Navy orders six more CH-53K King Stallion helicopters

Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company, will build six additional production CH-53K King Stallion helicopters under a new contract for the U.S. Navy. The aircraft will further support the U.S. Marine Corps in its mission to conduct expeditionary heavy-lift assault transport of armored vehicles, equipment, and personnel to support distributed operations deep inland from a sea-based center of operations.

The six helicopters are part of a 200-aircraft program for the Marine Corps, and their addition makes a total of 24 CH-53K production aircraft now under contract. Sikorsky will begin deliveries of the six aircraft in January 2024.

The CH-53K program has five aircraft on the line at Sikorsky facilities in Connecticut and over two dozen in various stages of production. The program will deliver the first low-rate initial production aircraft in September 2021.

Sikorsky and its suppliers have made significant investments in facilities, machinery, tooling, and workforce training to ramp up the production required for the CH-53K program. For example, for the first time, newly installed 10-ton cranes lifted a 12,000-pound gearbox into a CH-53K production aircraft.

The CH-53K is also nearing the conclusion of the developmental flight test events in preparation for Initial Operational Test & Evaluation, having flown more than 2,000 flight hours validating the aircraft's performance on a ship and in both hot and cold environments.

US Customs will use a helicopter to replace solar equipment on Mohawk Mountain

The battery bank that supplies power to the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) owned Tactical Communication site at Mohawk Mountain in Mohawk, Ariz., is beginning to show signs of failure. To avoid a complete site failure, CBP’s Office of Information Technology along with other agencies working with CBP are planning to replace the solar equipment.

Mohawk Mountain is in a remote location that requires helicopter transport for access by personnel and delivery of all materials, supplies, tools and equipment. Given the nature of the allowable work space and approved location for installations, the site has no additional staging area to support concurrent delivery of removals and installations. All deliveries are anticipated to be completed by single point lifts using a single hook up and single set down as no release or drop lifts are anticipated.

CBP is looking for a contractor to supply a helicopter to lift tools, equipment, and personnel up to the remote site that is located at Mohawk Mountain (Latitude 32.5900, Longitude - 113.6479). All lifts will be from a predetermined staging area or forward operating base (FOB) that will be used as the meet up location for transportation to and from the remote site and as the hook up location for all loads. The FOB is anticipated to be located at the following location: Marker Beacon 35 (Latitude: 32.605222, Longitude: ---113.773417). The FOB is accessed via a dirt road from Interstate 8. The contractor’s fuel truck is expected to park daily at FOB for refueling. Should the FOB change, it is anticipated that the location will not vary more than five miles away from the predetermined location. Local air restrictions may apply and will be the responsibility of the contractor to become familiar with local air restrictions and potential no fly zones/times. The contractor should note the site is mountainous where topography and winds can be highly variable an may impact approach vectors.

CBP will coordinate pre-clearance through the Barry M. Goldwater Range restricted airspace R-2301 and will inform contractor of any special transit procedures.

Multiple airlifts, of different payloads, will be required throughout the duration of the project to transport removals and installations to the remote site. The anticipated flight schedule is presumed to be four personnel flights (i.e. two in and two out) plus three to five flights for tools and equipment per day during Site Prep Activities and Site Clean Up activities.

The Period of Performance under the contract is anticipated to be a total of 32 days to complete all required meetings and performance objectives for helicopter lift services. The anticipated start date of helicopter lift services is Oct. 28.

GA Telesis forms GA Telesis Rotorcraft and acquires seven Bell helicopters

GA Telesis, LLC (GAT) announced the formation of GA Telesis Rotorcraft (GATR) on Wednesday to provide lease and finance solutions in the helicopter sector. GATR has already closed its first helicopter transaction, a portfolio of Bell helicopters.

GAT completed the acquisition of seven Bell 206L4 helicopters, four of which are subject to multi-year leases.  Regarding the other three helicopters, one is available for lease or sale. A second helicopter will be refurbished and made available for lease or sale later this year.  The final helicopter will be parted out and sold as used serviceable material.

Video: Hughes demonstrates live video transmission over satellite from Black Hawk helicopter

Hughes Network Systems, LLC, the global leader in broadband satellite networks and services, announced Tuesday the successful in-flight demonstration of Hughes HeloSat satellite communications from a Black Hawk helicopter. The HeloSat solution transmitted consistent, real-time, full-motion video to a live global audience from the Black Hawk as it surveilled the Tennessee landscape on May 21.

"Customers from as far away as Spain, India and the United Arab Emirates watched the Hughes HeloSat demonstration in Tennessee via livestream,“ said Wayne Marhefka, senior director, Hughes Defense. "This flight validates the Hughes HeloSat capability to support missions such as intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, search and rescue, emergency response and airborne command aboard rotary aircraft like the Black Hawk."

HeloSat maintained the live-stream video feed throughout the 30-minute flight. HeloSat has been tested on more than a dozen different types of rotary-wing aircraft.

Black Hawk medium-lift utility helicopter up for sale

The U.S. Army Contracting Command-Redstone in Huntsville, Ala., announced Wednesday they have an Army Black Hawk helicopter up for sale. The contracting command is handling the aircraft sale on behalf of the Program Executive Office, Aviation, Logistics, Black Hawk Exchange and Sales Team (BEST) Program.

The aircraft is a Sikorsky UH-60A Black Hawk medium-lift utility helicopter (tail number 81-23624). The helicopter is located at the BEST Aircraft Consolidation Facility in Huntsville, Ala.

“The following property is available for sale through negotiation at fixed prices,” the Army said in the announcement. If more than one agency has indicated interest in the item, the sale will be on a ''first-come, first-served'' basis. Payment must be made within 30 calendar days after purchase.

A series of Army UH-60A helicopters have already been sold. Click here for articles covering past aircraft sales.

Department of Energy shopping for used Bell helicopter

The Department of Energy/Western Area Power Administration (WAPA) intends to procure a used Bell 407 helicopter, according to contract documents released Thursday. Bell Helicopter Textron Inc. in Fort Worth, Texas, is the sole manufacturer of the Bell 407.

WAPA requires that the helicopter be manufactured in 2010 or newer and not exceed 1,000 flight hours, the Energy Department said in a Pre-Solicitation Notice released Thursday. The Bell 407 should be utility equipped with no damage history, high skid gear, rotor brake, and covered by a warranty for replacement and/or repair of defective components for a period of one year.

The contract solicitation will be available on or around May 10 with quotes due seven calendar days after release.

Saudi Arabia agrees to buy Chinook helicopters from US

Several defense and commercial agreements announced Saturday will further strengthen Boeing’s partnership with Saudi Arabia, create or sustain thousands of jobs in both the United States and Saudi Arabia, and enhance national security in the region.

President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Rex Tillerson were joined by King Salman bin Abdul-Aziz Al Saud, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Naif Al Saud and Deputy Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman Al Saud at a signing ceremony that included Boeing products and services. Among the announcements:

• Agreements to purchase Chinook helicopters and associated support services as well as guided weapon systems.
• Saudi Arabia’s intent to order P-8 maritime, patrol and reconnaissance aircraft, which are based on the Boeing 737 commercial airplane.
• A joint venture with the Kingdom to provide sustainment services for a wide range of military platforms. The agreement also supports Saudi Arabia’s efforts to grow its indigenous aerospace industry and ecosystem through its Vision 2030 initiative.
• A commercial registration certificate for the Saudi Rotorcraft Support Company, a newly formed joint venture between Boeing, Alsalam Aerospace Industries and Saudia Aerospace Engineering Industries with bases in both Riyadh and Jeddah that will provide support for both military and commercial helicopters.
• An agreement between Boeing and SaudiGulf Airlines to negotiate the sale of up to 16 widebody airplanes.

Video: Airbus showcases H135 helicopter with Helionix avionics system

Airbus Helicopters showcases H135 Helionix at Heli-Expo 2017.

Helionix is an innovative avionics system that offers operators exceptional mission flexibility and safety. Its design is based on a family concept with standardized features, so it can be installed on nearly all new commercial helicopters. Helionix is fully modular and can be installed with one to four screens, meaning it can just as easily be adapted to light helicopters or to the EC175.

Demand for Eagle 407HP helicopter conversions is growing

Honeywell will deliver a total of 10 HTS900 helicopter engines to Eagle Copters Ltd. in 2017. Eagle Copters placed a new order for eight additional engines in January 2017, adding to the two engines from a previous order, which are scheduled for delivery in the second quarter.

"The global helicopter market recognizes the many benefits of replacing the standard engine on the Bell 407 helicopter with the more powerful and reliable Honeywell HTS900," said Rick Buchanan, senior director of retrofit, modifications and upgrades, Honeywell Aerospace. "The HTS900 has a 17 percent reduction in fuel consumption compared with the standard engine and a 22 percent increase in shaft horsepower, making it ideal for lifting heavy loads under hot-and-high flying conditions."

"We have already completed eight conversions, have more in the pipeline, and are in regular conversation with other operators looking to upgrade their fleets either by converting their existing Bell 407 or acquiring a new Eagle 407HP from Eagle Copters," said David Whiting, vice president, Technical Sales, Eagle Copters.

The Honeywell HTS900 is a new engine design that provides an additional 500 pounds of payload, improved dash speed and 12 percent lower maintenance costs compared with the original Bell 405.

UH-60A Black Hawk helicopter sales announcement

The U.S. Army Contracting Command-Redstone announced Friday they are putting another UH-60A helicopter up for sale on behalf of The Utility Helicopters Project Management Office, Black Hawk Exchange and Sales Team (BEST) Program.

Interested buyers have 15 days to indicate their desire to purchase the aircraft and arrange satisfactory arrangements for payment, pickup, handling, and transportation charges. Payment must be made within 30 calendar days after purchase.

The UH-60A Black Hawk (tail number 80-23506) is located at the BEST Aircraft Consolidation Facility in Huntsville, Ala.

Past UH-60A sales:

July 12, 2014 - Army Black Hawk helicopter up for sale

June 9, 2015 - Four US Army UH-60A helicopters up for sale

Navy orders Bell 407 helicopters to support production of Fire Scout

Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., intends to issue a definitive, commercial contract on a sole source basis to Bell Helicopter of Hurst, Texas, for the production and delivery of two Bell 407 analog helicopters with an option to buy three Bell 407 digital (GX) and/or analog helicopters as available. “This Bell 407 helicopter procurement will support production of the MQ-8C Fire Scout Endurance Upgrade Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS),” the Navy said in contract documents released Friday.

The Bell 407 helicopter was selected by Northrop Grumman Corp. for inclusion in the MQ-8C Fire Scout UAS design. “It is the only known system configuration that meets the minimum requirements for production of the MQ-8C Fire Scout,” the Navy said. “Bell Helicopter is the Original Equipment Manufacturer of the commercial Bell 407 helicopter and the only known supplier of the air vehicle.”

UH-1N Replacement Program meeting this month

The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is hosting an Industry Day meeting this month to provide details on the planned replacement of the Air Force's fleet of UH-1N aircraft. The Air Force is planning to acquire a common platform up to 72 vertical lift aircraft to replace the current UH-1N fleet. “The UH-1N replacement will be an in-production, non-developmental, Government Off-The-Shelf or Commercial Off-The-Shelf solution,” official said in contract documents released Friday.

The “UH-1N Replacement Program Industry Day” is a two-day event Aug.26-27 at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. The meeting is being organized by the Air Force ISR & SOF Directorate, Combat Rescue Helicopter Division.

“This is to be considered an initial step in establishing industry understanding of the UH-1N Replacement Program and to allow the government team to determine market understanding and capability to integrate and complete the program,” official said in contract documents. “The dialogue will serve to educate vendors on the content of the upcoming Capabilities Request for Information (CRFI), anticipated to be released following the Industry Day. The CRFI will request information on potential solutions and sources capable of providing aircraft that meet program requirements.”

Four US Army UH-60A helicopters up for sale

The U.S. Army Contracting Command-Redstone on behalf of The Utility Helicopters Project Management Office, Black Hawk Exchange and Sales Team (BEST) Program, announced Tuesday that four Army Black Hawk helicopters are up for sale through negotiation at fixed prices.

The aircraft are medium lift utility Sikorsky UH-60A Black Hawk helicopters, tail numbers 80-23492, 81-23552, 81-23568, 82-23697, located at the BEST Aircraft Consolidation Facility in Huntsville, Ala.

UTC explores spinoff for Sikorsky Aircraft business

United Technologies Corp. (UTC) announced Wednesday that its Board of Directors has authorized a review of strategic alternatives for the corporation's Sikorsky Aircraft business, including a potential tax-free spinoff.

"We are exploring strategic options for Sikorsky to determine the best way to enhance its long-term success and create improved long-term value for UTC's customers and shareholders," said UTC President & Chief Executive Officer Gregory Hayes. 

Sikorsky is a world leader in the design, manufacture and service of military and commercial helicopter platforms.

"Looking to the future, we are evaluating whether Sikorsky's unique business as a rotorcraft OEM with a predominately military customer base is best positioned as a stand-alone company, and whether a separation would allow United Technologies to better focus on providing high-technology systems and services to the aerospace and building industries,” Hayes said.

UTC expects to conclude its strategic review before the end of the year. However, no specific timetable has been set, and there can be no assurance that a spinoff or any other transaction will take place. Likewise, no decision has been made on the timing or terms of any such transaction if one were to occur.

United Technologies is based in Hartford, Conn.

Civil helicopter demand remains steady over next five years

In its 17th annual Turbine-Powered Civil Helicopter Purchasing Outlook, Honeywell Aerospace expects that 4,750-5,250 civilian-use helicopters will be delivered during 2015-2019. The 2015 outlook presents a snapshot of the helicopter business at a point in time and reflects the current business and political environment.

The forecast estimates the five-year share of demand from the U.S. and Canada at 34 percent, up nearly eight points on stronger North American buying plans. When combined with Latin America, the Western Hemisphere represents 53 percent of the five-year global demand. Europe's share tallies 24 percent, with the Asia-Oceania region accounting for 14 percent, and Africa and the Middle East contributing nine percent.

Operators who intend to purchase a helicopter within the next five years noted that the age of their current aircraft (which includes factors such as maintenance costs, performance erosion and safety concerns), contracted replacement cycle and warranty expiration were all key reasons for their decision.

"Purchase interest for helicopters in training, tourism, firefighting and law enforcement categories is trending up,” said Mike Madsen, president, Defense and Space, Honeywell Aerospace.

Operator preferences by class of helicopter

• Light single-engine helicopters continue to be the most popular helicopter class, garnering almost half the new purchase interest in the 2015 survey. The Airbus EC130/AS350 series, Bell 407, Bell 505 and Robinson R66 were the most frequently mentioned models.
• Intermediate and medium twin-engine helicopters are the second most popular product class, with approximately 31 percent of total survey participants planning to buy a new model of this type. The most frequently mentioned models were the AW139, AW169, Bell 412, EC145T2 and Sikorsky S-76 series. Emerging super-medium-class helicopters such as the AW189, Bell 525 and EC175 rely on large fleet operators in the energy, natural resource, and search and rescue sectors for substantial portions of their demand, and may be underrepresented in the current survey sample. Near-term interest may be volatile based on conditions in the energy markets.
• The light twin helicopter class earned between 18-19 percent of total operator purchase plans in the 2015 survey, with the EC135, Bell 429 and AW109 series helicopters noted most frequently.
• Heavy multi-engine helicopters, such as the EC225, AW101 and S-92, registered small but steady levels of new helicopter purchase plans in the 2015 survey; however, demand from large oil and gas fleet operators not included in the survey continues to support volume in the heavy class even though some near-term replacement activity may be deferred. Mi-8/17 purchase plans are not fully represented due to limited response from Russian operators in the 2015 survey.
  

Satisfaction with aircraft 

Again in this year's survey, Honeywell asked all respondents to indicate their current satisfaction over the past year with each model of aircraft they operate. For models that received more than 25 responses, the make and models with the highest net scores are the AW139, Robinson R66, Bell 407, Bell 429, Bell 412, Bell 206L, EC135, EC145, AS350B series and Sikorsky S-76C.

These top platforms account for over 70 percent of all survey make and model mentions and can be considered the top current production helicopters in terms of recent customer satisfaction attitudes and likelihood to promote.

Helicopter use expected to increase 

Helicopter fleet utilization is expected to increase this year. Planned increases by region include:

• North America: 27 percent of operators plan increases and only six percent plan decreases.
• Europe: 10 percent of operators plan increases and four percent plan decreases.
• Latin America: 45 percent of operators plan increases and only four percent plan decreases.
• Middle East and Africa: 18 percent of operators plan increases and only three percent plan decreases.
• Asia-Oceania: 14 percent of operators plan increases and six percent plan decreases.

Oil and gas operators reported the highest flight-hour use per aircraft at approximately 850 hours per year, followed by tourism with a strong increase to just under 700 hours per year and then law enforcement at more than 600 hours per year. Emergency medical services, training, firefighting and general utility were closely grouped at approximately 400-450 hours per year. The lowest average use was reported by corporate segment operators at just over 360 hours per helicopter per year.

As a side note, the U.S. Transportation Command is currently seeking a contractor that may be able to provide four heavy rotary wing aircraft capable of flying 150 hours per aircraft per month (1,800 hours per year).

Iraq Rotary Wing Transportation Services

The U.S. Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM), Specialized Transportation Branch, is seeking sources that may be able to provide four heavy rotary wing aircraft capable of flying 150 hours per aircraft per month. The government anticipates the size of aircraft needed to support movement to be a minimum of 12 passengers and cargo for a minimum internal load of 5,000 pounds. The government anticipates the contractor positioning the aircraft at the Baghdad Diplomatic Support Center in Iraq to transport passengers and cargo. “Missions may involve destinations throughout Iraq. Other destinations may be added on a mission-by-mission basis,” USTRANSCOM said in contract documents released Friday.

Cargo will primarily consist of food and water, general supplies, fuel, construction materials, ammunition-all caliber, medical supplies, repair parts and non-military goods such as humanitarian assistance items. “Other cargo may be loaded if there is space available,” USTRANSCOM said. All aircraft shall be equipped with an operational cargo hook. The cargo will be configured by the government for loading inside the cabin of the aircraft or prepared for slingload delivery. All rotary-wing aircraft shall be equipped with a Ballistic Protection System.

At this time, USTRANSCOM is not looking for proposals. Contractors interested in supporting the transportation service are invited to contact USTRANSCOM by March10.

Kuwait AH-64 helicopter contract

The U.S. Army Contracting Command in Alabama made a brief announcement Thursday that they anticipate awarding Boeing a post production contract for Kuwait's fleet of Air Force AH-64 helicopters.

“It is anticipated that this acquisition will be restricted to The Boeing Company, Mesa, Ariz,” the Army said in contract documents. “This requirement is for the Post Production Support Service and Performance Based Logistics for the Kuwait Air Force AH-64 helicopter fleet. This is a follow-on requirement in which the U.S. government anticipates will be solicited and negotiated with only one source.”

The contract will support 16 AH-64D aircraft for a period of four years and six months comprised of a two year base, two additional one-year options, plus one six month option.

Interested sources should contact Boeing regarding subcontracting opportunities, the Army said.

Interior Department request additional unmanned helicopter demos

The U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI), Office of Aviation Services, seeks companies interested in demonstrating their optionally-piloted heavy lift helicopter, according to a Special Notice document released Wednesday.

The demonstration is tentatively planned for May 2015 in Boise, Ida. The exact date, time, and location will be formalized in the coming weeks and a follow-up announcement will be made at that time. In Novermber 2014, Kaman Aerospace and Lockheed Martin doused controlled burns with an optionally piloted K-MAX helicopter during flight demonstrations in upstate New York.

“This event will be open to companies capable of providing and operating an optionally piloted heavy lift helicopter in the manned and unmanned configuration,” the Interior Department said in the Special Notice. “The purpose of this demonstration is to assess the feasibility of utilizing these types of aircraft for a variety of missions, including, but not limited to fire suppression at night and during low visibility conditions as well as cargo delivery. At this time we are asking for an initial response of capable companies interested in demonstrating this type of aircraft. As part of this demonstration, the company owned and operated, optionally piloted aircraft will be asked to perform the following scenario based missions over a one to three day period:

• External load cargo pickup in the unmanned configuration.
• External Load cargo delivery in the unmanned configuration.
• Single target water dropping.
• Progressive line building with bucket.
• Water pickup from a variety of different dip sites.
• In-flight re-tasking of the aircraft.
• Multiple load delivery (carousel hook).
• Communicate with crews on the ground to identify, locate and drop water or deliver cargo to a specific site.
• Provide Real-time optical and thermal infrared imagery to the ground control station.”

The demonstration will take place in high desert and mountainous terrain similar to wildland fire conditions and environment.

“This announcement is for information planning purposes only and it is not to be construed as a commitment by the government for any actual procurement of supplies or services,” DOI officials said.

Companies interested in participating in the flight demonstrations are invited to contact the DOI by Feb.17.

Video: US Navy describes Air Asia flight search efforts

Naval Aircrewman 1st Class Joseph Jiardina, assigned to Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 35, describes how he is supporting Air Asia Flight QZ8501 search efforts and helping to bring closure to families affected by the tragedy.

Video: Chinese helicopter lands on U.S. guided-missile destroyer

A Chinese Harbin Z-9E helicopter practices landing aboard the U.S. Navy's guided-missile destroyer USS Sterett (DDG 104). Sterett and ships from the Chinese People's Liberation Army (Navy) commenced a bilateral counter-piracy exercise, U.S.-China Counter-Piracy Exercise 15, in the Gulf of Aden and the Horn of Africa.



Aiming to promote partnership, strength and presence, the exercise includes combined visit, board, search, and seizure operations, communication exchanges, and various other aspects of naval operations.