Sikorsky has announced a scout and attack development of its X2 high speed compound helicopter, dubbed the S-97. Like the X2 demonstrator which recently exceeded 250kt in level flight, the S-97 will feature a coaxial main rotor and a rear-mounted pusher propeller, and will carry troops and air-to-surface weapons. The company says it will self-fund
Eurocopter CEO Dr Lutz Bertling has said the company has no short term plans to replace or significantly upgrade its Squirrel range of helicopters. Speaking to Australian media at the company’s headquarters in Marignane near Marseille, Dr Bertling said the Squirrel, which was launched in the early 1980s, was still selling extremely well, and that
Eurocopter says delays in integrating new formation lighting on the Army’s fleet of ARH Tiger helicopters have been caused by the ADF wanting a type of lighting not specified in the original contract and not used by any other Tiger operator, but that the issue should be resolved by early 2011. Following on from reports
Sikorsky has completed rig testing of a hub mounted vibration suppression system (HMVS) for helicopters which it says could deliver a ‘jet-smooth’ ride for helicopters. The HMVS has been developed by Sikorsky and Lord Corporation in association with the US Army Aviation Applied Technology Directorate and works by controlling vibrations at the rotor hub and
The US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) has notified Congress of a possible sale of six refurbished former US Navy SH-60F Seahawk helicopters to Spain. The notification comes after a request from Spain for the aircraft as well as engines, inspections and modifications, spare parts, support and training equipment, and technical publications. Spain already operates
The US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) has notified Congress of a possible sale of 15 Sikorsky UH-60M Black Hawks and associated support equipment and training to Sweden in a package valued at US$546m (A$564m). The notification follows an urgent request from Sweden for the aircraft to support its commitment to the NATO mission in