US Customs agency request information to upgrade aging helicopter fleet

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agency is seeking information and feedback from contractors on how to convert its current fleet of Blackhawk helicopters to the newer UH-60L-Prime model. CBP detailed the helicopter conversion effort in a Request For Information (RFI) document released on Tuesday.

The agency’s Air and Marine Operations (AMO) division currently operates a mixed fleet of Sikorsky H60 Blackhawk helicopters, “several of which are approaching their service life,” the agency said in the RFI document. CBP management has directed replacing aging units within the fleet with lower-time aircraft while simultaneously reducing the disparate aircraft types into a single “Lima” platform to promote fleet standardization and reduce operating costs.

The AMO H60 Blackhawk helicopters are a vital platform used for emergency response, rescue, enforcement, transport, and surveillance. In addition, the newer UH60L-Prime will serve as a force multiplier for law enforcement and emergency personnel by providing rapid-response deployment of equipment, canines, and people.

“AMO seeks a lower time, standardized Medium Lift Helicopter fleet to improve aircraft safety and reliability, improve mission effectiveness, and be more cost-effective to operate and maintain,” the agency said. “These characteristics translate into improved operational effectiveness and enable AMO to provide expeditious, effective, and reliable support.”

The plan is to fully convert 15 UH-60L and two HH-60 aircraft to the UH-60L Prime variant.

The following systems and upgrades are planned to be installed during the modification from a stock U.S. Army UH60L to the CBP variant UH60L-Prime:

• Dual Garmin 750Xi GPS / Comm / Nav units
• Dual Astronautics “Roadrunner” Digital ADI / HSI units
• Garmin 345RT Transponder unit
• TDFM 9300 Secure Mission Radio
• Eagle ICS Router and Audio Panels (6ea).
• Shotover Mission Management / Moving Map system
• Macro Blue Mission Management Display Screen
• L3 ESI-500 EFIS Standby Instrument
• Shadin Dual Engine Fuel Flow System
• Robertson 200 Gallon Internal Auxiliary Fuel Tank System
• FRIES Fast Rope Bar System
• Martin Baker Gunner’s Seats with Floor Pallet
• Outerlink CP3i Satellite Tracking Device
• 406 MHz ELT
• Motorola APX Handheld Radio Cradle
• HEELS Cabin Emergency Lighting system
• Integrated Rescue Hoist Mount system
• Breeze Eastern Electric Rescue Hoist
• Trakkabeam Searchlight system
• Meeker Sponson Mounts and Steps
• Aft Transition Area Avionics Door
• Antenna For New Radios
• Aircraft Paint Per CBP Paint Scheme

Companies interested in supporting the conversion effort are invited to respond to the CBP RFI by Dec. 6. CBP makes it clear the RFI is for “information and planning purposes only and shall not be construed as a solicitation or as an obligation on the part of the government to issue a Request for Proposal or to award a contract.”

German Armed Forces receive first H145M helicopter from Airbus

Airbus Helicopters announced Monday they have delivered the first of up to 82 H145Ms helicopters ordered by Germany at its Donauwörth site. The Bundeswehr (German Armed Forces) have named their new H145Ms “Leichter Kampfhubschrauber” (light combat helicopter), or LKH for short. The helicopter's missions include training, reconnaissance, special forces operations, and light attack.

The first helicopter delivered is dedicated to training operations and will be used at the German Army's Bückeburg base. The first delivery of a “light attack role” LKH is scheduled for 2025. Pilot training started in August.

Signed in December, the contract between Bundeswehr and Airbus Helicopters for 82 helicopters (62 firm orders plus 20 options) is the largest order ever placed for the H145M and consequently the largest for the HForce weapon management system. The contract also includes seven years of support and services. The German Army will receive 57 helicopters, while the Luftwaffe's special forces will receive five.

The H145M is a multi-role military helicopter that provides a broad range of mission capabilities. Within minutes, the helicopter can be reconfigured from a light attack role with axial ballistic and guided weapons into a special operations version with fast rappelling equipment.

The H145M is the military version of the light twin-engine H145 helicopter. The global fleet of H145s has accumulated close to eight million flight hours. The Bundeswehr already operates 24 H145 helicopters for special forces operations and search and rescue missions.

The U.S. Army employs almost 500 helicopters from the H145 family under the name UH-72 Lakota which have clocked more than 1.5 million flight hours.

Military operators of the H145 family are Hungary, Serbia, Luxembourg, Thailand, Ecuador, and Honduras. Recent orders include Cyprus, signing for six aircraft, Belgium for 17, and Brunei for six.

First multi-mission King Air 360CHW delivered to Peruvian Air Force

Textron Aviation announced Tuesday that it has delivered the first of two multi-mission Beechcraft King Air 360CHW aircraft to the Peruvian Air Force. Equipped with a cargo door, the King Air 360CHW is fitted for heavy-weight operation.

The Beechcraft King Air 360CHW is designed and manufactured by Textron Aviation Inc.

“The King Air 360CHW delivered to the Peruvian Air Force for aeromedical evacuation (MEDEVAC) can also execute troop and cargo transport, command and control, and many other missions,” said Bob Gibbs, vice president, of Special Mission Sales. “From the coast and the highlands to the Amazon rainforest of Peru, the versatile King Air is well suited to operate in diverse, austere, remote locations.”

Delivery of a second aeromedical evacuation-equipped King Air 360CHW is expected in 2025.

Wind Creek acquires Birmingham Racecourse in Alabama

Wind Creek Hospitality announced on Monday they have entered an agreement with the McGregor family to acquire Birmingham Racecourse. Wind Creek Hospitality is owned by the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, and the McGregor family owns Birmingham Racecourse.

Wind Creek plans to transform the Birmingham Racecourse into a premier entertainment destination in the Southeast and continue to provide parimutuel and historical horse racing games.

"For over 30 years, we have worked to provide the best possible experience for our customers and employees, while generating significant tax revenue for the state of Alabama and local charities," said Lewis Benefield, president of the Birmingham Racecourse and Victoryland. Benefield said the tax revenue supports local schools, hospitals, charities, and other organizations that need financial support.

Benefield said the McGregor family has consistently sought to enhance the gaming and entertainment options at the Birmingham Racecourse, but legislative hurdles have presented challenges.

"The people of Birmingham desire the same types of entertainment offered at other facilities in and around Alabama," Benefield said. "Unfortunately, differing state laws and enforcement actions regarding gaming have limited our ability to compete effectively. The McGregor family will now focus their efforts on Victoryland in Macon County and advocate for unified gaming legislation in Alabama which would capture much-needed revenue for the people of Alabama."

Jay Dorris, president and CEO of Wind Creek Hospitality said the McGregor family built and has operated the Birmingham Racecourse and Casino for decades, “providing great entertainment, attracting tourism, and creating economic growth In Alabama.”

Stephanie Bryan, Tribal Chair and CEO of the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, said the tribe has already been heavily involved in the Birmingham area, supporting organizations like the Birmingham Promise, Birmingham Zoo, and many others. Bryan said Wind Creek will make the facility a major economic force for the area by creating more jobs, taxes, and support for the local community.

The sale of Birmingham Racecourse is expected to be finalized by early 2025.