Rotor Torque

“This is the first embarked operational deployment of the MRH 90 in the Maritime Support Helicopter role,” a Defence spokesperson confirmed to Australian Aviation. “808 Squadron previouslysupported Operation NSW Bushfire Assist in October 2013. ” HMAS Tobruk’s arrival at Ormoc brought the number of ADF personnel deployed to the Philippines for Operation Philippines Assist to 500. Two RAAF C-130Js are deployed to Cebu providing intra-theatre airlift support for relief efforts, while two RAAF C-17s are available for taskings should they be required.

NSW Police orders Bell 412EPI

As Bell Helicopter delivers the first example of its 412EPI, the New South Wales Police Force is bulking up its Aviation Support Branch with an order for the new version of the venerable Bell 412.

The sale, arranged by Australian Bell distributor Hawker Pacific, will see the NSW Police become the firstAustralian operator of the 412EPI, which will also be the sole Bell in an otherwise all-Eurocopter Aviation Support Branch fleet.

The 412EPI version features upgraded, FADEC-equipped engines and Bell’s BasiX Pro avionics system featuring four 10. 4in LCD screens.

Abu Dhabi Aviation became the first commercial operator in the world to purchase a Bell 412EPI that will be used for offshore oilfield support in the UAE.

New MD for Australian Helicopters

Bond Helicopters Australia’s John Boag has added the role of managing director Australian Helicopters to his existing responsibilities.

“John has 28 years of aviation experience, is a qualified helicopterpilot with experience in Offshore Oil and Gas, Search and Rescue, and EMS operations and management,” CEO Avincis Northern Europe & Asia Pacific, Richard Mintern, said. Avincis owns both Bond Helicopters and Australian Helicopters.

“Both Australian Helicopters and Bond Helicopters Australia provide very different services – the former primarily onshore operations while the latter offshore,” Boag explained.

“While there will be no changes to the way either business operates, we will be strengthening the management teams in both companies which will ultimately provide increased capabilities and support to our clients.

Former Managing Director Scott Swift is taking up a consulting role within the wider Avincis Group.

Meanwhile, The National Aerial Firefighting Centre (NAFC) has awarded Australian Helicopters its first dedicated aerial firefighting contract with a three-year agreement to provide fire response and support services to the South AustralianCountry Fire Service (CFS).

Australian Helicopters will provide two AS350BA aircraft over the fire season for air attack supervision. “The two aircraft will play an important role in CFS aerial firefighting operations, providing first-rate platforms from which our trained personnel can oversee firebombing operations and gather critical fire intelligence for the community,” CFS manager state aviation operations, David Pearce, said.

The two AS350s will begin their contract this month, on full-time standby at the Woodside base in Adelaide Hills.

Bond Australia to receive two EC225s

Bond Helicopters Australia will receive two EC225s from Eurocopter via specialist leasing company Waypoint. The two aircraft will be used for offshore crew change missions as part of Bond’s five-year contract with the PTTEP Australasia Group of Companies, which is part of Thailand’s national petroleum exploration and production company.

Earlier this year Eurocopter and Waypoint Leasing established a partnership for helicopter leasing that includes Eurocopter’s Parts-by-the-Hour (PBH) support services.

First Australian 407GX sale

Hawker Pacific has announced the first sale of the Bell 407GX to a private Australian customer. The sale comes on the back of a region-wide demonstration tour.

The aircraft is expected to be delivered in early 2014 and will be based in Sydney for corporate and VIP operations. The aircraft will be customised and maintained by Hawker Pacific.

Chief operating officer for Hawker Pacific Asia Tony Jones said the sale was a reflection of increasing market activity in the corporate aviation sector. “Confidence is the key for a healthy acquisitions market, and this sale – truly a milestone event – echoes a shift in the corporate sector,which is now moving into a new, more buoyant phase,” Jones said.

“In the corporate market we’re also seeing a lot of product development as the latest generation of aircraft are released into the market. This is always exciting because the newer, more capable variants are catalysts for boosting sales as owners and operators seek to stay current with technology improvements, enhanced aircraft performance and safety. We consider it crucial to get the latest-generation products in front of our clients and potential customers as they start to make decisions on purchasing new aircraft. ” The 407GX integrates the new Garmin G1000HTM avionics suite for greater situational awareness. The system is also compatible with Garmin’s satellite weather services, which are now supported in the region.

Eurocopter demonstrates EC130T2 around Australia

Eurocopter conducted a demonstration visit to Australia of its EC130T2, prior to delivery to its new Queensland-based owner andlaunch customer.

The single-engine helicopter is an advancement on the EC130B4, with more than 70 per cent of the airframe modified from the existing B4 model. The T2 features a more powerful Arriel 2D turboshaft engine and upgraded main gearbox, an active vibration control system and improved air ventilation.

Other enhancements include a complete redesign of the cabin interior structure to provide a fully flat floor, an updated cockpit to enhance the aircraft-pilot interface, new energy-absorbing seats to improve weight and balance for passenger loading, a crashworthy fuel tank and increased maintenance accessibility for electrical and air-conditioning systems.

The improvements boost the T2’s performance, including a higher maximum gross takeoff weight of 2,500 kg for internal loads and 3,050 kg for slung cargo.

The first EC130T2 to arrive in Australia, it was airfreighted from Europe and assembled in Queensland for delivery to its launch customer.

Eurocopter’s EC175 sets two climb records

The Eurocopter EC175 medium-sized twin-engine helicopter has achieved two time-to-climb records on its way to certification in early 2014.

The two independently verified records include time-to-climb to an altitude of 6,000m performed in six minutes 54 seconds and time-to-climb to 3,000m, achieved in three minutes 10 seconds.

Designed for airlift duties for oil and gas operators, search and rescue, emergency medical services, public services, VIP and executive transport, the 16-seat EC175 will enter service with three customers before mid-2014. Fifteen of the helicopters are currently in production.