marking the beginning of H160 operations in the country. This is the first of the initial four H160 helicopters that  PHI will operate for offshore transportation in the Gulf of Mexico.

Prior to beginning commercial operations, the helicopter will be used in a route-proving programme designed to demonstrate the H160’s capabilities in the demanding offshore environment. This will help facilitate a smooth entry into service, ensuring the operator and final customer are familiar with the aircraft’s advanced technology and safety features.

“This is an exciting milestone for our teams and partners,” said Scott McCarty, CEO of PHI Group. “The H160 represents a new era for PHI, enhancing our commitment to safety, quality and efficiency for our operations in the Gulf of Mexico. We are proud to officially welcome this next-generation aircraft into our fleet as we kick off route-proving. Congratulations to everyone who helped make this achievement possible!”

Navy Helicopter engineering boffins swap the workshop for the outdoors to test skills in the field

A UNIQUE team of naval aviation engineers swapped the workshop for Bramley training area in Hampshire as they tested their ability to fix helicopters in the field.

1710 NAS is one of two naval air squadrons which has no aircraft but is crucial to the safety and effectiveness of operations by the UK’s military helicopter fleet.

Its repair department – one of five in the squadron alongside teams dedicated to modifications, data and digital, materials, and condition monitoring – carry out repairs above and beyond what flight/unit/squadron air engineers can accomplish, to meet operational requirements.

Another facet of the squadron, located in Portsmouth Naval Base, is aviation forensic support, courtesy of expert scientists and engineers, who advise not just military through the Defence Accident Investigation Branch (DAIB) but also civilian authorities through the Air Accident Investigation Branch (AAIB) the event of serious incidents or accidents.

To hone and maintain their skills to provide deployable scientific support, the team headed to Bramley, just outside Basingstoke in north Hampshire for Exercise Black Cat and test their ability to move out at short notice and successfully work in the field.

The crux of the exercise tested their skills at collecting liquids such as greases, oils or paints, in a more realistic aircraft accident environment.

Much of 1710’s core work is conducted in its labs and workshops – but the very nature of military aviation means they could face a ‘downbird’ (stricken aircraft) anywhere, with limited support and facilities.

Belgium chooses Airbus Helicopters H145M for Armed Forces and Federal Police

Belgium will procure 15 multi-role H145M helicopters for the army and two helicopters plus three options for the Federal Police. The contract was signed between the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA), on behalf of Belgium, and Airbus Helicopters.

“We are proud that Belgium is joining the growing community of H145M users,” said Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters. “In Europe, the robust multi-role helicopter is becoming the reference for tactical airlift capability, special operations, and medical evacuation missions. We are sure that the H145M will quickly become a key asset to the Belgian defence and security portfolio.”

The H145M is a multi-role military helicopter that provides a broad range of mission capabilities. Within minutes, the helicopter can be reconfigured from a light attack role, with axial ballistic and guided weapons and a state-of-the-art self-protection system, to a special operations version, including fast rappelling equipment. The comprehensive mission packages include hoisting and external cargo capabilities. Additionally, the H145M includes options for future mission capabilities, including data links, further communication systems, and digitalisation of mission-capabilities.

French Army’s NH90 for Special Forces has started flight testing

Airbus Helicopters has launched the flight test campaign for the prototype of the NH90 Standard 2. This standard is one of the latest NH90 configurations and is being developed specifically for the French Army Aviation, to support special forces operations. The French Ministry for Armed Forces has ordered a total of 18 NH90s in the Standard 2 configuration. Flight testing will continue until the end of the year in accordance with the schedule agreed with the French Armament General Directorate (Direction Générale de l’Armement).

The Standard 2 configuration includes the integration of the Safran Euroflir 410 electro-optical system, a new digital map generator, installation for a third crew member and new enlarged rear sliding windows able to accommodate self-protection guns.

The tests will validate the design of the new configuration. The prototype of the NH90 Standard 2 has also been equipped with mechanical and electrical provisions dedicated to the Distributed Aperture System (DAS) and a new generation Helmet Mounted Sight Digital Display (HMSD-DD) in the view of a future integration at a later stage. These systems will improve the special forces capabilities to operate in highly demanding conditions.

These flight tests are part of the programme launched in 2020 by the NATO Helicopter Management Agency (NAHEMA) and NHIndustries (NHI) and its partner companies (Airbus Helicopters, Leonardo and Fokker) for the development and the upgrade of 10 NH90 TTHs in the Standard 2 configuration.

HTM orders up to three Airbus H145 helicopters for offshore wind operations

HTM Helicopters has placed an order for one Airbus H145 helicopter, with options for two additional helicopters of the same type. The new helicopter will be used in offshore wind operations, transporting technicians and materials to wind farm turbines off the coasts of Germany and France.

“Over the past 15 years in the offshore wind business, we’ve seen projects move further out from the coast and require additional payload which has led us to add additional H145s to our fleet,” said Bernd Brucherseifer, Managing Director for HTM Helicopters. “In addition to excellent OEI performance, the helicopter offers the chance to quickly perform role changes for various customer missions and is very reliable and easy to maintain. The H145 is the perfect tool for the operation and maintenance phase in offshore wind operations, and we will see a lot more demand for it in this market in the near future."

“The H145 is ideally suited for offshore wind operations due to the significant capacity it offers for transporting passengers and cargo, as well as its outstanding hover performance for hoisting operations,” said Axel Humpert, Senior Vice President and Head of the H145 Programme at Airbus. “As our long-standing partner, we’re pleased HTM has seen the value that the H145 provides and continued to place their trust in our helicopters as they expand their fleet.”

HTM was the first operator to take delivery of a five-bladed H145 to be used for offshore wind operations in 2021. In late 2023, HTM's aircraft was used in a world-premiere trial led by Airbus to hoist two crew members into the nacelles of floating wind turbines in Hywind Tampen.

This order will add to HTM’s current fleet which features 18 Airbus helicopters, including a mix of H125s, H135s and H145s in use to support a variety of missions. With the delivery of the newly ordered helicopter, HTM’s total H145 fleet will grow to eight helicopters (10 including options). Five of those H145’s (seven including options) will be used to support offshore missions.

Airbus signs order with LCI and SMFL for 21 latest generation helicopters

 Airbus Helicopters, LCI, a leading aviation company, and Sumitomo Mitsui Finance and Leasing Company, Limited (SMFL), have announced an order for up to 21 of the latest generation helicopters.

The major new order from LCI and SMFL’s joint venture leasing operation, SMFL LCI Helicopters (SMFLH), consists of 14 firm orders plus 7 options. It is made up of a mix of light twin H145, medium twin H160 and super medium H175 helicopters.

The new helicopters will be delivered through to 2028 and will be aimed at a variety of operating segments such as emergency medical services (EMS),  search and rescue (SAR), and offshore energy, including wind.

The order marks the next phase of the pioneering Flight Path partnership between LCI and Airbus Helicopters, which aims to address the long-term capacity and financing requirements of the industry in a responsible manner. 

The new Airbus helicopters will offer superior performance, flexibility, and lower CO2 emissions than comparable types and other transportation modes. In addition, they will be equipped with the latest suite of navigational and safety features and will also be capable of using blended Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAFs).

Airbus Helicopters to support Sécurité Civile and Gendarmerie Nationale helicopter fleet

Airbus Helicopters to support Sécurité Civile and Gendarmerie Nationale helicopter fleet

 

Airbus Helicopters and Babcock have been awarded a contract to support 48 EC145s operated by the French Ministry of Interior. The 12 year contract that starts this year was signed with the Direction de la Maintenance Aéronautique (DMAé), the organisation in charge of maintenance for aircraft operated by the French government.

“The Sécurité Civile and Gendarmerie Nationale play a key role in safeguarding our communities in France. We are proud to have signed this contract, which demonstrates their confidence in us and strengthens our partnership." said Romain Trapp, Airbus Helicopters’ Executive Vice President Customer Support and Services. “We measure our responsibility in guaranteeing that their EC145s are available 24/7 for their critical missions".

The contract covers the 33 EC145s operated by the Sécurité Civile and the 15 EC145s operated by the Gendarmerie air forces that are spread across 41 bases in France, including five bases in French overseas territories. The contract covers technical support (including industry technical representatives working on site), supply of spare parts, logistics solutions (transport of spares and stock management), technical data management and software support. 

2018 Leicester City Football Club helicopter disaster inquest resumes

H.M. Senior Coroner for Leicester City & South Leicestershire has resumed the inquests into the deaths of five people who were killed in a helicopter crash at King Power Stadium on 27 October 2018.

Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha (Chairman of Leicester City Football Club), Eric Swaffer, Izabela Lechowicz, Nusara Suknami and Kaveporn Punpara all lost their lives in this major aviation accident, now five and a half years ago.

UK law firm Stewarts’ aviation team, partners Sarah Stewart and Peter Neenan, are instructed by the families of Khun Vichai, Eric and Izabela and have instructed Philip Shepherd KC and Bajal Shah as counsel for the family of Khun Vichai.

Professor Catherine Mason held a pre-inquest hearing today in Leicester Town Hall in order to hear submissions on a number of procedural issues.

The Air Accident Investigation Branch (AAIB) carried out an investigation into the accident and these inquests have been on hold pending the investigation’s final report which was published on 6 September 2023. The court heard arguments over the status of the AAIB investigation and whether it was in any way “incomplete, flawed or deficient” such as to warrant the Senior Coroner carrying out her own further investigation or whether she could and should adopt and accept the findings therein.

Concerns were raised on behalf of three of the bereaved families represented by Stewarts over the length of time taken by the AAIB to produce their final report, and the cause of that delay, which has in turn impacted the progress of the inquests and prolonged their suffering.

A further PIRH will be listed towards the end of 2024 with the final inquest hearing likely to take place over 2-3 weeks in early 2025.

Air101: Leicester City Football Club helicopter disaster...... an accident just waiting to happen. AAIB Report published.

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Bristow Helicopter pilots strike in battle over pay

Pilots and technical crews working for Bristow Helicopters supposedly providing essential emergency air service for HM Coastguard are on strike in a battle over pay.

Members of the BALPA union have selected strike in a long-running feud with the helicopter company for better pay and conditions which have been frozen for years.  The union claims the striking staff have given years of loyalty to the company during hard times, now the company is doing better,  they should be valued and fairly rewarded.

The company, already reeling after the crash of one of its Sikorsky S-92 helicopters at the start of March, said it was disappointed by the strike action, especially after an offer which "provides significant enhancements to pay and conditions”  had been put on the table. It urged the unit to rejoin it at arbitration service ACAS.

BALPA said the company was “failing to listen and come forward with a fair pay offer that is acceptable to members”. The helicopter crews voted overwhelmingly in favour of strike action back in February of this year with a 96.31% YES vote on a 92.74% turnout. The union claims it called off an earlier planned strike as a mark of respect following the Sikorsky S-92  crash off the coast of Norway. However, other commentators indicated that in the wake of the crash, some craft had been grounded for checks and to go ahead with the strike would have had little impact on the company. 

Bristow said it had put comprehensive mitigation plans in place to support its customers, including the coastguard, but at this stage, it is unknown how many lives had been put at risk around the UK due to a lack of air support in a search and rescue capacity. 

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Brunei orders six H145M helicopters

Airbus Helicopters has signed a contract with the Ministry of Defence of Brunei for the acquisition of six H145M helicopters.

“We are greatly honoured by the selection of the H145M to support the Royal Brunei Air Force’s expanded missions,” said Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters. “The H145M is well regarded for its high performance and versatility, and we are confident that it will bring a step change in operational readiness to Brunei.”

Replacing its old BO105 fleet, Brunei’s H145Ms will be used to enhance the air force’s operational capabilities for missions including close air support and aerial observation.

The H145M is a multi-role military helicopter that provides a broad range of mission capabilities. The global fleet of the H145 family has accumulated more than seven million flight hours to-date. It is used by armed, air and law enforcement forces around the world for the most demanding missions. Brunei is the latest nation to order the H145M, after Cyprus, Germany, Hungary, Luxembourg, Serbia and Thailand.

Royal Navy attack helicopters hunt foes in Norwegian fjord exercise

The Royal Navy’s Wildcat maritime attack helicopters have demonstrated their ability to hunt down and engage enemy forces during a game of cat and mouse in the Norwegian fjords.

Yeovilton-based 815 Naval Air Squadron have been exercising with four of the Royal Navy’s P2000 patrol ships, two Norwegian corvettes and frigate HNoMS Roald Amundsen off Bergen, in one of the world’s most challenging environments, for Exercise Tamber Shield.

Alongside the P2000s, the Wildcats were tasked with finding and targeting the Skjold-class corvettes amongst the many inlets and narrow waterways of the fjords.

In one particular scenario, HMS Biter and HMS Exploit, part of the Royal Navy’s Coastal Forces Squadron, headed north from Bergen, while fellow P2000s HMS Trumpeter and HMS Blazer headed south to use their skills and expertise to locate the Norwegian vessels before relaying that information to 815 NAS who were charged with making simulated attacks.

Capable of 60 knots, the Skjolds are fast and agile – using their camouflage to blend into the landscape, which their crew knows like the back of their hand.

However, aircrew from 815 NAS were more than up for the challenge, employing newly developed tactics to fend off the fast attack craft threat. 

GDHF secures 20 Airbus Helicopters H175s for worldwide lease

Airbus Helicopters are celebrating a massive contract from GDAT, for up to 20 H175 helicopters -  this is for ten firm orders and ten options. GD Helicopter Finance (GDHF), a start-up helicopter leasing and finance company based in Dublin, Ireland, will be marketing these H175 helicopters to customers in the energy, SAR, EMS and parapublic market segments worldwide.

“GDHF is very pleased to announce the availability of 50 H160 and 20 Airbus H175 super medium helicopters to the worldwide market. This new H175 order, along with the existing 50 Airbus H160 medium helicopters already on the GDAT orderbook, will be available to GDHF. This deal will further enhance GDHF’s ability to offer our customers near term availability of efficient, cost-effective, multi-mission helicopters of the very latest technology. GDHF will build a strong relationship with Airbus to deliver high value solutions for our customers,” said Michael York, CEO of GDHF.

 

“The creation of GDHF and this follow-on GDAT contract underlines the versatility and competitiveness of the H175 and the H160. We look forward to a long-standing partnership with GDHF as they put these multi-mission helicopters into service with their customers around the globe,” said Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters. 

In service since 2015, Airbus' H175 belongs to the super-medium class of helicopters, combining long-range and payload with smooth flight qualities, making it the optimal solution for a wide range of onshore and offshore mission profiles, including disaster relief, search & rescue and other public services, as well as crew change and private and business aviation. The 55 H175s currently in service have accumulated more than 210,000 flight hours, of which 184,000 in the energy sector.

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In service since 2015, Airbus’ H175 belongs to the super-medium class of helicopters – combining long range with smooth flight qualities. It takes customers to the next level in terms of comfort, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness.
The H175 addresses several missions, including:

Black Tusk Helicopter Inc gets a new K-MAX helicopter.

Kaman has delivered a new medium-to-heavy lift K‑MAX helicopter to Black Tusk Helicopter Inc. of Squamish, BC, Canada. Black Tusk performs various external lift projects of every scale, ranging from aerial timber harvesting, ski tower setting, firefighting, and hydroelectric projects.

“Black Tusk is a highly respected operator, and we appreciate the confidence Black Tusk has placed in Kaman and the capabilities of the K-MAX,” said Phil Murphy, Vice President of Business Development, Kaman Air Vehicles. “Operators are choosing K-MAX® for its proven repetitive lift capability with unmatched performance in the most demanding environments.”

“Our primary business goal is to offer our clients quality helicopter services and to ensure the longevity of our company through repeat and referral business by continuing to provide customers reliable and safe performance in all areas of our business. Adding a second K-MAX® to our fleet is an important step towards ensuring we can continue offering our customers the most appropriate and efficient aircraft for their requirements and particular job needs,” stated Black Tusk Helicopter Inc.

The K-MAX is a rugged, low-maintenance aircraft that features a counter-rotating rotor system and is optimized for repetitive external load operations. The aircraft can lift up to 6,000 pounds (2,722 kg) with unmatched performance in hot and high conditions.

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Airbus Helicopters’ Racer is off to a flying start..........

Airbus Helicopters Racer demonstrator, developed in the frame of the European Research Clean Sky 2 project, has performed its first flight, in Marignane. The aircraft flew for about 30 minutes, allowing the flight test team to check the overall behaviour of the aircraft.

This important milestone launches the flight campaign which will take two years and will aim to progressively open the aircraft’s flight envelope and demonstrate its high speed capabilities. 

“With its 90 patents, Racer is the perfect example of the level of innovation that can be achieved when European partners come together. This first flight is a proud moment for Airbus Helicopters and for our 40 partners in 13 countries,” said Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters. “I look forward to watching this demonstrator pioneer high speed capabilities and develop the eco-mode system that will contribute to reducing fuel consumption,” he added. 

Optimised for a cruise speed of more than 400 km/h, the Racer demonstrator aims to achieve the best trade-off between speed, cost-efficiency, and mission performance. The Racer also targets a fuel consumption reduction of around 20%, compared to current generation helicopters of the same class, thanks to aerodynamic optimisation and an innovative eco-mode propulsion system. Developed with Safran Helicopter Engines, the  hybrid-electrical eco-mode system allows one of the two Aneto-1X engines to be paused while in cruise flight, thus contributing to cutting CO2 emissions. The Racer also aims to demonstrate how its particular architecture can contribute to lowering its operational acoustic footprint.

The Racer builds upon the aerodynamic configuration validated by the Airbus Helicopters X3 technology demonstrator which, back in 2013, broke the speed record and pushed the limits for a helicopter by reaching 472 km/h. While the aim of the X3 was to validate the compound architecture, combining fixed wings for energy efficient lift, lateral rotors for energy-efficient propulsion and a main rotor that provides energy-efficient VTOL flight capacity, the Racer aims to take the compound formula closer to an operational configuration and to offer increased capabilities for certain missions for which high speed can be a real advantage.

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UK Ministry of Defence orders more H145 helicopters

The UK Ministry of Defence has ordered a further six Airbus H145 helicopters as the next step in renewing its rotary fleet and cutting the number of different types in service.

The new aircraft will be deployed to Cyprus primarily for emergency response duties and to Brunei to support UK military training in jungle warfare and will replace Airbus Pumas currently performing those roles.

Airbus Helicopters in the UK Managing Director Lenny Brown said: “We congratulate the MoD on this smart acquisition which simultaneously provides the right-sized helicopter for the Cyprus and Brunei requirements, represents excellent value for the UK taxpayer, and is another key step in the rationalisation of types in the transport helicopter fleet.”

“The H145 Jupiter, and its sister H135 Juno, continue to demonstrate exceptional reliability and versatility in the training role in the Military Flying Training System (MFTS) and will bring these crucial attributes to their new tasks.”

The new helicopters will be delivered next year and will serve in parallel with 29 H135s and seven H145s in the Defence Helicopter Flying School which trains all UK military pilots as part of MFTS at RAF Shawbury. The enlarged H145 fleet brings economies of support costs and substantially reduces pilot conversion training time.

The latest version of Airbus’ best-selling H145 adds an innovative five-bladed rotor to the multi-mission H145, increasing the useful load of the helicopter by 150 kg. The simplicity of the new bearingless main rotor design eases maintenance operations, improves serviceability and reliability, and enhances flight comfort for both passengers and crew.

Worldwide there are more than 1,675 H145 family helicopters in service, with a total of more than 7.6 million flight hours. Powered by two Safran Arriel 2E engines, the H145 is equipped with a full authority digital engine control (FADEC) and the Helionix digital avionics suite. It includes a high performance 4-axis autopilot, increasing safety and reducing pilot workload. Its particularly low acoustic footprint makes the H145 the quietest helicopter in its class, while its CO2 emissions are the lowest among its competitors.

The Helionix avionics generate significant savings in pilot training due to commonality between different Airbus types including the H135 and H175M.

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Japan Coast Guard (JCG) has placed an additional order for three H225 helicopters

Japan Coast Guard (JCG) has placed an additional order for three H225 helicopters, taking its total H225 fleet up to 18. The largest Super Puma operator in Japan received three H225s in December 2023 and one in February 2024 for its growing fleet. The new helicopters will support territorial coastal activities, maritime law enforcement, as well as disaster relief missions in the country.

“The Japan Coast Guard has been an active operator of the Super Puma family helicopters for three decades. This follow-on order demonstrates the customer’s confidence in our products and the dedicated support to their fleet,” said Jean-Luc Alfonsi, Managing Director of Airbus Helicopters in Japan. “We believe the H225 is the perfect choice for JCG’s critical missions for law enforcement, as well as coastal and island protection, given its versatility in all weather conditions. We are committed to fully supporting its existing fleet, as well as its upcoming deliveries, ensuring high availability for its operations.”

Robinson Helicopter Co is celebrating 45 years of the R22.......

Generations of Pilots Learn to Fly in a Robinson R22

Robinson Helicopter Company, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of civil helicopters, celebrates the 45th anniversary of its iconic two-seat R22 helicopter. 

On March 16, 1979, Robinson received FAA certification for the R22, which has been enshrined in the Smithsonian Museum since September 2004.

With a legacy of accessibility, reliability, and versatility, the R22 revolutionized the personal helicopter market. Many of the world's rotorcraft pilots and flight schools begin their journeys in an R22. This versatile helicopter equips pilots with the critical skills and foundation necessary for a thriving career in aviation. (Watch Climb Higher Video – It All Starts in an R22)

From flight training to agricultural work, and wildlife management to surveying, Robinson helicopters have become synonymous with how tough missions are accomplished. With nearly 30 million hours flown globally (according to RHC estimates), the R22 has solidified its position as one of the best-selling civil rotorcrafts in the world. More than 80 R22s that are over 40 years old are still in service.