Showing posts with label Helicopter. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Helicopter. Show all posts
Russia's New Mi-38 Transport Helicopter.
Rosoboronexport delivered Ka-31 helicopters to China
We recall that Rosoboronexport's deputy director general Alexander Mikheev said at international exhibition HeliRussia-2010 held in Moscow in May 2010 that the contract provides delivery of nine Ka-31 helicopters to China.
Ka-31 helicopters are made by JSC Kamov which is a member of Helicopters of Russia holding. The onboard radar is capable to detect and track up to 20 targets simultaneously at the distance up to 150 km (aircrafts) and up to 285 km (surface ships). These helicopters are in service with Russian Navy; 9 were exported to India under a $207-mln contract.
EC-175/Z-15 Helicopter is the latest China-Europe production
EADS Eurocopter has signed a cooperation agreement covering the development of a new 16-seat EC175 helicopter, following a year of intense negotiations to detail and develop the general principles laid down in the Agreement signed in October 2004 during President Chirac’s official visit to China. The five-year development phase will be kicked off early in 2006. The new ‘civil’ helicopter is due to make its first flight in 2009, with European and Chinese certification set for 2011, the year in which production is due to start.
The EC175 to be developed by Eurocopter and Chinese firm AVIC II will feature the very latest technological advances in the cockpit and avionics, along with a 5-bladed main rotor that uses the same Spheriflex technology as the EC120 and a high energy absorbing airframe. The EC175 will be certified for two-pilot IFR and single-pilot VFR operations when carrying up to 16 passengers, with a radius of action of 200 nautical miles at a speed of 280 km/h.
Eurocopter and AVIC II will each invest EUR 300 million to develop the new EC175 helicopter. Production will be shared on a 50/50 basis, and each country will have its own assembly line. Sales forecasts for this latest-generation helicopter call for 800 to be sold worldwide over the next 20 years.
Eurocopter President Fabrice Bregie believes that this program guarantees more than 30 years of activity and the creation of 2,000 high tech jobs for Eurocopter and the company’s partners. Over 20 years, he estimates that the program will be worth close to EUR 10 billion.
The EC175 project follows in the footsteps of the past programs, which spawned increasingly tight cooperative ties between Chinese industry and Eurocopter. The licensed production of the Dauphin in 1980 (in service with China’s military as the Z-9), followed by the industrial cooperation on the light EC120 in 1992 (which EADS lists on its web site as civil/military), has paved the way to this more ambitious co-development program. More than 500 EC120s have been sold throughout the world, and EADS says that it’s currently the best seller in its category. An assembly line was inaugurated in 2004 in the Harbin, China plant to satisfy the needs of the growing (by 10-15% annually) Chinese domestic market.
Eurocopter said that it holds a 45% share in the Chinese civil and government/ security helicopter sector, and Eurocopter Vice-President for Asia Mr. Norbert Ducrot estimates that China will need about 300 helicopters before 2015 in light of the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing and the 2010 Universal Exhibition in Shanghai.
Indian Army Will Get Soon Dhruv Mk. 3 Helicopters
HAL will soon hand over five Mk. 3 versions of the Dhruv Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) to the Indian army.
This is in addition to the five Dhruv Mk. 3 helicopters delivered to the service during the just-concluded Aero India 2011 symposium, which marked the first deliveries in a total order of 159 advanced Dhruv variants. HAL says the rest of the helicopters will be delivered in phases over the next five years.
“There were issues with the shortage of spares, which put the brakes on the production activities,” a senior HAL official says. “We have overcome the crisis, and the production plan has picked up momentum now. Ten Dhruvs for the Indian air force also will be handed over soon.”
This is in addition to the five Dhruv Mk. 3 helicopters delivered to the service during the just-concluded Aero India 2011 symposium, which marked the first deliveries in a total order of 159 advanced Dhruv variants. HAL says the rest of the helicopters will be delivered in phases over the next five years.
“There were issues with the shortage of spares, which put the brakes on the production activities,” a senior HAL official says. “We have overcome the crisis, and the production plan has picked up momentum now. Ten Dhruvs for the Indian air force also will be handed over soon.”
The Mk. 3 variants are powered by Shakti turboshaft engines developed by HAL and Turbomeca. The helicopter underwent high-altitude trials in 2009. “ The Mk. 3 sports a new electronic warfare suite, advanced laser warning systems, missile warning systems and electro-optical pods. It has a new-generation vibration-control system in place along with the glass cockpit. It also has an automatic chaff-and-flare dispenser,” the official says.
“The Indian air force versions will be tested by pilots from Aircraft System and Testing Establishment,” he adds. “We will also roll out the Mk. 4 variants of Dhruv during the 2011-12 period.”
The subject of frequent criticism from Indian media and audit agencies, the Dhruv seems to have finally come of age thanks to strong management principles put in place at HAL’s Helicopter Complex. Insiders say that new computer-aided design and manufacturing features at the production lines, user feedback, and the establishment of a separate maintenance, repair and overall facility have all helped the program.
India To Get 15 Russian Mi-17B-5 Helicopters
India will receive 15 Mi-17B-5 helicopters this year from Russia as part of the contract for 80 choppers.
Russia is to supply the helicopters to India within the framework of a contract India's Defense Ministry signed with Russia's arms exporter Rosoboronexport.
The contract is likely to be complemented with an extra order for 59 such helicopters, the general director of the Helicopters of Russia holding company, Dmitry Petrov, told Itar-Tass.
Russia is participating in the Indian Defence Ministry's tenders for the upgrade of 108 helicopters Mi-17 for the Indian army and 17 Ka-28 helicopters for the Indian Navy, Petrov said.
Russia is to supply the helicopters to India within the framework of a contract India's Defense Ministry signed with Russia's arms exporter Rosoboronexport.
The contract is likely to be complemented with an extra order for 59 such helicopters, the general director of the Helicopters of Russia holding company, Dmitry Petrov, told Itar-Tass.
Russia is participating in the Indian Defence Ministry's tenders for the upgrade of 108 helicopters Mi-17 for the Indian army and 17 Ka-28 helicopters for the Indian Navy, Petrov said.
India Issues RFI For Naval Multi-Role Helicopters For ASW Purpose
India has issued a request for information for a naval multi-role helicopter (NMRH) to complement its existing fleet of Westland Sea King 42 anti-submarine warfare (ASW) helicopters.
The RFI calls for helicopters with a maximum all-up weight of between 9t and 12.5t. The NMRH, which will be expected to serve for 30 years, should have the capacity for 10% weight growth throughout its service life without hurting performance.
The navy foresees three primary roles: ASW, anti-surface warfare (ASuW), and special operations. Secondary roles include electronic intelligence, search and rescue (SAR), external cargo carrying, casualty evacuation and combat SAR.
Candidate helicopters must be able to operate from ships as small as the navy's Godavari-class frigates. They also need to be able to fit in shipboard hangars with a length of 15.5m (50.8ft), a width of 5.5m and a height of 5.3m.
"The NMRH should be a contemporary design with modern, reliable and fuel-efficient engines and fully integrated advanced avionics/weapons suite employing the latest concepts for detection, identification, classification of surface and sub-surface targets along with the ability to detect air targets," the RFI said.
It also outlines performance requirements for two variants: one focused on ASW/ASuW and the other for special operations.
For the former variant, India seeks an aircraft that can autonomously locate and destroy submarines, compile an integrated picture of the situation above and below the surface, and operate in all weather conditions.
The special operations variant needs the capability to carry unguided rockets and guns.
Possible candidates for the requirement could include the Lockheed Martin/Sikorsky MH-60R and NH Industries' NH90. The deal will require a minimum 30% offset obligation under Indian laws.
The RFI calls for helicopters with a maximum all-up weight of between 9t and 12.5t. The NMRH, which will be expected to serve for 30 years, should have the capacity for 10% weight growth throughout its service life without hurting performance.
The navy foresees three primary roles: ASW, anti-surface warfare (ASuW), and special operations. Secondary roles include electronic intelligence, search and rescue (SAR), external cargo carrying, casualty evacuation and combat SAR.
Candidate helicopters must be able to operate from ships as small as the navy's Godavari-class frigates. They also need to be able to fit in shipboard hangars with a length of 15.5m (50.8ft), a width of 5.5m and a height of 5.3m.
"The NMRH should be a contemporary design with modern, reliable and fuel-efficient engines and fully integrated advanced avionics/weapons suite employing the latest concepts for detection, identification, classification of surface and sub-surface targets along with the ability to detect air targets," the RFI said.
It also outlines performance requirements for two variants: one focused on ASW/ASuW and the other for special operations.
For the former variant, India seeks an aircraft that can autonomously locate and destroy submarines, compile an integrated picture of the situation above and below the surface, and operate in all weather conditions.
The special operations variant needs the capability to carry unguided rockets and guns.
Possible candidates for the requirement could include the Lockheed Martin/Sikorsky MH-60R and NH Industries' NH90. The deal will require a minimum 30% offset obligation under Indian laws.
Source: http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2011/06/17/358100/india-issues-rfi-for-multi-role-naval-helicopters.html
Eurocopter X3 Hybrid Helicopter To Make Debut At Paris Air Sow
Eurocopter will give the first public flight presentations of its X3 hybrid helicopter and the EC175 helo at the 2011 Paris Air Show.
Eurocopter, a division of aerospace and defense company EADS, will also put on display at Le Bourget Airport its enhanced EC145 T2 and AS350 B3e helicopters; an AS565 Panther outfitted with the Stand Alone Weapon System (SAWS); the EC135 configured for law enforcement and customs missions; and a version of the EC175 tailored for search and rescue operations.
Lutz Bertling, Eurocopter’s President and CEO says, “the X3 is an excellent example of how we are preparing for the future...I am sure that professional visitors and the public alike will be impressed by the X3’s extraordinary flight demonstrations at this year’s Paris Air Show, which are unequalled in aviation.”
The X3 demonstrator is powered by a five-blade main rotor system and two propellers on short-span fixed wings – a combination that delivers excellent vertical takeoff and landing capabilities of a helicopter, along with aircraft-type fast cruise speeds and maneuverability, Bertling says.
Eurocopter anticipates a wide range of utilizations for the X3 hybrid helicopter concept, including long-distance search and rescue (SAR) missions, coast guard duties, border patrol missions, passenger transport, offshore operations and inter-city shuttle services.
The EC175 helo, developed jointly by Eurocopter and China, will also be demonstrated at the Paris Air Show’s daily flight program. Eurocopter foresees the rotary-wing aircraft’s certification during the second half of 2011 for deliveries beginning in 2012.
This multi-role helicopter is in the seven-metric-ton weight category, fitting into Eurocopter’s product range between its AS365 Dauphin and the AS332/EC225 Super Puma aircraft families. The EC175 benefits from a mix of proven and advanced technologies, providing excellent performance and reliability.
Eurocopter will also exhibit its enhanced EC145 T2, AS350 B3e and AS565 MBe in the static display area during the show.
Indian Dhruv helicopters dismally fail in Ecuador
Ecuadorian Air Force (EAF) which inducted seven Indian manufactured Dhruv helicopters, at a package cost of $ 50 millions, is finding itself beset with problems even as the last consignment of two helicopters has barely arrived in the country. According to the aviation sources, one of the inducted Dhruv helicopters crashed last year while two others have been grounded on account of malfunctioning of over-speed management unit (OMU).
While the Ecuadorian Air Force is plagued by Dhruv related maintenance issues, its difficulties have been compounded by exorbitant repair cost demanded by Indian manufacturers.
The original US company that manufactures the OMU, charges $100000 as the repair cost while the Indians have demanded $250000 for the same job.
India has also raised the price of two additional Dhruvs that the EAF had originally planned as additional follow through acquisitions; demanding $ 12 million apiece.
The EAF has informed the Indian government that because of cost issues, maintenance problems, under par flight performance and poor post sale spare support it is considering cancelling further orders for induction of Dhruv helicopters.
According to observers the disappointing Ecuadorian experience with the Dhruv Helicopters doesn’t augur well for the Indian efforts to find a toe hold in South American countries for its aviation products.
It is bound to have its negative fallout as other South American governments; Columbia, Brazil and Chile, who were contemplating induction of Dhruv helicopters in their respective air forces, are now certain to revisit such plans.
Dhruv is not only accident prone, overly priced and having maintenance support issues, it also comes with the Indian tendency of creating dependence and over invoicing, which make even costlier options from other countries more palatable, say observers.
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http://app.com.pk/en_/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=146103&Itemid=2Russia, U.S. Prepares New Military Cooperation Deals
Russia and the United States plan to sign more military cooperation deals, the deputy chief of the Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation said on Thursday.This May, the United States signed a $367.5 million contract with Russia to buy 21 Mi-17V5 military transport helicopters for the Afghan army.
"We plan to sign more deals with the United States very soon, and plan to extend [cooperation] beyond helicopter deals," Vyacheslav Dzirkaln said, adding that the two countries are in search of other mutually beneficial areas of military cooperation.
He also denied media reports that Russia had problems with implementing the helicopter contract and said that the first batch of aircraft would be sent to Afghanistan later this year.
The Mi-17 is an export version of the Mi-8 Hip helicopter. Currently in production at two factories in the Russian Volga area city of Kazan and the East Siberian city of Ulan-Ude, it features powerful turboshaft engines and can transport up to 35 troops.
The Mi-17V5 version is equipped with a loading ramp instead of the clam-shell doors, an additional door and a new "dolphin nose".
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Turkey's T-129 attack helicopter prototype makes successful first flight
Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) has successfully flown the first prototype of its T129 attack helicopter
The first flight, conducted by TAI’s test pilots, of T129 “P6” prototype helicopter has timely and successfully been completed at TAI’s facilities in Akıncı (Ankara) the company said today
The ATAK Program was initiated with the aim to meet the Attack/Tactical Reconnaissance Helicopter requirements of the Turkish Land Forces Command (TLF) by the integration of high-tech avionic equipment, hardware and software which will be developed in Turkey.
The first flight of the P6 prototype marks an important milestone in the ATAK Program and is the first of three T129 prototypes which are being assembled in Turkey.
The helicopter is based on the Agusta Westland A129 Mongoose which has been the mainstay of the Italian army and has been operational in Iraq and Afghanistan.
The T-129 ATAK is an enhanced version of the Italian built A129, and its development is now the responsibility of TAI, with AgustaWestland as the primary partner.
The original prototype being built in Italy crashed in March 2010 during a test flight, leaving its Italian test pilot and its test engineer needing hospital treatment for minor injuries.
Turkey originally planned to order 51 A129s with 40 options back in 2007 but the following year Turkey undertook to fully build the platform.
Under the agreement, TAI has developed an indigenous mission computer, avionics, weapons systems, self-protection suites and the helmet-mounting cuing systems. TUSAS Engine Industries (TEI) ismanufacturing the LHTEC CTS800-4N engines under licence. Under the agreement, Turkey has full marketing and intellectual property rights for the T-129 platform. There are also no restrictions imposed on Turkey for the export or transfer of the platform to third countries other than Italy of the UK.
Turkey To Buy First Heavy-Lift CH-47F Transport Helicopters
Turkey has signed a government-to-government deal with the United States to buy six Boeing-made CH-47 heavy-lift military transport helicopters, the first such weapons in its inventory, a senior procurement official said over the weekend. The deal is worth up to $400 million, the official said.
The Defense Security Cooperation Agency, or DSCA, the Pentagon’s body coordinating weapons sales, notified the U.S. Congress of a potential sale of a total of 14 CH-47F heavy-lift helicopters for $1.2 billion in December 2009. Congress gave permission for the sale later that month.
Because of financial constraints, however, the Undersecretariat for the Defense Industry, or SSM, Turkey’s procurement agency, later wanted to buy only six CH-47Fs, five for the Army and one for the Special Forces Command, leaving a decision on the remaining eight platforms for the future. Contract negotiations between the SSM, the U.S. government and Boeing were launched last year.
“The contract was signed in late July,” the procurement official told the Hürriyet Daily News. “After the helicopters begin to arrive, we plan to make some modifications to them according to our needs.”
The six CH-47F Chinooks will be the first heavy-lift helicopters in the Turkish Army’s inventory. Their deliveries are expected to begin in 2013 and end in 2014.
“These helicopters have incredible capabilities. Three or four of them can transport a company-sized unit and its equipment over long distances in only a few hours,” the procurement official said. The maximum speed of the CH-47F is around 312 kilometers per hour.
Developed in the late 1960s, the Chinooks have been exported to many countries, including Australia, Britain, Canada, Egypt, Greece, Italy, Japan, Morocco, the Netherlands, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand and the United Arab Emirates.
The Chinook has been successfully operated in combat conditions in several wars and armed conflicts.
Heavy-lift military transport helicopters are much larger versions of utility helicopters. The Chinook is a twin-engine, twin-rotor helicopter. Its counter-rotating rotors eliminate the need for an anti-torque vertical rotor, allowing all power to be used for lift and thrust.
The CH-47F is the upgraded version of the CH-47D, and is the latest model in this helicopter family. It can carry up to 60 troops and personnel.
The Defense Security Cooperation Agency, or DSCA, the Pentagon’s body coordinating weapons sales, notified the U.S. Congress of a potential sale of a total of 14 CH-47F heavy-lift helicopters for $1.2 billion in December 2009. Congress gave permission for the sale later that month.
Because of financial constraints, however, the Undersecretariat for the Defense Industry, or SSM, Turkey’s procurement agency, later wanted to buy only six CH-47Fs, five for the Army and one for the Special Forces Command, leaving a decision on the remaining eight platforms for the future. Contract negotiations between the SSM, the U.S. government and Boeing were launched last year.
“The contract was signed in late July,” the procurement official told the Hürriyet Daily News. “After the helicopters begin to arrive, we plan to make some modifications to them according to our needs.”
The six CH-47F Chinooks will be the first heavy-lift helicopters in the Turkish Army’s inventory. Their deliveries are expected to begin in 2013 and end in 2014.
“These helicopters have incredible capabilities. Three or four of them can transport a company-sized unit and its equipment over long distances in only a few hours,” the procurement official said. The maximum speed of the CH-47F is around 312 kilometers per hour.
Developed in the late 1960s, the Chinooks have been exported to many countries, including Australia, Britain, Canada, Egypt, Greece, Italy, Japan, Morocco, the Netherlands, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand and the United Arab Emirates.
The Chinook has been successfully operated in combat conditions in several wars and armed conflicts.
Heavy-lift military transport helicopters are much larger versions of utility helicopters. The Chinook is a twin-engine, twin-rotor helicopter. Its counter-rotating rotors eliminate the need for an anti-torque vertical rotor, allowing all power to be used for lift and thrust.
The CH-47F is the upgraded version of the CH-47D, and is the latest model in this helicopter family. It can carry up to 60 troops and personnel.
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