The NATO Support and Procurement Agency has awarded separate contracts to three teams led by Airbus Helicopters, Lockheed Martin Sikorsky and Leonardo to undertake a concept study on the design and execution of the Next Generation Rotorcraft Capability program. NGRC is geared to replace the military alliance’s helicopters by the mid-2030s. NSPA said in a...
Tag: Airbus Helicopters
SkyAlyne to Train Canadian Aircrew Under $8.2B Contract; Marc Parent Quoted
SkyAlyne, a joint venture of global defense and security company CAE and KF Aerospace, will handle the Royal Canadian Air Force’s training program under a $8.2 billion, 25-year contract. The initiative, called Canada’s Future Aircrew Training program, involves preparations for Canadian military pilots, air combat systems officers and airborne electronic sensor operators, according to CAE’s...
Airbus, Babcock to Provide Sustainment Support for France’s EC145 Helicopters
The French government has selected Airbus Helicopters and Babcock to support the Interior Ministry’s EC145 light utility aircraft fleet. Under the 12-year deal, the two companies will provide technical support, spare parts, logistics solutions, technical data management and software support to sustain the aircraft’s missions, mostly involving rescue operations, air medical transport and law enforcement....
Brunei Selects Airbus H145M Helicopters to Replace Retired Bolkow Fleet; Bruno Even Quoted
Brunei’s Ministry of Defence has ordered six Airbus H145 M helicopters to replace the deactivated Bolkow Bo 105. The Southeast Asian nation intends to deploy the aircraft mainly for close air support and aerial observation operations. Airbus Helicopters CEO Bruno Even said the H145M boasts high performance and versatility, a well-regarded helicopter that will improve...
Leonardo, Bell Team Up on Next-Generation Rotorcraft Concept Study Proposal
Bell Textron has agreed to support Leonardo in developing a next-generation rotorcraft concept study proposal for NATO. In a press release, Leonardo said it signed a memorandum of understanding with Bell to study in which areas they can create opportunities to collaborate on tiltrotor technology. Lisa Atherton, president and CEO at Bell, said the companies...
Leonardo Establishes UK Supply Chain to Support $1B New Medium Helicopter Bid
Leonardo Helicopters plans to build AW149 helicopters using components solely from U.K.-based businesses if the company wins the $1.27 billion New Medium Helicopter contract from the UK Ministry of Defence. According to the NMH contract notice published in 2022, the MOD intends to acquire between 36 and 44 aircraft to phase out existing rotorcraft systems...
Airbus Helicopters, Naval Group Test Unmanned Aerial System From French Navy Frigate
Airbus Helicopters and the French defense company Naval Group have completed a sea trial of a naval aerial drone system in the Mediterranean Sea. The autonomous VSR700 flew from the multi-mission frigate Provence, demonstrating its capability to perform surveillance and intelligence missions from an operational warship. The trial was conducted with the French Navy, which supplied...
Airbus Announces Deal to Acquire Unmanned Aircraft Maker Aerovel
Airbus Helicopters has signed an agreement to acquire Aerovel and its small tactical unmanned aerial system called Flexrotor for intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance missions. According to the Marignane, France-based company, the strategic move will expand its UAS portfolio. Aerovel’s expertise in autonomous flight technology complements the organization’s UAS development efforts and supports its...
Lockheed Creates Team for UK New Medium Helicopter Contract Bid
Lockheed Martin UK has established its own team of British companies to compete for the U.K. Ministry of Defence’s $1.27 billion New Medium Helicopter contract award, under which the MOD would procure up to 44 aircraft as part of its modernization efforts. The team proposes the Sikorsky Black Hawk helicopter to replace MOD’s aging aircraft...