Defence Helicopter
Advanced Avionics (sponsored)
Mark Burnand, Chief Test Pilot at Leonardo Helicopters UK, talks through the advanced avionics on board the latest generation battlefield utility AW149 helicopter.
The contract award, worth $240 million, is part of the ongoing effort by the US Army to modernise its Block II Chinook rotorcraft fleet.
After giving European Tiger attack helicopters and NH90 large utility helicopters a chance to meet Australian needs, which encountered problems, the country has turned back to the US for Apaches and Black Hawks, respectively.
Aging aircraft, fewer platforms and a lack of replacements for retired systems has impacted the US Air Force’s lethality and training capabilities, according to the force’s deputy chief of staff for operations.
The US$80 million contract will provide the US Army Black Hawk helicopters with faster and more flexible technology on the battlefield, with upgrade work “actively” ongoing.
Mark Burnand, Chief Test Pilot at Leonardo Helicopters UK, talks through the advanced avionics on board the latest generation battlefield utility AW149 helicopter.
The Chinook has served in every RAF campaign of the past 40 years. But in Afghanistan, it faced greater pressure than ever before.
9th February 2024
The cancellation of the Future Attack Reconnaissance Aircraft (FARA) has reflected a shift in focus towards uncrewed systems in response to evolving battlefield dynamics and lessons learned from recent conflicts.
6th February 2024
BAE Systems has secured an FMS contract from the US Army for AN/AAR-57 Common Missile Warning Systems, expanding its deployment beyond the US services.
5th February 2024
The branch’s main concerns for FY2025 will include integrating systems and equipment, improving software, cyber capabilities and aircraft fleet, and preparing for mass deployments.
5th February 2024
Saudi Arabia and Leonardo have agreed to explore collaboration opportunities in the defence sector, including airframe maintenance, assembly of helicopters and next-generation technology initiatives.
2nd February 2024
The acquisition of UAS company Malloy Aeronautics indicated BAE Systems' commitment to advancing its autonomous portfolio.
1st February 2024
Boeing has begun gearing up to deliver the first MH-139A Grey Wolf multirole helicopters to the US Air Force later this year as the branch closes in on a milestone in its UH-1N Huey Replacement effort.
31st January 2024
The US Air Force has been operating helicopters and combat, ISR, transport and training platforms that have been in service for three decades or more, with 44% of its fleet having already passed its design service life.
29th January 2024
The new Argentina government has reduced the defence budget request for 2024 and enabled the use of FONDEF for expenses not related to equipment improvement.
29th January 2024
Croatia's aspiration to purchase an additional eight UH-60M Black Hawks military helicopters has been approved by the US State Department.
26th January 2024
Germany has committed to sending Ukraine six of its 21 retiring WS-61 Westland Sea King multirole, amphibious helicopters.
25th January 2024
The UAE has awarded a substantial contract to EDGE Group for 200 uncrewed helicopters at UMEX 2024.
24th January 2024
Macedonia has selected the Leonardo AW149 medium helicopter over Airbus, Bell and Lockheed Martin aircraft.
18th January 2024
The Royal Canadian Air Force has been operating 82 CH-146 Griffon helicopters out of 11 locations across Canada. In May 2022, C$800 million was awarded for the service life extension of the fleet which will keep the aircraft in service until at least the mid-2030s.
16th January 2024
The Royal Netherlands Air Force has received two advanced AH-64E Apache Guardian attack helicopters remanufactured from the service’s AH-64D fleet.
15th January 2024
Albania has received the first two of three Black Hawk helicopters previously owned by the US Army.
19th December 2023
The proposed sale of UH-60M Black Haws will replace Greece’s ageing multi-role helicopter fleet with a more reliable platform.
14th December 2023
The German Armed Forces has signed a contract to procure up to 82 Airbus H145M multi-role helicopters, marking the largest-ever order for this model.
13th December 2023
The Polish Navy has initiated the induction of its first Leonardo AW101 Merlin anti-submarine warfare helicopter, with three aircraft stationed at the Naval Aviation Brigade air base and a fourth undergoing Polish system modifications.
13th December 2023
The UK MoD’s decision to potentially purchase six H145 helicopters for specific operational requirements in Brunei and Cyprus has sparked uncertainty about the much anticipated New Medium Helicopter programme.