MD540F Pilot Report

January 2013 Serving the Worldwide Helicopter Industry rotorandwing.com

2013 Annual Reports Executive Outlook VXX Presidential Helo

MD540F Pilot Report

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EDITORIAL Andrew Parker Editor-in-Chief, [email protected] Ernie Stephens Editor-at-Large, [email protected] Reprints! Andrew Drwiega Military Editor, [email protected] Claudio Agostini Latin America Bureau Chief

Contributing Writers: Chris Baur; Lee Benson; Shannon Bower; Igor Bozinovski; Keith Brown; Tony Capozzi; Keith Cianfrani; Steve Colby; Frank Colucci; Dan Deutermann; Ian Frain; Pat Gray; REPRINTS Emma Kelly; Frank Lombardi; Elena Malova; Vicki McConnell; Robert Moorman; Douglas Nelms; Mark Robins; Dale Smith; Terry Terrell; Todd Vorenkamp; Richard Whittle. EPRINTS ADVERTISING/BUSINESS Jennifer Schwartz Senior Vice President and Group Publisher, [email protected] PLAQUES Randy Jones Publisher, 1-972-713-9612, [email protected]

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JANUARY 2013 | ROTOR & WING MAGAZINE 3 Editor’s Notebook MORE TECHNOLOGIES. Paganini: Industry Back MORE UNITED.

on Track by 2014 [email protected] By Andrew Parker

anuary is the month that fea- ly, and this is a market that will require The main R&D work in terms of tures our Rotorcraft Outlook large aircraft. development of new technology and Jpanel, where top CEOs in the Police and law enforcement is slow- programs, demonstrators, larger air- industry provide insights into ly coming back. It’s been one of the craft, is of course done in Europe, both the coming year and beyond. I recently most important markets after the eco- in Germany and France. Today we had a chance to interview American nomic crisis because of the financial remain in a plan that started in 2010 Eurocopter President & CEO Marc situations of the municipalities. Now stretching out to 2014 where we are Paganini, with the full Q&A scheduled the overall situation is improving a investing $1.7 billion to do what I just to appear in the February issue of Rotor little bit, and we’re starting to see some said—we have launched the EC130 & Wing. In the spirit of the outlook good opportunities in law enforce- T2, the EC145 T2, and the EC175. panel, here’s a preview: ment, mainly for light-single engine We are working on the X4 suc- aircraft but also a few for twin-engine cessor to the Dauphin, and we have Q: How was business for the com- helicopters. this technology demonstrator the X3 pany in 2012 and what does the For corporate/VIP, the year has not (X-cubed), testing composite, new picture look like for 2013 and been too bad. It follows the economy blades. We’re also working on a diesel beyond? and the profit of the companies, so engine-powered helicopter. Paganini: This year we’re going to pro- hopefully the economy will continue to duce about 100 aircraft in Mississippi. grow. It’s not obvious yet but it’s com- Q: What was the feedback like Half of them are for the UH-72A Lakota ing back slowly and we expect it to be from the X3 U.S. summer tour? program, the light utility helicopter active during 2013. Paganini: Of course the operators (LUH) for the U.S. Army, while the like the speed, but what they also liked remaining [AS350] AStar B3s and B2s Q: How much does American Euro- is that the speed was not a tradeoff are for the U.S. public services sector— copter plan to invest in R&D, out- against cost, because we say we’re representing a small increase over last side of the parent company Euro- going to get 50 percent more speed year. The market has been a little better copter? but with an increase in life cycle costs on the commercial side in the U.S. in Paganini: At American Eurocop- of 20 to 25 percent. This is important 2012 compared to 2011. The prediction ter our R&D is mainly going to the because speed must be affordable, and is about the same overall. development of the prototype for this is why we decided to go to a speed [the U.S. Army] Armed Aerial Scout in the range of 230 knots. We do not Q: What is the outlook for the com- (AAS) program [with EADS North believe that going to higher speeds is mercial market? America]. All the development of this what the market needs or is willing Paganini: We expect the market to prototype and this partnership with to pay for. continue to grow on the commercial Lockheed Martin was handled here in The second thing that was very side. It started to rebound at the end Grand Prairie. important is that it’s still a helicop- of 2011 and this continued through We have also developed a new ver- ter, and then if you want to go fast, 2012. We expect to get back on track by sion of the LUH [UH-72A light utility you go fast. You don’t lose any of the 2014 to the levels pre-financial crisis. helicopter] in the Security & Support attributes of the helicopter, such as Strong markets like EMS are driving (S&S) Battalion configuration for the hovering, which is needed in many Goodrich & Hamilton Sundstrand are now UTC Aerospace Systems. the recovery. EMS is a market that’s Army National Guard. We are also of the helicopter markets. Otherwise usually slow to grow, but there’s a lot of doing STCs—that’s what we do here you go to fixed-wing. The combina- fleet renewal [possibilities]. in the U.S. tion of speed and classic capabilities of Replacing old BK-117s, old More and more, we are build- a helicopter were very well received, BO-105s, old Dauphins—this is driving up the capability to not only and the military pilots were impressed en by replacement and a little growth, develop STCs but to do some design as well. but not strong growth. work, major modifications on air- The oil and gas market is very craft, or for the first time we were Read the full interview in the February promising in the Gulf of Mexico. This given responsibility to do a prototype issue of Rotor & Wing and online at year the activity has grown significant- for Eurocopter. www.rotorandwing.com

4 ROTOR & WING MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2013 WWW.ROTORANDWING.COM MORE TECHNOLOGIES. MORE UNITED.

Goodrich & Hamilton Sundstrand are now UTC Aerospace Systems.

The future of aerospace calls for smarter, more integrated and more efficient aircraft systems and controls. Combining Goodrich and Hamilton Sundstrand to create UTC Aerospace Systems positions us to meet this demand. More Technologies. More United.

Learn more about our expansive helicopter capabilities at www.utcaerospacesystems.com THIS MONTH FROM

Personal|Corporate Commercial Military Public Service DEPARTMENTS 9 8 Rotorcraft Report 49 Classified Ads 51 Ad Index 53 Coming Up in R&W

COLUMNS (Above) AgustaWestland AW169 No. 3 takes flight. (Below) Screen from an iCommand unit at Bell’s MUMO lab. (Right) UK 42 Commando’s Exercise Black Alligator in Twentynine Palms, Calif. 4 Editor’s Notebook 52 Public Service FEATURES 54 Military Insider

13 ■ Annual Reports Intro On the Cover: Executives that make up the 2013 COVER STORY Rotorcraft Outlook Panel (see story on page 14), 14 ■ Rotorcraft Outlook Panel whose companies are highlighted in the Annual Top industry leaders answer the questions: “What technological Reports section starting on page 22. Cover design advancements do you anticipate will most impact helicopter operations by Gretchen Saval. in 2013; What issue or issues concern you most about the immediate and long-term future of the rotorcraft industry; and What is your company doing to improve safety in helicopter operations? How has your organization strengthened its training programs?” Compiled by Rotor & Wing staff

23 ■ 2013 Annual Reports Up-to-date information about some of the most dynamic helicopter 10 companies in the industry.

46 ■ Flying the MD540F MD Helicopters gave Rotor & Wing the opportunity to become the first aviation publication to put the MD540F through its paces. By Ernie Stephens, Editor-at-Large

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DIRECT TO YOUR DESKTOP: CHECK YOUR EMAIL WEEK OF JANUARY 1: • Digital edition of Rotor & Wing January 2013. Electronic version with enhanced web links makes navigating through the pages of Rotor & Wing easier than ever. WEEK OF JANUARY 21: • Rotor & Wing’s Military Insider e-letter. Get the latest updates from helicopter defense companies around the world, from Military Editor Andrew Drwiega. WEEK OF JANUARY 28: Get connected: • HOT PRODUCTS for Helicopter Operators—Latest in equipment upgrades, performance Become a fan of Rotor & Wing on modifications, training devices and other tools for the rotorcraft industry. Follow us on @rotorandwing TO SUBSCRIBE TO ANY OF OUR EXCLUSIVE EMAIL PRODUCTS, GO TO: WWW.ROTORANDWING.COM

The editors welcome new product information and other industry news. All editorial inquiries should be directed to Rotor & Wing magazine, 4 Choke Cherry Rd., 2nd Floor, Rockville, Md. 20850, USA; 1-301-354-1839; fax 1-301-762-8965. E-mail: rotorandwing@ accessintel.com. Rotor & Wing (ISSN-1066-8098) is published monthly by Access Intelligence, 4 Choke Cherry Rd., 2nd Floor, Rockville, Md. 20850, USA. Periodical postage paid at Rockville, Md. and additional mailing offices. Subscriptions: Free to qualified individuals directly involved in the helicopter industry. All other subscriptions, U.S.: one year $89; two years $178. Canada: one year $99; two years $198; Foreign: one year $129; two years $258. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Rotor & Wing, P.O. Box 3089, Northbrook, Ill. 60065-3089, USA. Change of address two to eight weeks notice requested. Send both new and old address, including mailing label to Attn: Rotor & Wing magazine, Customer Services, P.O. Box 3089, Northbrook, Ill. 60065-3089, USA or call 1-847-559-7314. E-mail: [email protected]. Canada Post PM40063731. Return Undeliverable Canadian Addresses to: Station A, PO Box 54, Windsor, ON N9A 6J5. ©2011 by Access Intelligence, LLC. Contents may not be reproduced in any form without written permission. Publication Mail Sales Agreement No. 40558009

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■ MILITARY | VIP/HEAD OF STATE NAVAIR Sets Ball Rolling (Again) for Presidential VXX Replacement The U.S. Naval Air Systems Command spectrum, regardless of location. The Knighthawk and MH-60R Seahawk rotor- (NAVAIR) has signaled the beginning of VXX acquisition strategy is based on the craft programs. In fact, the two companies a new race to supply the next Presidential integration of mature subsystems into an have partnered on different programs for helicopter. The release by the Program existing air vehicle.” almost four decades. Office (PMA-274) on Nov. 23 of draft The NAVAIR statement further iden- Two recently released GAO reports request for proposal (RFP) for the tifies that proposals should be built around (11-380R and 12-380R) are designed to Presidential Helicopter Replacement “an existing, in-production helicopter plat- help the next iteration of the VXX com- Program (VXX) contract had been form.” It continues: “It is the government’s petition avoid some of the pitfalls that expected and is likely to be followed by a desire to hold development to an absolute eventually led to the cancellation of the formal RFP around mid-FY13, according minimum on the VXX program and initial VH-71 Kestrel program. Taking on to the NAVAIR advisory notice. focus the program effort on integration of some of the GAO lessons, the Navy, in An industry day was scheduled at mature subsystems on a mature platform. its draft solicitation, is looking toward an Patuxent River in Maryland in early While minor changes to the platform to off-the-shelf, FAA certified, rotary wing December. The new VXX helicopters accommodate integration of subsystems replacement for the long-toothed Sikorsky will replace the old Sikorsky VH-3D and are inevitable, change to major compo- VH-3D Sea King helicopters currently VH-60N aircraft currently in operation nents such as drive train, rotors, engines serving the executive transport mission for with Marine Helicopter Squadron One. and basic structure is highly discouraged. the White House. The Lockheed Martin/AgustaWest- In keeping with this approach, the offerors Of course, the special needs of a heli- land team won the last Presidential will be encouraged to not propose any copter carrying the commander-in-chief Helicopter competition with the US101 design elements that contain immature will require that any current helicopter (VH-71 Kestral) in January 2005, beating technology or that might be deemed Criti- undergo somewhat substantial modifica- Sikorsky’s S-92 Superhawk. The budget— cal Technology Elements (CTEs).” tions. Sikorsky, with the S-92 currently originally set at $1.7 billion—was blown Competition and the dwindling num- flying 11 heads of state, was quick to point away by cost overruns that exceeded $3 ber of large of defense contractors can out, in a release, that the “S-92 helicopter billion over four years thanks to continual create bedfellows that were once rivals for is one of the few helicopters in the world additions and alterations made to the orig- the same contract. Sikorsky and Lockheed designed to meet the FAA’s rigorous safety inal requirement. Nine US101s were actu- Martin were pitted against each other only standards (FAR 29).” ally built by the termination of the order in a few years ago while trying to capture Facing the S-92 in the VXX com- June 2009—four test vehicles followed by a the prize of the initial VXX competition. petition will be the AW101, this time further five aircraft. The total order envis- Sikorsky was offering a version of the offered by Northrop Grumman in part- aged was for 23 helicopters. S-92 Superhawk transport and Lockheed nership with AgustaWestland. A Boeing The VXX requirement calls for: “a Martin teamed with AgustaWestland spokesman stated that the company was survivable and dependable worldwide to submit an American variant of the studying the Navy’s proposal request and transportation capability and enables the AW101 Merlin. would analyze the requirements to see strategic information superiority neces- The competition—awarded to Lock- if either the CH-47 Chinook or the Bell/ sary to execute the duties of the Presi- heed Martin in 2005 before being can- Boeing V-22 Osprey might be offered dent as the Commander-in-Chief, Chief celled in 2009 due to cost issues—was, for the program. For a time, Boeing had Executive, and Head of State. The VXX at least in the view of the public, intense entered into a licensing agreement with will provide a comprehensive and secure and hard-fought. While Sikorsky and AgustaWestland with the AW101 specifi- communications capability to ensure Lockheed Martin were duking it out for cally for VXX. All of these players are likely connectivity between the President and the win, the two companies were work- candidates in the Air Force CRH pro- U.S. government agencies or foreign ing together, most notably in systems gram as well. —By Andrew Drwiega and governments, throughout the threat integration for the U.S. Navy’s MH-60S Todd Vorenkamp

8 ROTOR & WING MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2013 WWW.ROTORANDWING.COM Rotorcraft Report

■ PRODUCTS | R&D ■ COMMERCIAL | AIRFRAMES Textron Systems and Bell/AAI Open Third AW169 Takes Manned-Unmanned Research Lab Maiden Test Flight Bell Helicopter, Textron AgustaWestland continues to advance Systems and AAI—all the development program for the subsidiaries of Textron Inc.— AW169, as the third prototype has have opened a research lab in gone airborne for the first time from Huntsville, Ala. that will focus the manufacturer’s facility in Cascina on systems integration and Costa, Italy. Test pilots accessed the manned-unmanned teaming. helicopter’s general handling and basic The complex, which includes systems during a 35-minute initial the Bell/AAI manned/ flight. AgustaWestland plans to fly a unmanned operations fourth prototype in early 2013, with Textron Shadow hardware-in-the-loop simulator at the Textron (MUMO) capability civil certification on track for 2014. The Systems and Bell/AAI research lab in Huntsville, Ala. development lab and the third prototype, which will undergo Textron Systems integration landing gear checks, cold weather and collaboration lab, houses a number of technology development programs, trials, hot/high and climatic chamber including a maintenance trainer for the Shadow unmanned aerial system (UAS), testing, joins two others that lifted off Shadow hardware-in-the-loop simulator, an iCommand suite, ground control station for the first time in May and July 2012. simulators and Gray Eagle/Shadow desktop trainers. The site will also feature a Kiowa AgustaWestland reports topping more Warrior simulator to help develop MUMO cognitive skills. The company says the than 100 flight hours in the program MUMO lab will help operators develop tactics, techniques and procedures. through late November.

■ MILITARY | AIRFRAMES Sikorsky Completes CH-53K Ground Test Vehicle Progress in the ongoing development of the United States Marine Corps’ (USMC) heavy lift helicopter replacement, the Sikorsky CH-53K, has been announced with the delivery of the prototype aircraft to the flight test team. This means that NAVAIR and Sikorsky pilots can begin the program of scheduled ground checks that will take place over the next year. Production of the ground test vehicle (GTV) began in

July 2011. It will undergo hundreds of hours of testing, the Sikorsky purpose of which is to “shake out the CH-53K helicopter’s Sikorsky CH-53K ground test vehicle (GTV). dynamic systems by thoroughly testing and measuring the performance of the rotor blades, transmission, and engines to 202,000. However, in August 2011 it was stated that USMC while the aircraft is tied to the ground,” stated Michael Torok, numbers could fall by 20,000 starting in 2015. The GAO Sikorsky’s CH-53K program vice president. reports that in the same month “the contract’s schedule was Although the CH-53K program was conceived in 2003 re-baselined and several key production and testing events with development work starting in 2005, it was not until were delayed. For example, the delivery dates for the pro- 2010 that the main rotor blade and main gear box near were gram’s engineering development models were moved back developed into maturity, states the Government Account- and its first flight was delayed from 2013 to 2014.” However, ability Office (GAO) in its Assessment of Selected Weapons the announcement that the GTV is now ready was described Programs issued in March 2012. as “an important point of transition” by Col. Robert Pridgen, Four flight test helicopters will join the testing program program manager for heavy lift helicopters. “I am encour- during 2014-2015. There is still a distance to go on this aged by the initial results of our testing at the component and program with the low rate production decision set for late subsystem level. Now we bring it all together. The GTV is our summer 2015 and an initial operating capability (IOC) not first dynamic system-level integration of those same compo- expected before 2019. In 2008, USMC directed that the nents.” Partners in the fuselage manufacture include Aurora acquisition should increase from 156 CH-53Ks to 200 in line Flight Sciences, ITT Excelis, GKN Aerospace and Spirit with an expected increase in marine numbers from 174,000 Aerosystems. —By Andrew Drwiega, Military Editor

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■ CORPORATE | SERVICES ■ TRAINING | SIMULATORS First 429 Leaves CAE Awarded Tactical Trainer Contract for Bell Singapore RAN Sikorsky MH-60Rs Center Bell Helicopter has handed over the initial 429 to exit its Singapore Service Center to PT Whitesky Aviation, which is based in Jakarta, Indonesia. The corporate-configured Bell 429 increases PT Whitesky’s fleet to five helicopters, including another 429 and three Bell CAE 407s. The Textron subsidiary launched the 160,500-square-foot Singapore facility in July 2012, offering training, completions, refurbishments, parts and other maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services. PT’s latest 429 comes with Bell’s kit to boost the gross weight of the helicopter to 7,500 lbs. CAE Sikorsky MH-60R TOFT cockpit simulator. The Royal Australian Navy will purchase 24 Bell has also handed over the first MH-60Rs from Sikorsky with the first two deliveries scheduled for 2014. 429 to an operator based in the United Kingdom. National Grid Electricity In a spread of contracts valued at around $70 million announced by global Transmission will use the helicopter simulation and training organization CAE, there is one requirement for the for the inspection and maintenance development of two MH-60R tactical operational flight trainers (TOFT) for the of power lines. The 429 will undergo Royal Australian Navy (RAN). completions at Bell’s European head- The RAN will buy 24 MH-60Rs from Sikorsky with the first two deliveries quarters in Prague, receiving a package scheduled for 2014. The contract originates with the United States through the of equipment including SkyQuest dis- foreign military sales (FMS) program. According to Gene Colabatistto, group play, L-3 Wescam MX-10 control unit president for military products, training and services, CAE in the U.S. will act as and a Nano Flash recorder. the prime contractor and system design house. The TOFTs will be full-motion flight trainers and used to instruct aircrew while a separate weapons tactics trainer ■ COMMERCIAL | ACQUISITIONS (WTT) will be used for rear crew sensor operator training. Based on systems already designed for the U.S. Navy, they can be operated independently or net- Erickson to Acquire worked to enable the full flight crew to train together. The TOFT will incorporate HRT Air Division a true electric motion system, motion seats, 220 by 60-degree Barco visual display, Under a non-binding letter of intent, and a Medallion-6000 image generator. Erickson Air-Crane has agreed Once ready in 2015, the two systems will be delivered to the RAN training base, to acquire the air logistics unit of HMAS Albatross near Nowra, New South Wales. This is the home base of the Brazilian oil and natural gas operator RAN Fleet Air Arm. HRT Participacoes em Petroleo. An Team Seahawk, which supports the U.S. Navy in its MH-60R program, is com- independent holding company a prised of aircraft OEM Sikorsky, mission systems integrator Lockheed Martin, group of geoscientists and engineers engine manufacturer General Electric, sensor supplier Raytheon and training sup- formed in 2004, HRT has a total of 14 plier CAE. Subsidiary CAE Australia will help to customize the system through its helicopters, half of which are Sikorsky existing access to Australian-specific common databases (CDB) already developed S-61s. The fleet also includes Bell by CAE Australia for other programs. 212s and Eurocopter AS350s. The This training award may strengthen CAE’s position as it awaits further devel- agreement, which is subject to a 180- opments of the Australian Defence Force AIR 9000 Phase 7 program, otherwise day approvals process, also calls for known as the Helicopter Aircrew Training System (HATS). This program should Erickson to supply helicopter support provide the Army and Navy with all its future rotary wing training needs, includ- services to Rio De Janeiro-based HRT ing live, synthetic and traditional classroom training. CAE is partnered with Group for up to three years, with an AgustaWestland and BAE Systems. —By Andrew Drwiega, Military Editor option to renew.

10 ROTOR & WING MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2013 WWW.ROTORANDWING.COM Rotorcraft Report

■ COMMERCIAL | AIRFRAMES ■ TRAINING | PARTS Ulan-Ude Delivers Mi-171 to European Nations Consider Indonesian Mining Operator Parts Pool for NH90 An undisclosed Indonesian One result of the European Defence Agency’s mining company has acquired examination in November of the options for member a medium lift Mi-171 from the nations to pool and share resources is that several states Russian manufacturer, Ulan- have shown interest in “cooperating in the testing phase Ude Aviation Plant. The aircraft or the pooling of spare parts for the NH90.” pictured with the announcement According to EDA CEO Claude-France Arnould, bears the name of Airfast this could take the shape of “bilateral, trilateral or Indonesia, an independent regional cooperation” rather than applying to the company that offers fixed-wing whole EDA membership. Other pooling and sharing and rotary aircraft services to a themes included cyber defense capabilities, route

Russian Helicopters variety of customers. clearing CIED and a European Advanced Airlift Tac- According to the Airfast web- tics Training Course (EAATTC). Arnould said it was Airfast Indonesia Mi-171. Russian Helicopters has site, it has provided helicopter important to pool maintenance and logistics support sold an Mi-171 to another services around Timka and Dekai were applicable. Indonesian operator. in Papua. The biggest mining The EDA also planned to hold its third Helicopter operator in Papua is Freeport Tactics Symposium from November 19-21 in Luxem- McMoRan at its Grasberg Minerals District and could be the bourg. The EDA organized two helicopter training exer- client for the Mi-171. cises during 2012 through the framework of the Heli- As the statement from Russian Helicopters confirms, the copter Training Program (HTP). There were Hot Blade Mi-171 (international version of the classic helicopter) can be in Portugal and Green Blade in Belgium (September- used for both cargo and passengers. October), which was largely focused around the Pegasus The Indonesian armed forces operate around 20 Mi-171 special forces exercise which ran alongside. According helicopters, according the Russian Helicopters. There are to the EDA, the exercises involved a total of 56 crews around 700 Mi8/Mi-17 helicopters in the Asia-Pacific region. and more than 3,000 ground personnel. According to the statement, “The Indonesian client is cur- During the Steering Board meeting the EDA reports rently considering acquisition of an additional batch of Russian- that defense ministers signed a “program arrangement” built civil helicopters following the first delivery in October.” for live exercises over the next 10 years.

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■ SERVICES | AVIONICS ■ PRODUCTS | AIRFRAMES Eurocopter SkyTrac Systems Malaysian Air Force Changes Ownership Receives EC725 Duo Kathleen Wallace, founder of Kelowna, Eurocopter has handed over the first pair of EC725s to BC-based SkyTrac Systems, has sold the Royal Malaysian Air Force as part of an order for a the company to a group that includes dozen helicopters. The manufacturer plans to deliver Malachi Nordine, SkyTrac’s current the other 10 EC725s through 2014. The helicopters Malaysian officials taking director or product development, will serve in SAR operations and support utility work delivery of the EC725s. Stephen Sorocky and Roynat Equity throughout the country. Partners. Nordine will take over as president under the agreement. Sorocky ■ MILITARY | PROCUREMENT is currently a board member of the Canadian Commercial Corporation. Denmark MoD to Buy MH-60Rs to SkyTrac equipment is installed on Replace Maritime Lynx Fleet several helicopter platforms, including AgustaWestland, Bell, Eurocopter and The decision by the Danish Ministry of Defence to purchase nine MH-60R Sikorsky variants. helicopters from the Sikorsky/Lockheed Martin team has underlined again how strong the belief is in the international naval community in MH-60R/S helicopter. ■ CORPORATE | AIRFRAMES The order is valued at around $686 million with the first three aircraft expected for delivery during 2016 and last aircraft by 2018. The existing eight Lynx Mk90Bs will Kaan Air Purchases begin to be replaced from 2017. AW169, AW139 The Danish requirement is one that is mindful of a greater role than just the maritime mission. Although the standard roles of maritime surveillance, search and rescue, AgustaWestland has sold another and fisheries protection will be carried out from the Karup base—home to Denmark’s AW169 and AW139 to corporate/ Tactical Air Command and Army Operational Command—the Navy will also deploy VIP provider Kaan Air. The purchase the aircraft on its Thetis class patrol vessels which range into the environmentally chal- from the Turkish operator comes lenging seas around Greenland, the Faroe Islands and off the Arctic. Further consid- two months after an order for two eration was its potential contribution to land-based operations, interoperability with AW169s and one AW139. According other NATO and regional allies, together with logistics, training and future upgrades. to AgustaWestland, there are three Maj. Gen. Flemming Lentfer of the MoD staff said the selection represented the AW139s currently flying in Turkey, best choice for the Danish armed forces. The competition included AgustaWestland’s with a fourth VIP-configured AW139 AW159 Wildcat and the Eurocopter’s AS565 MB Panther, although the latter was due for delivery soon. eliminated at the beginning of 2012. The U.S. Navy currently operates around 144 MH-60Rs out of a total require- ■ SERVICES | MAINTENANCE ment of 291, according to Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR). In June 2011, the Australian Navy decided to acquire 24 MH-60Rs with handover of the Barfield Provides first two aircraft set for 2014. —By Andrew Drwiega, Military Editor Bell 406 Support ■ TRAINING | MILITARY Sabena technics subsidiary Barfield has reached a five-year agreement with the Twentynine Palms Hosts UK 42 U.S. Army’s Contracting Command Commando’s Exercise Black Alligator to supply maintenance for the Alkan electro mechanical release units on More than 600 British Royal Marine commandos are completing an annual six-week the Bell 406 fleet. The contact calls exercise, Black Alligator, which is at the U.S. Marine Corps’ Air-Ground Combat for repairs and maintenance involving Center in Twentynine Palms, Calif. The battalion-level exercise has tested the UK 42 up to 168 Alkan units, which are used Commando’s combat skills, part of which included an element dedicated to modern on the XM149 (OH-58D) helicopter urban combat (MUC) drills. Other aspects saw the use of an RAF Merlin Mk3 armament system. Component helicopter to train for airborne insertion and assaults. The training area is much larger maintenance, technical/logistics than any available in the UK and the environment more challenging and in-line with assistance, engineering support and potential deployment areas, including Afghanistan. The Royal Marines will take over expendables are included in the a Lead Commando Task Group in May 2013. This means they are the first unit to be agreement. called by the UK government for any short-notice operation worldwide.

12 ROTOR & WING MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2013 WWW.ROTORANDWING.COM 's Annual Reports

Insight from the 2013 Outlook Panel It hardly seems possible, yet here we are again at the dawn of another new year. In many ways, it seemed most of us were still waiting for the last one to get going! So as our editors began assembling the collective wisdom of our 2013 Rotorcraft Outlook Panel, I took a moment to look back at the insight we gathered this time last year and you know what? Collectively, I would have to give our panel high marks for accuracy.

Many pointed to offshore operations and the Gulf of Mexico in particular as offering the best opportunity for growth in 2012. While it may not have grown quite as quickly as we would have liked, comparatively speaking, it was and still remains the bright spot on the horizon for many operators and aircraft manufacturers, alike. In fact, the competition for airframes that can more efficiently serve the deep-water market is shaping up to be one of the more interesting heavyweight battles in recent years. The potential financial windfall to the winners and the downside to any company that might get completely shut out could make or break the long-term viability for at least one of the big name helicopter manufacturers.

A number of our 2012 panel members correctly predicted the negative impact of the “uncertain economy” and fiscal austerity measures around the world as the biggest obstacles to industry growth potential in 2012, and of course they were spot-on. Here in the U.S., I think most of us are just happy the presidential election is finally over so there is at least a As we embark on another new year filled with promise glimmer of hope that lawmakers might actually do something in and uncertainty, we decided to ask these questions: 2013. Good, bad or indifferent— some direction is better than no “What technological advancements will most direction. Even if we don’t like the results, at least we can set a plan impact helicopter operations in 2013? of action to deal with them. So with that said, we bring you the What issue or issues concern you most about 2013 Rotorcraft Outlook Panel and Annual Reports, where the immediate and long-term future of the you will have the unique worldwide rotorcraft industry? opportunity to steal a glimpse into the vision and strategic plans of how these top industry What is your company doing to improve executives intend to address the safety in helicopter operations? challenges and opportunities of the coming year. How has your organization Randy Jones strengthened its training programs?” Publisher, Rotor & Wing

TABLE OF CONTENTS 14ANNUAL Rotorcraft Outlook REPORTS Panel 22 ...... Eurocopter 34 ...... Vector Aerospace Helicopter Services 24 ...... Aeronautical Accessories 36 ...... Aviall 26 ...... Russian Helicopters 38 ...... Aviation Instrument Services 28 ...... FlightSafety 39 ...... Alpine 30 ...... Donaldson Aerospace & Defense 40 ...... CAE 32 ...... Lease Corporation International 42 ...... Kaman 33 ...... BLR Aerospace 44 ...... Cobham Aerospace Communications

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Question 1: What technological advancements do you anticipate will most impact helicopter operations in 2013?

look forward to future risk reduction significant operational improvements Dave Marone as technology further simplifies by replacing dated and obsolete and automates the human-machine equipment. From the early interface. From radio, to audio, to SVS, days of aviation, Dave Marone replacing bulky, heavy components fuel starvation, Vice President with lighter, integrated, innovative unpredictable Sales and Marketing systems with high functional density weather and BLR Aerospace will result in reduced pilot workload, m e c h a n i c a l enhanced flight safety, and reduced failure drive the operating costs. An example of this is overwhelming Eiji Kawaishi Cobham’s Audio-Radio Control and majority of aviation mishaps. The Display Unit (ARCDU), a component risk mitigation factors in helicopter The pattern capable of controlling all aircraft operations remain fairly constant; we’ve seen over communications while delivering keep the machine mechanically the past five- 40 percent weight savings and 60 sound, keep fuel in the tanks, and plus years will percent space savings with a power provide a high state of situational continue: With consumption reduction of 55 percent. awareness for the pilot. As the continued Cobham Aerospace Communi- technology continues to evolve, strong growth cations, with some of the most manufacturing quality should of the global robust and reliable navigation and continue its positive trend. Today’s helicopter retrofit market, it’s more communication technologies in the modern aircraft are manufactured to likely that operations in 2013 will be aviation industry, continues to offer be incredibly safe, and they are. But impacted by currently-available, unmatched capabilities and service to in the challenge of maintaining highly-effective technologies than by the OEM and retrofit markets. complex equipment, human error is new or emerging technologies. introduced. Training and quality All rotorcraft platforms—Airborne Eiji Kawaishi systems can take advantage of some Law Enforcement, Helicopter Vice President technological advances, but in the Emergency Medical Service, Special Cobham Aerospace end, discipline and attention to detail Mission, Training, etc.—will realize will remain key drivers for safety. Fuel and weather management are both matters of situational AgustaWestland’s AW169 made its first flight in May 2012. awareness. Technology has highly automated fuel management, reducing pilot workload and increasing safety. Today’s integrated avionics, digital flight bags and autopilot systems provide pilots with real-time situational awareness, nearly eliminating the dangers of orientation in IMC, flight into known terrain, inadvertent flight into embedded thunderstorms, or other weather phenomena that would leave a pilot in a highly compromised position. And, whereas early generation autopilots would quit on you just when needed most, today’s systems are worthy of a pilots AgustaWestland trust. Technological advancements have delivered big on safety, and we

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Dmitry Petrov Eurocopter unveiled its EC130T2 variant in February 2012. All helicopter manufacturers look for high- tech solutions t o i m p r o v e their models, and Russian Helicopters is no exception. We are continuing to invest in new technologies to bring maximum benefit to our customers— by making our helicopters safer and more efficient, reducing cost per flight hour, increasing versatility and operational performance in all weather conditions. In practical terms, this means that we work with leading companies around the world to make their Eurocopter technologies available to buyers of our helicopters, and we also positive step a few years ago when reduced fuel consumption. This collaborate on R&D, for example the presidents of major helicopter should include enhancements in to adapt advanced technologies to manufacturers – including aerodynamics – optimized rotor helicopter construction or develop Eurocopter – signed a letter urging blade configurations and airframe new technologies from scratch. all rotary wing aircraft operators designs are two examples – and One area that we see as to work towards the International the application of active noise particularly promising is the use Helicopter Safety Team’s (IHST) reduction systems that benefit of composite materials, which are goal of reducing helicopter accidents from improvements in electronics, lighter, stronger and more resilient worldwide by 80 percent in the next sensors and actuators. A full-cycle than more traditional inputs, and also 10 years. After studying the root approach to the environment must reduce manufacturing and operating causes, the IHST found that there are be a priority in future generations and servicing costs—essentially a four principal areas of focus to reduce of helicopters, taking into account win-win situation for both us and accident rates: safety management a wider view that also includes our customers. We already use systems, training, equipment and hazardous materials, recyclability composite materials to build more scheduled maintenance that adheres and renewable resources. than half of the body of the Ka-62, to manufacturers’ standards. Lutz Bertling for example, and we expect to make Our industry must continue President & CEO increasing use of these technologies developing innovative ideas to Eurocopter Group in our helicopters going forward. improve safety, as illustrated by Eurocopter’s first-ever integration Dmitry Petrov of data from the Wide Area Communications CEO Dan Komnenovich Augmentation System (WAAS) air Russian Helicopters navigation network into an existing A i r c r a f t helicopter display system. With the performance incorporation of WAAS data into enhancements Lutz Bertling a helicopter’s instrument panel, it and technical advance- The continued becomes possible to land on hospital ments by OEMs role of heli- helipads, oil rigs or sites not equipped ( o r i g i n a l copters in with ground navigation aids – even e q u i p m e n t so c iety w ill in poor weather conditions. manufacturers) will continue to depend upon Reducing the environmental significantly impact helicopter o u r a b i l i t y footprint of helicopters also should operations. In the 1960s and 1970s, to further remain a priority. Even in today’s the major costs of rotorcraft were its enhance their financially challenging times, airframe and powerplant with a safety and effectiveness, while also the manufacturers of rotorcraft smaller percentage devoted to reducing their environment impact. must continue their research avionics, instrument panels and From the operational safety and technology investments weapon systems. Today that trend is point of view, the industry took a that will lead to lower noise and

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Sikorsky rate and less susceptible to corrosion, wear, fatigue and vibration than the mechanical systems that have been in place since rotary wing flight began (for example FADEC controls on engines in lieu of mechanical, composite rotor blades and hub components in place of aluminum and steel, elastomeric bearings replacing metal spherical ones). Jim Sensale AIS President and Founder

Sikorsky’s S-92 assembly line in Coatesville, Pa. George Ferito changing with more widespread New techno- adoption and use of digital multi- Steve Walford logy, especially functional instrument panels, avionics, in the advanced communication avionics 2013 finds the cockpit can and navigation systems, and laser- r o t o r c r a f t be expected guided weapons. Also, the increased industry on the to gener ate use of turbine engines on lighter precipice of additional train- helicopter models allows for a large change with ing challenges amount of power and a low respect to new for both the pilot and the training weight penalty. technological provider. These advancements also advancements. Transitioning to all-glass cockpits include increased use of unmanned Manufacturers are experimenting will require targeted training for aircraft in both the military and with rotor applications, fuel older, experienced pilots as well civil sectors and smaller aircraft alternatives, composite solutions, as the less-experienced rotorcraft that require less fuel and fly longer and avionics software. These airman. With the generational shift in to improve coverage and reduce technological advancements will all pilot resources taking place today and cost. The military is now using UAS impact new aircraft as the in the near term, turbine experience (unmanned aerial systems) for cargo manufacturers compete to develop is and will be at a premium. FADEC- delivery in Afghanistan to keep the and market the most advanced equipped rotorcraft will help mitigate warfighter supplied and eliminate rotorcraft. That being said, the ability some issues such as engine starts, manned ground convoys. of MRO companies to apply some of but a turbine skill set can only be With increased reliability and these new technologies to older developed through experience and/ safety, UAS also are capable of taking fleets may have the most short or comprehensive training. Also, on expanding roles—a precursor to term impact as operators take more and more EMS and public the introduction and use of UAS in advantage of new technological service operators are engaging in domestic airspace. The improving advancements to economically NVG operations. There are now technology and mature robotics that upgrade proven fleets. efforts under way to use NVGs enable unmanned aircraft to benefit Steve Walford during nighttime firefighting. the warfighter also will enable UAS Vice President Specialized, non-type-specific to benefit commercial operators for of Customer Services training required to support NVG such roles as pipeline patrol, search Vector Helicopter Services- operations is now available in an and rescue, surveillance, photography North America AS350 flight training device (FTD) and forestry. and the FAA will soon qualify Through its LIFT program that Jim Sensale additional FlightSafety simulators for especially serves the helicopter NVG training and checking. Also, market and rotorcraft OEMs, The continuing increasingly sophisticated engines Aviall is dedicated to enhancing the introduction of require more frequent and more industry with its many supply chain digital electron- advanced formal training to keep solutions, including the forecast and ics, composites, maintenance technicians current. on-time delivery of products that and elatomerics George Ferito feature these technical advances. into basic heli- Director, Rotorcraft Business Dan Komnenovich copter compo- Development President & CEO n e n t s a n d FlightSafety International Aviall engines that are more reliable, accu-

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Question 2: What issue or issues concern you most about the immediate and long-term future of the rotorcraft industry?

Eric Erickson law enforcement and tours. The training practice. There’s a reason all industry must partner with govern- of the major energy companies T h e m o s t ment and other stakeholders to engaged in offshore operations insist pressing issue reduce risk, improve safety and lower upon simulator training for flight for the rotor- the accident rates. crews assigned to fly their employees. craft industry We at Aviall believe our LIFT George Ferito will continue program adds value for helicopter Director, Rotorcraft Business t o b e t h e operators by reducing costs and Development effects of improving efficiency with benefits FlightSafety International spending that include more product lines, reductions on both the military and local stocking of high-demand parts, commercial side of the business. This inventory management, electronic Dmitry Petrov will continue to drive manufacturers ordering, and the support of Aviall and operators toward Donaldson’s personnel in our 40 customer service It prob ably high-performance filtration systems centers around the world. comes as no that optimize their return on invest- Our industry also must facilitate surprise that, as ment (ROI), while minimizing main- the introduction of younger people o n e o f t h e tenance requirements. We are seeing to replace those who are retiring major global more aircraft development programs after many years of dedicated players in heli- specifying advanced inlet protection service. The amount of knowledge copter manu- from the inception of their planning and experience that is leaving our facturing, we stages, thereby protecting vital industry today is significant, and we are generally optimistic about the engine components from the start. do not now have adequate numbers future of the industry. One issue that Donaldson also continues to be the of people coming into these career we think will be key to the sector’s leading aftermarket supplier of state fields. We must encourage, train and long-term prosperity is collaboration of the art technology in the particle promote young men and women among major players. This is some- separator and barrier filter markets. to replace these pioneers who have thing that will shape the way that Eric Erickson served our industry so well. global helicopter building looks General Manager Dan Komnenovich tomorrow. Donaldson St. Louis President & CEO As such, collaboration with Aviall other leading global companies is something that we pursue as an active Dan Komnenovich part of our strategy. At the 2012 George Ferito Farnborough International Airshow Of great con- , for example, we announced an cern is the real- Unlike their agreement with AgustaWestland to ity that the ris- f i x e d - w i n g develop a 2.5-tonne class helicopter. ing costs of air- brethren, many This built on earlier agreements with craft, spares r o t o r c r a f t our colleagues at AgustaWestland, and fuel are operators con- including the establishment of a driving behav- tinue to con- 50:50 joint venture manufacturing iors that can d u c t p i l o t plant at Tomilino outside Moscow impact safety in our industry as oper- training in the in 2010. ators look for ways to reduce costs aircraft. With helicopter operations, We also collaborate with and remain in business in today’s 25 percent of all accidents occur dur- component manufacturers to bring economic conditions. The ing training. While larger operators advanced technologies to our International Helicopter Safety Team are recognizing the safety and much- helicopters. For example, engine reports higher accident rates among improved results to be realized by technology is an important way to general aviation, training fleets and using simulation-based training, bring down running costs for our smaller operators than for larger many smaller operations are reluc- customers and improve the flight commercial missions such as EMS, tant to step up to the industry’s best characteristics of our helicopters.

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Working with manufacturers at the production. We see many parts Regulatory burdens and the expense cutting-edge of engine technology requiring two years and longer to be to ensure against litigation combine to ensures that our helicopters meet the manufactured, so that is as bad as further drive cost up. And finally, the highest international standards. obsolescence in the operator’s reality available pool of skilled pilots and Dmitry Petrov when they need to fly. mechanics continues to drain, adding CEO Working hand in hand with OEMs upward pressure on salaries. Without Russian Helicopters can be an uphill battle, but we’re cost containment, the demand for getting there, some just take longer to helicopter services will soften, chal- understand the concept of product lenging basic industry economics. Peter Lewis support. Our commitment is to simply Dave Marone be more efficient than the airframe Vice President In one word? OEM and the equipment suppliers. Sales and Marketing Availability and It takes a lot of forward thinking and BLR Aerospace how to avoid planning, but as our company is still i n c r e a s i n g expanding healthily, we’re clearly filling difficulties in a niche that needs our presence. Jim Sensale having OEM Peter Lewis e q u i p m e n t CEO The amount serviced. Our Alpine Air Support of profit gener- business is providing parts on ated by opera- exchange and keeping consignment Dave Marone tors being inventories equipped worldwide for squeezed more our customers flying the Eurocopter Over the past and more by AS365 Dauphin and EC155 models. 20 years, the the ever esca- If you take a look out how the increasing cost lating cost of handful of major OEMs are no longer of aviation fuel fuel, insurance, repairs, overhauls mass producing items for the h a s a d d e d replacement parts with little ability Dauphin, it’s hardly surprising that 3 0 p e r c e n t to raise their prices and still remain our business is increasing as legacy or more to competitive. components become scarcer, even if the direct oper- Jim Sensale many are still theoretically in ating cost of most helicopters. AIS President and Founder

Question 3: What is your company doing to improve safety in helicopter operations? How has your organization strengthened its training programs?

Eurocopter foresees promising these resources. Here, the emphasis Lutz Bertling possibilities for further enhance- is on full-flight simulators for realism ments in man-machine interface, – with some 20 of these systems in Safety is the which we are incorporating in our operation worldwide, along with the number one new helicopters now being devel- location of training facilities as close p r i or i ty for oped; along with the evolution of as possible to operators’ locations. E u r o c o p t e r. back-up capabilities – including a Safety also extends to We b e l i e v e supplementary electric motor on maintenance and support, where h e l i c o p t e r single engine rotorcraft to facilitate Eurocopter continues to apply safety not only an autorotation landing in the event its innovation. This includes our i n v o l v e s of a main engine failure, which we implementation of Radio Frequency responding to the requirements of have tested in full-scale conditions. Identification (RFID) tags for life- today’s operations, but meeting the Another major Eurocopter focus cycle management of helicopter needs of emerging missions – such is on expanding the worldwide parts, components and systems. In as the maintenance of wind energy network of training centers for operational use, personnel on the farms that are being located further crews and maintenance personnel ramp would remotely download data and further offshore. through significant investments in from an RFID equipped helicopter

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after its landing – rapidly accessing information for maintenance, flight Jim Sensale times and cycles, as well as in-flight events. A I S h a s a These are just a few examples strong commit- of our total commitment to safety, ment to mak- which is backed by significant ing sure that Photo by Thierry Dubois company investments and supported any and all by the dedication of resources from parts that we throughout Eurocopter. sell and or offer Lutz Bertling for sale are President & CEO NOT from a source that may affect Eurocopter Group their safety and ability to perform and or exceed manufacturer and FAA specifications. AIS policy is . George Ferito NOT be part of any transaction that Kamov Ka-62 made its debut in 2012. involves any flight critical compo- FlightSafety is nent or sub component that has been only guarantees a safer environment enlarging its involved in an incident or has incom- in our manufacturing facilities, but helicopter foot- plete back to birth. All flight critical also means that our helicopters meet print with new components and instruments that 21st-century quality standards and simulators and AIS is and are associated with and or expectations—such as, for example, new locations offer for sale are First inspected, being able to operate around the for a growing repaired or overhauled by a manu- clock in all climactic conditions. list of helicop- facturer and FAA / EASA approved Training is usually included as part ter types. As the helicopter market facility and has full traceability back of the deal when signing contracts matures and comes to recognize the to original manufacture. with new customers. We see this as value and safety proposition to be Jim Sensale a particularly valuable added-value realized by subscribing to simula- AIS President and Founder service for our customers, and are tion-based training, FlightSafety will currently building a specialized support its rotorcraft customers with training center outside Moscow to new simulators and additional capac- Dmitry Petrov provide training for customers on all ity in existing programs. Our new of the models that we produce. Dmitry Petrov helicopter visual displays use all-glass Safety is of CEO mirror screens with greatly enhanced p a r a m o u n t Russian Helicopters fidelity throughout the entire heli- concern for copter flight regime. New scenario- R u s s i a n based training curriculums and Helicopters , Operational DayFlow classroom pro- and we have Dave Marone grams offer refreshed and even more traditionally BLR’s FastFin effective training experiences for the m a i n t a i n e d Ta i l R o t o r rotorcraft pilot. extremely high standards in this field. Enhancement George Ferito Using proven technologies and tried- and Stability Director, Rotorcraft Business and-tested materials is one of the Sy ste m w a s Development fundamental aspects of our approach. desig ne d to FlightSafety International We are, as I have said, always looking improve heli- to improve our helicopters copter safety by making use of advanced and operational capability. Recently new technologies, but we awarded Aviation Safety Product of also have to be sure that any the Year by a leading industry publi- new elements that we cation, BLR is proud to contribute to include have been the safe operation of hundreds of thoroughly tested to ensure helicopters worldwide. BLR’s devel- the highest levels of safety. opment projects remain focused on We also constantly performance innovation and Photo by Ernie Stephens monitor and se ek to enhanced safety. improve our production Dave Marone technologies, and to ensure Vice President that all our workers are well Sales and Marketing trained and conversant with Garmin panel on the Bell 525 Relentless. BLR Aerospace rigorous standards. This not

WWW.ROTORANDWING.COM JANUARY 2013 | ROTOR & WING MAGAZINE 21 Eurocopter 20 Years Young, and Going Strong

elebrating its 20-year anniversary ger loading; and increased maintenance 134 kts. and the operating ceiling to Cin 2012, Eurocopter marked key accessibility is provided for the electrical 18,000 feet. he EC145 T2 also further achievements by evolving and and air conditioning systems. Addition- improves on the EC145’s comprehensive expanding the company’s rotorcraft ally, the helicopter’s cockpit is updated avionics by adding a four-axis dual digital product line, broadening an already for enhanced man-machine interface. autopilot as standard, and introducing extensive international industrial foot- Eurocopter unveiled the EC130 T2 at Eurocopter’s new family avionics solu- print, and continuing the development February’s Heli-Expo exhibition in Dal- tion with fully integrated large-screen of services activities worldwide. las, Texas, and the initial helicopter was light and navigation displays. The year’s successes underscored delivered eight months later to U.S. tour Another “evolution” product launch Eurocopter’s industry leadership since operator Maverick Aviation Group – a in 2012 was the Super Puma AS332 C1e its 1992 creation through a merger of the launch customer for this rotorcraft type. – a coniguration of Eurocopter’s 9-ton Aerospatiale and MBB helicopter divi- “Enhancing our product line is an class, twin-engine helicopter that ofers sions – later becoming a business unit essential element in Eurocopter’s strat- shorter lead times and highly competi- of EADS. egy to maintain its competitive edge,” tive operational and maintenance costs. Among the evolved rotorcraft intro- explained Eurocopter President & CEO Launch customer for the AS332 C1e is duced by Eurocopter in 2012 was the Lutz Bertling. “his strategy’s success was Starlite Aviation Group – a company EC130 T2. Retaining the external lines demonstrated by the EC130 T2’s com- that offers a wide range of helicopter of its popular EC130 lightweight single- mercial response: at its public unveiling, services to international clients such as engine helicopter, approximately 70 per- we already had seven launch customers United Nations agencies and NGOs. cent of the airframe structure has been who booked 105 helicopters.” he year marked a startup of deliv- modiied for the EC130 T2 version. In 2012, Eurocopter also pursued the eries for Eurocopter’s evolved AS350 Features of the EC130 T2 include light test and certiication program for B3e version, which is powered by a a more powerful Arriel 2D turboshaft its EC145 T2 – the medium-size, twin- Turbomeca Arriel 2D turboshaft engine engine and upgraded main gearbox, an engine EC145 family’s latest evolution, with a new-generation digital FADEC, active vibration control system and the with deliveries to begin in 2013. One of and an engine data recorder for condi- integration of a crashworthy fuel tank. the most visible changes is the incor- tion monitoring. The integration of Inside, the EC130 T2’s cabin interior poration of Eurocopter’s Fenestron® Eurocopter’s dual-screen Vehicle and structure is redesigned with a full flat shrouded fan-in-tail rotor, while the use Engine Multifunction Display (VEMD) loor, while new energy-absorbing seats of FADEC-equipped Arriel 2E engines in the AS350 B3e’s cockpit enables pilots improve weight and balance for passen- extend the helicopter’s cruise speed to to check primary aircraft and engine

22 ROTOR & WING MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2013 WWW.ROTORANDWING.COM parameters in one glance – thus reduc- helicopters and civilian EC225 versions ca México – the irst of its kind on the ing workload and enhancing safety. will be assembled. Additionally, the Euro- American continent to offer Spanish- New product activity in 2012 includ- copter Kazakhstan Engineering joint speaking instructors. ed the maiden flight of Eurocopter’s venture is delivering EC145s assembled Both training and support services irst series production EC175 – which in Kazakhstan, and Eurocopter signed to were reinforced at the Singapore-based is being developed in cooperation with create a completion and customization Eurocopter South East Asia subsidiary Chinese industrial partner AVIC for center for the Ecureuil family of light in 2012, which becomes the company’s deliveries beginning in 2013. he per- helicopters in Tianjin, China through an Asia-Pacific training center through formance igures for this medium twin- in-country joint venture. an expansion that includes the installa- engine helicopter have been improved Another important element of Euro- tion of a Dauphin AS365 N3/N3+ full- from the original speciications, with a copter’s leadership strategy is the growth light simulator, along the stand-up of recommended cruise speed of 150 kts. of its international services network Dauphin-family rotorcraft maintenance, – 10 kts. faster than the previous igure through development of company- repair and overhaul capacity. For Japan, without afecting payload range – while operated facilities, as well as in coopera- Eurocopter opened a new 150,000- the maximum cruise speed exceeds tive eforts. square-foot facility at Kobe Airport for 165 kts., all at extremely low vibration For training services, Africa’s first maintenance, repair, overhaul and engi- levels. Eurocopter is applying the new- full-motion helicopter flight simula- neering services capable of handling up est avionics family – “Helionix” – that tor was commissioned by Eurocopter to 120 aircraft per year. meets the latest international avionics during 2012 at the SimAero training An example of Eurocopter’s heli- standards, and makes the EC175 the center in South Africa, making a highly copter upgrade capabilities in 2012, was second aircraft to apply it, after the Air- capable training device available for the hand over to the UK Ministry of bus A380. pilots and light engineers operating the Defence of the irst Puma Mk2 medium Eurocopter’s development of its Super Puma and similarly-compatible battlefield helicopter, which is being next-generation “X” series helicopters helicopters. In Mexico, a cooperative improved by the company in a life exten- advanced in 2012 as well, led by the agreement for the training of helicopter sion program; while deliveries began ive-to-six metric ton twin-engine X4. maintenance technicians is now avail- during the year of Eurocopter-upgraded Incorporating breakthrough technolo- able at the joint training facility opened CH-53GA transport helicopters to Ger- gies from Eurocopter and its supplier by Eurocopter de México and Turbome- many’s armed forces. team, the X4 is to deliver new levels of performance and comfort, along with 20-30 percent lower operating costs per passenger than current-generation rotorcraft, and a reduction in sound levels by as much as 30 to 50 percent. he X4 will come to market in two versions: an initial configuration incorporating the majority of innovation in terms of airframe, engine, systems, rotors and maintainability, with deliveries from 2017; and the final configuration, further enhanced with a newly-designed cockpit, delivered beginning in 2020. The X3 – Eurocopter’s hybrid demonstrator equipped with a pair of turboshaft engines to power both a five-blade main rotor system and two propellers installed on short-span ixed wings – performed a seven-week U.S. demonstration tour in 2012. During its “red, white and blue” American trip, civil and military operators experienced the revolutionary flight characteristics of this high-speed, long-range aircraft as the X3 made appearances in four states from Texas to Virginia. During 2012, Eurocopter also made important steps in expanding the company’s global industrial footprint, which is part of its strategy of being close to the customers and developing a presence in key markets. It inaugurated a new Bra- zilian rotary-wing center of excellence, where Brazilian Armed Forces EC725

WWW.ROTORANDWING.COM JANUARY 2013 | ROTOR & WING MAGAZINE 23 Aeronautical Accessories Known Around the World for Superior Rotorcraft Accessories and Parts The Aeronautical Accessories brand offers advanced helicopter parts and accessories that are designed, manufactured, warehoused and distributed at two state-of-the-art facilities spanning 150,000 square feet.

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ith a product line consisting of more than 360 unique WSTCs, Aeronautical Acces- sories develops and distributes over 4,000 products and replacement parts. By maintaining inventory levels to meet demand, we are able to mini- mize customer downtime for repairs, refurbishments, and completions. Manager, Sales

parts, Aeronautical Accessories has been designing and producing qual- Stringent quality control, ity rotorcraft items since 1979. Other Exceptional Service brands can promise quality and reli- Every Aeronautical Accessories com- ability, but only Aeronautical Acces- ponent must meet FAA requirements sories has decades of experience and as well as exacting internal standards. dedicated specialists delivering on Backed by an exceptional warranty that promise. Achieving ISO 9001 and a reputation for excellent service with AS9100 Revision C certifica- with unparalleled reliability, Aero- tion reinforces what customers have nautical Accessories continues to be always known about Aeronautical known around the world for supe- Accessories — a brand that provides rior rotorcraft parts and innovative superior products to people who accessories. depend on quality and performance every day.

Advancing Mission Capabilities Through Innovation Designed to enhance operation, safe- Your mission relies on your aircraft, and at Aeronautical Accessories the success of your mission is our ty and versatility, Aeronautical Acces- sories’ exciting innovations help expand the helicopter’s capabilities number-one priority. We’re committed to delivering fast, personalized service backed by an extensive — allowing customers to accomplish a wide variety of missions. With our inventory and the expertise you’ve come to expect. That’s why customers rely on our personalized advanced engineering team listening to customer feedback, the group is approach to meeting their unique parts and accessories requirements. able to predict emerging needs and applications, and respond swiftly with custom solutions. For more information, The Trusted Leader Since contact: 1979 www.aero-access.com, As the most trusted leader in heli- [email protected] copter accessories and replacement or 1-800-251-7094.

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24 ROTOR & WING MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2013 WWW.ROTORANDWING.COM Jennifer Lunceford Manager, Sales

Innovation. Reliability. Performance.

Your mission relies on your aircraft, and at Aeronautical Accessories the success of your mission is our number-one priority. We’re committed to delivering fast, personalized service backed by an extensive inventory and the expertise you’ve come to expect. That’s why customers rely on our personalized approach to meeting their unique parts and accessories requirements.

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ussian Helicopters is a leading Emercom Ka-226T. player in the global helicopter Rindustry, and one of the few firms anywhere in the world with the capability to design, manufacture, test and service advanced models of civilian and military helicopters. From its headquarters in Moscow, Russian Helicopters manages assets across the country — five assembly plants, two design bureaus, two components manufacturers, an overhaul plant and a service company providing aftersales care to customers around the world. Russian Helicopters companies include some of the most recognizable names in the helicopter world, such as the Mil Moscow Helicopter Plant and the Kamov design bureau. industry in the development, produc- climate, to reach 921 units — a total Russian Helicopters was estab- tion and export of high-tech industrial value of more than 460 billion rubles lished in 2007 to consolidate and products for civil and military use. (about U.S.$15 billion) — as of the end streamline Russia’s many world-fa- of 1H 2012. That’s more than three mous helicopter enterprises, some Advanced Technologies times the number of helicopters the with long and distinguished histories Russian Helicopters produces an company delivered in 2011. dating back more than 60 years. The extensive range of civil and military The company also seeks to increase enormous depth of knowledge and helicopters for a diversified interna- the reliability and economic efficiency expertise accumulated through these tional client base. The company puts of its helicopters by investing in the enterprises’ years of experience is one its customers’ requirements at the latest advanced materials and com- of the greatest assets of Russian Heli- heart of its operations, and focuses on ponents, often in collaboration with copters today. creating a product that keeps operat- leading companies around the world. Russian Helicopters is part of UIC ing costs low while adhering to the Polymeric composite materials are Oboronprom, a diversified industrial highest standards of safety and reliabil- one area that Russian Helicopters and investment group that manages ity. This focus on delivering exception- views as particularly promising, and assets in the high-tech and engineer- al value for money has brought clear they already comprise more than 50 ing sectors. Oboronprom in turn is benefits, with Russian Helicopters’ percent of the airframe and propellers part of Russian Technologies State book of firm orders growing signifi- of the Ka-62. Corporation, which supports Russian cantly despite the troubled economic The Ka-62 — a single-rotor design with an enclosed tail rotor — is an excellent example of the benefits of Firefighting Ka-32A11BC. Russian Helicopters’ collaborative approach, as it can be fitted with two Turbomeca Ardiden 3G engines, which deliver exceptionally low fuel consumption, and a glass cockpit made by Transas, the global manufacturer of advanced navigation systems. This model also epitomizes Russian Heli- copters’ dedication to making its helicopters as resilient and adaptable as possible: like most of the company’s models, it can operate in a variety of climatic conditions and withstand a wide range of temperatures. The Ka-62 can fly numerous different mission types, from cargo transportation to medevac and search-and-rescue operations, and

26 ROTOR & WING MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2013 WWW.ROTORANDWING.COM Graphic rendering of an Mi-171A2.

is also suitable for use in the oil and gas markets in 2012. In Latin America, the transports between 2012 and 2014. sector and for corporate purposes. company has established a footprint The contract built on the success of a in Argentina — two Mi-171s were previous deal signed in 2009 for 32 of Global Footprint delivered to that country’s air force, the helicopters. Another first during In addition to dominating in its home and will mostly fly missions to support the year was the delivery of a medium country and CIS markets, Russian exploration in the Antarctic, as well multirole Mi-171 to Indonesia. Helicopters also sees high demand for as search-and-rescue operations — Once again, Russian Helicopters’ its helicopters from fast-growing mar- and Brazil, where the first multirole focus on versatility and reliability kets in South and Central America, coaxial Ka-32A11BC was delivered to — the Mi-171 can operate in a wide the Middle East, Africa and the Asia- an operating company in March. The variety of climactic conditions — Pacific region. Helicopters are popular Ka-32A11BC is also one of the only proved decisive in the choice of an not only among traditional customers models on the market that can be used advanced Russian Helicopter for use such as emergency and rescue servic- in to tackle fires in high-rise buildings in Indonesia. es, but also with companies for corpo- — a situation in which conventional rate transportation purposes. Because fire-fighting methods are rendered Full-Service Offering of their versatility and high adaptabil- ineffective — and is therefore particu- Another key aspect of the Russian Heli- ity to different challenges, helicopters larly suited to urban environments. copters offering is the complete support are equally valuable to an oil and gas It has also been in demand closer to provided to customers both during and company taking workers to an off- home, with two being delivered to the after the order process. Russian Helicop- shore platform and to busy executives Kazakhstan Emergencies Ministry. ters is rolling out a global maintenance looking to cut down their transit time In Asia-Pacific, Russian Helicopters and repair network through its Helicop- in and around traffic-choked cities. continued to maintain strong relation- ter Service Company. Regional hubs are Russian Helicopters continued to ships with Chinese customers, sign- being established around the globe to concentrate on these key high-growth ing a contract to deliver 52 Mi-171E service customers on a regional level, including the key fast growing markets of India and China. In September 2012, Russian Helicopters and Denel Aviation of South Africa announced plans to open a new regional service hub for the sub-Sahara region in 2013. Russian Helicopters has also established a dedicated training academy at its new base in the Moscow region town of Tomilino. The academy will provide training for both flight crews and technical support staff on all aspects of operating and maintaining the helicopters Kamov Ka-62. built by the company.

WWW.ROTORANDWING.COM JANUARY 2013 | ROTOR & WING MAGAZINE 27 FlightSafety Simulation-Based Helicopter Training Delivers Superior Results

lightSafety International, the Global Training Network world’s foremost aviation training FlightSafety continually expands its F company, provides groundbreaking helicopter training footprint with simulation-based helicopter training additional makes and models and and customer care with quality, range, new training locations. In early 2013, service and value. The company the company will bring a simulator pioneered both Level D simulation online in Lafayette, Louisiana, to initiate and Level 7 flight training devices for factory-authorized training for the helicopters and continually responds AgustaWestland AW139. Also in 2013, the to changing industry demands. company plans to open a new Learning Center in Stavanger, Norway, to offer Forefront of Technology Sikorsky S-92 training; transition its Fort FlightSafety also was the first to offer Worth Bell training to DFW; and will bring electric motion and control loading for two more Eurocopter EC135 simulators particular situation. The company also the most precise and realistic simulator online – one at London Farnborough offers mission-specific training for law experience possible. The company’s and a second simulator at DFW. enforcement and newsgathering. For VITAL visual systems deliver the most a growing number of aircraft, training precise and realistic training experience FlightSafety training programs: follows FlightSafety’s breakthrough available, with unmatched fidelity, t%'8-FBSOJOH$FOUFS-FWFM% Operational DayFlow regimen, which extensive visual databases and a broad pilot training for Eurocopter EC135; presents training scenarios within the range of environmental conditions pilot training for Bell 212,* Bell 412* context of a typical flight day. including brownout and whiteout. and Bell 430* Coupled with its exclusive all-glass t-BGBZFUUF-FBSOJOH$FOUFS-FWFM 1SPHSBNTDBOCFDVTUPNJ[FEUPFNQIBTJ[F mirror displays, FlightSafety simulator FTD pilot training for Bell 206/TH-67 scenarios specific to any operation. A full visuals have no peer. and Bell 407; Level D pilot training for complement of specialty training courses Sikorsky S-76C and S-92; Level D pilot meet helicopter pilots’ specific training In the Lead on NVG training for AgustaWestland AW139* requirements, including Air Medical FlightSafety’s Tucson, Ariz.-based t-POEPO'BSOCPSPVHI5SBJOJOH Resource Management. Level 7 Eurocopter AS350 FTD – the Center: Level D pilot training for t*OBEWFSUFOU*.$QSPDFEVSFT first simulator of any type qualified for Eurocopter EC135* t/JHIUBOE/7(PQFSBUJPOT night vision goggle training – offers t4UBWBOHFS /PSXBZ-FWFM%QJMPU t*OTUSVNFOUQSPDFEVSFT in-depth NVG scenarios far superior training for Sikorsky S-92* t&.4GMJHIUPQFSBUJPOT in scope and realism to anything that t5VDTPO-FBSOJOH$FOUFS-FWFM'5% t-BXFOGPSDFNFOUGMJHIUPQFSBUJPOT could be attempted in a helicopter. pilot training for Eurocopter AS350 t$SFXSFTPVSDFNBOBHFNFOU The company expects to soon earn t8FTU1BMN#FBDI-FBSOJOH$FOUFS t"QQSPBDIBOEMBOEJOH NVG qualification for its DFW- Full flight simulator pilot and accident reduction based Eurocopter EC135 Level D maintenance training for Sikorsky t"WJBUJPOEFDJTJPONBLJOH simulator and plans to incorporate S-70, S-76B/C, S-76D* and S-92 NVG capabilities in all new helicopter *Training available 2013. The Training Leader simulators moving forward. FlightSafety offers factory-authorized P&WC Engine Training training for Bell, Sikorsky and A Broad Range of Options Through an exclusive agreement with AgustaWestland. It is the world’s premier FlightSafety training spans the range 1SBUU8IJUOFZ$BOBEB 'MJHIU4BGFUZ professional aviation training company from advanced fixed-base FTDs to offers factory-authorized maintenance and supplier of flight simulators, visual the most sophisticated Level D USBJOJOHPOUIFGVMMSBOHFPG18$ systems and displays to commercial, simulators for aircraft such as the engines at Learning Centers and training government and military organizations. Sikorsky S-92. FlightSafety fielded the locations worldwide. The company provides more than a world’s first Level 7 helicopter FTD million hours of training each year to and now operates these devices for Mission-Specific Scenarios pilots, technicians and other aviation the Bell 206, Bell 407 and Eurocopter FlightSafety’s mission-oriented professionals from 154 countries. AS350. These advanced FTDs approach provides a major advantage FlightSafety operates the world’s largest incorporate the latest visual realism in helicopter training. EMS pilots train fleet of advanced full flight simulators at and other components from full to convincing scenarios drawn from Learning Centers and training locations flight simulation while allowing the real-life challenges. Offshore crews face in the United States, Canada, Europe, economy of fixed-base training. training scenarios that replicate their South Africa and Asia.

s s 28 ROTOR & WING MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2013 WWW.ROTORANDWING.COM Our Customers are at the center of everything we do. We listen to their needs and respond in ways that not only meet, but exceed expectations. Over the years, that’s led to a relationship that’s, well, more like family.

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Book Your Own Training With Online Convenience FlightSafety is introducing a revolutionary new service early next year that will enable our Customers to schedule their training online, confirm their simulator times, manage their training agreements, t-POEPO'BSOCPSPVHI5SBJOJOH and enable most to get their training records immediately upon completion of training. t*OBEWFSUFOU*.$QSPDFEVSFT t/JHIUBOE/7(PQFSBUJPOT Fly the Way You Train; Train the Way You Fly t4UBWBOHFS /PSXBZ-FWFM%QJMPU t*OTUSVNFOUQSPDFEVSFT Our new, innovative, highly customized Operational DayFlow training methodology transforms t&.4GMJHIUPQFSBUJPOT ground school training by presenting critical procedures and tasks according to phase of flight. t5VDTPO-FBSOJOH$FOUFS-FWFM'5% t-BXFOGPSDFNFOUGMJHIUPQFSBUJPOT Available for 19 aircraft programs this year and more to come in the future. t$SFXSFTPVSDFNBOBHFNFOU t8FTU1BMN#FBDI-FBSOJOH$FOUFS t"QQSPBDIBOEMBOEJOH Benefit From Our Investments In Your Training t"WJBUJPOEFDJTJPONBLJOH Our ongoing investment gives our Customers the widest and most complete range of training services, equipment and locations available. We have, or soon will add, 28 new training programs that offer full flight simulators for current and next generation fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters at locations worldwide.

1SBUU8IJUOFZ$BOBEB 'MJHIU4BGFUZ New Programs in 2012 Coming in 2013 Bombardier Challenger 605 Embraer Lineage 1000 AgustaWestland AW139 Eurocopter EC135 Sikorsky S-76D USBJOJOHPOUIFGVMMSBOHFPG18$ London Farnborough, UK St. Louis, MO; Paris, FR Lafayette, LA London Farnborough, UK West Palm Beach, FL Dassault Falcon 900LX Eurocopter EC135 Bombardier Global 5000/6000 Gulfstream G650 Sikorsky S-92 Dallas, TX Dallas, TX Columbus, OH Third simulator, location TBD Stavanger, Norway Dassault Falcon 7X Gulfstream G280 Cessna Citation M2 HondaJet Dallas, TX; Paris, FR Dallas, TX Wichita, KS Greensboro, NC Embraer Legacy 600 Gulfstream G450/G550 Cessna New Citation X Pilatus PC-12 NG Houston, TX; St. Louis, MO; Paris, FR Dallas, TX; Hong Kong Wichita, KS Dallas, TX Embraer Legacy 650 Gulfstream G650 Embraer Legacy 500 Sikorsky S-70i St. Louis, MO Savannah, GA St. Louis, MO West Palm Beach, FL

For information, contact Scott Fera, Senior Vice President, Marketing s 718.565.4774 [email protected] s flightsafety.com s A Berkshire Hathaway company Donaldson Aerospace & Defense Countering Nature’s attacks on helicopter engines onaldson Aerospace and Defense’s inlet filtration systems are helping a growing number of civil and military operators worldwide to protect helicopter engines from damage and improve their maintenance costs and reliability Deven under the harshest of conditions. helicopters. In the Middle East, the United Arab Emirates Presidential Guard chose the IBF to protect its nine-aircraft AW139 fleet. “Civil and military helicopter operators have relied for decades on Donaldson Aerospace and Defense for high-performance filtration systems to protect their propulsion systems and operational reliability,” said Eric Erickson, general manager of Donaldson Aerospace and Defense in St. Louis, Mo. “In 2013, we are committed to further satisfying those customers and to developing new technologies to meet the requirements of emerging helicopter designs like the CH-53K of increased speed and size.”

Dust, sand and debris can attack With the U.S. military alone, Don- helicopter turbine engines, hamper- aldson IBFs have saved millions of ing their performance and decreas- dollars in maintenance, repair and ing overhaul intervals. Donaldson’s overhaul during more than a decade widely used Inlet Barrier Filter (IBF) of combat in Afghanistan and in systems and the Universal Filter Mod- Iraq. They are standard on U.S. Army ule it introduced in 2012 for heavy, Special Operations Boeing MH/ twin-engine helicopters counter such AH-6 Little Birds and Bell OH-58D/F attacks, providing operators with Kiowa Warriors, and support 25 high performance and demonstrated percent of the Sikorsky UH-60 Black returns on investment through sus- Hawk fleet. tained engine efficiency and extended times between overhauls. Donald- Expanding Protection son last year delivered a complete New IBF systems have extended the Engine Air Particle Separation System range of aircraft whose performance (EAPPS) for one of the world’s newest is protected by Donaldson, a division and most innovative helicopters: the of the Donaldson Company (NYSE: three-engine, heavy-lift CH-53K that DCI). These include the first-ever Sikorsky Aircraft is developing for the barrier filters for the AgustaWest- U.S. Marine Corps. land AW109E/S/SP, Bell Helicopter 407GX and 206LR and Eurocopter AS350B3e. Last year, Donaldson saw new IBF applications enter service in the U.S., Europe and Africa and won new approvals for IBF use from regu- lators in Brazil and Japan on AW109- series aircraft. The U.S. homeland security agency Customs and Border Protection A review of 2012 shows the list of has selected Donaldson’s IBF for all Donaldson filtration systems applica- of its new AS350 light enforcement tions and customers is growing.

30 ROTOR & WING MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2013 WWW.ROTORANDWING.COM Countering Nature’s attacks on helicopter engines

New Applications ing mountainous central Idaho with In Africa, the AS350B3e IBF in 2012 new Bell 429s equipped with IBF entered service with the Kenya In the U.S., Caldwell, Idaho-based systems. Police Air-Wing’s new aircraft. Summit Air Ambulance began fly- One of the first Eurocopter Saudi Aramco has ordered IBFs ing the first AW109Es equipped with AS350B3e aircraft in Europe, flown for installation on its entire AW139 an IBF, which it provided key assis- by Scandair Helicopter of Hudiks- fleet, which flies in some of the most tance in developing. Summit flies vall, Sweden, is protected by Don- extreme operating conditions seen “in extremely dusty environments,” aldson’s IBF. Scandair has flown well in Middle East aviation operations. said Senior Vice President Larry over 200 hours with the IBF system Bacus, and the IBF “will cut our on missions that include aerial appli- Leading Industry Role non-scheduled maintenance and our cation in very dusty environments, Donaldson plays a leading role in engine overhaul costs drastically and and owner Fredrik Ulander said his the rotorcraft industry. At Heli- enhance our safety program.” team is “very, very pleased.” Expo 2012 in Dallas, it conducted its The world’s first IBF-equipped second annual information session, AW109SP is being operated by Salt briefing operators on “Engine Pro- Lake City, Utah-based Intermoun- tection – Realizing Return on Invest- tain Healthcare’s Life Flight, whose ment (ROI) Quickly.” That session missions include flights to high- focused on the latest rotary-wing altitude landing zones in Utah’s filtration technology developments Wasatch Mountain Range and dusty, and methods to maximize value for hot ones like St. George in southern system investments. Utah. Donaldson’s 12,500 employees Life Flight Network, headquar- support customers at more than 100 tered in Aurora, Oregon, chose the sales, manufacturing, and distribu- Donaldson IBF for its growing fleet tion locations around the world. of AgustaWestland A119Ke aircraft. That air medical operator, which For more information, contact: serves areas of Oregon, Washington Donaldson Aerospace and and Idaho, ordered 15 A119Kes at Defense, Sales and Marketing, Heli-Expo last year. 636-300-5200, The air medical operator Air St. [email protected], Luke’s, based in Boise, Idaho, is serv- www.donaldsonrotorcraft.com.

WWW.ROTORANDWING.COM JANUARY 2013 | ROTOR & WING MAGAZINE 31 Lease Corporation International Aviation’s Trusted Technology Partner Leasing: the New Direction for Helicopters

n the fixed-wing wing market, phy and maintenance concept whilst or long-term leases can be arranged Ileasing aircraft is an established catering for a variety of helicopter according to individual needs with model. For over 30 years, airlines needs from 4 to 8.5 tons. It is particu- rates set according to equipment and have chosen to lease a portion of their larly ideal in terms of approach for the duration of contract. fleet from reputable lessors. This has offshore oil & gas, search and rescue Explaining the rationale for the proven benefits over outright pur- (SAR) and aero-medical transport new service in rotary wing leasing, chase as operating leases provide valu- sectors. LCI comments: able flexibility for operators and help Advantages of the operating lease “There is currently a high level ® maintain low debt-to-equity ratios. arrangement include no down pay- of unfulfilled demand for new gen- International lessor Lease Corpo- ment, no residual risk and no loan eration helicopters. With us, all lessees ration International has been a fixed- balloon payments. Loan payments are have a flexible operating lease solution FastFin. wing lessor for years and has now set replaced with fixed monthly rentals and immediate access to the innova- up a specific helicopter leasing division and operators can save their financ- tive, market-leading AgustaWestland with a brand new fleet of AgustaWest- ing capacity for other lower risk uses. aircraft.” land aircraft. The common family of At the end of the lease, the lessor has With new models available and models (AW139, AW169, AW189) full residual value risk and the lessee greater need for rotary wing aircraft shares the same flight characteristics, simply returns the helicopter. Impor- throughout the world, it certainly safety features, and cockpit layout. It tantly, this gives access to the latest seems leasing is about to take off in the also offers the same design philoso- technology with great flexibility. Short helicopter sector.

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32 ROTOR & WING MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2013 WWW.ROTORANDWING.COM BLR Aerospace Aviation’s Trusted Technology Partner

arket acceptance of the FastFin® Tail Rotor Enhancement and Stability System from the OEM, civil, and military operators worldwide continues to drive strong growth for BLR Aerospace. Now certified worldwide for most Bell Mmedium platforms, there are nearly 500 FastFin installations worldwide, flying diverse missions.

Diverse Missions Operators are flying with FastFin for missions that include firefighting, EMS, airborne law, offshore oil, heli- skiing, rescue, paramilitary, and VIP transport, among others. Bell Heli- copter installs FastFin as standard ® equipment on all new Bell 412EPs. FastFin. Wise Investment The FastFin System modifies the tail CHANGES EVERYTHING.

boom with two parallel stall strips, THIS known as Dual Tail Boom Strakes, and a reshaped vertical fin, optimiz- ing air¬flow around the tail boom for dramatic improvements in tail rotor efficiency and wind azimuth tolerance. With these simple changes, operators can — and do— earn more than ever before. The system is capable of delivering measurable and rapid return on investment, as well as continual savings throughout the life of the aircraft. Wherever and however you fly, BLR can quickly and easily calculate how the System will benefit your operations. Big Improvements With the FastFin System, most Bell 412 operators can increase their use- Putting a FastFin® System on your existing Bell 412 ful load between 10 and 15 percent and greatly improve their cross- enables you to haul up to an additional 1,250 pounds wind capabilities. Bell 212s equipped at altitude. That’s nearly double what with FastFin can realize useful load increases up to 91 percent. In addi- a non-modified aircraft can carry. tion to performance improvements, FastFin’s significant increase in stabil- Selected by Bell Helicopter for new Bell 412EPs, ity enhances safety. you can easily retrofit your existing aircraft to the latest factory configuration. About BLR Aerospace BLR Aerospace develops high-perfor- FastFin. This changes everything. mance aerodynamic solutions for fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft, and backs See FastFin at Heli-Expo, Exhibit N3724. its superior designs with unsurpassed manufacturing quality. Products include FastFin, Dual Tailboom Strakes, Winglets and vortex generators for customers that include industry-leading OEMs and operators worldwide. [email protected] |

BLRaerospace.com/4845 425.405.4845 information. more for Scan with your smartphone Dave Marone www.BLRaerospace.com

WWW.ROTORANDWING.COM JANUARY 2013 | ROTOR & WING MAGAZINE 33 Vector Aerospace Helicopter Services Setting the Standard of Customer Service

ector’s ongoing effort to reliability, durability and performance t 1SBUU 8IJUOFZ $BOBEB improve performance and in the most efficient and cost-effective Distributor and Designated Overhaul Vlongevity of engines, structures manner. 'BDJMJUZGPSUIF155FOHJOFT VQHSBEFDBQBCJMJUJFT*ODMVEFEJOUIFJS and associated accessories has been t (FOFSBM&MFDUSJD"VUIPSJ[FE the key to differentiating it from other Vector’s Broad Overhaul Facility for the CT58/T58, maintenance, repair and overhaul Capabilities and Support 5$5FOHJOFT shops. Through facilities across Vector’s Canadian facilities are t 5VSCPNFDB "VUIPSJ[FE North America, Vector’s Helicopter Transport Canada (TC) Approved Overhaul Center for the Arriel 1 Services Division provides services to Maintenance Organizations, and series engines in North and South commercial and military customers its US facilities are Federal Aviation America, and the Arriel 2 series for various types of gas turbine Administration (FAA) Approved engines in North America; 8JUINPSFUIBOZFBSTFYQFSJFODF VOJRVF OFFET o HJWJOH UIFN BO engines, components and helicopter Repair Stations. Vector maintains the t 5SBOTQPSU $BOBEB %FTJHO airframes. following OEM certifications: Approval Organization # 05-V-02; t &VSPDPQUFS"QQSPWFE5FDIOJDBM and Center for the AS350, AS355 t *40 o "MM 7FDUPS and EC130 helicopter airframes, GBDJMJUJFTBSFSFHJTUFSFEUPUIF*40 components and accessories, and 9000 standard. AS332 airframes; t 4JLPSTLZ o 4 3FQBJS BOE Structures Overhaul Center and Customer Vector provides structural repair, Service Center. Technical maintenance and airframe Arrangement to support S61, H-3 and modifications. Vector offers a number Sea King airframes and components; of FAA approved Supplemental Type t 3PMMT3PZDF "QQSPWFE Certificates (STCs) to upgrade “Huey” Maintenance Repair & Overhaul and Sikorsky airframes; with the first Center (AMROC) for all M250 Series Vector-modified Huey flying in 1992. engines; Helicopter Support A subsidiary of Vector Aerospace Corporation, Vector Helicopter Services North America has been supporting a variety of helicopter types and models including engines, airframes, avionics and associated components since the early 1960’s. An industry-recognized leader in modification and repair, Vector has established a reputation that ฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀ is unsurpassed in the helicopter industry. Vector provides customers with unparalleled service performing repairs, modifications and upgrades to an exceptional level of safety,

Some of Vector's Helicopter MRO Capabilities

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34 ROTOR & WING MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2013 WWW.ROTORANDWING.COM ospace Helicopter Services

Vector performs complete airframe specialized technicians who use with the necessary manufacturer’s related inspections, modifications, the latest technology and are world specialty tooling and equipment, t 1SBUU 8IJUOFZ $BOBEB overhaul and repair up to and renowned for quality rewires, new Vector has gained an exceptional including full helicopter rebuilds; installations, refits and avionics reputation among both commercial 'BDJMJUZGPSUIF155FOHJOFT including those resulting from VQHSBEFDBQBCJMJUJFT*ODMVEFEJOUIFJS and military customers for providing t (FOFSBM&MFDUSJD"VUIPSJ[FE accident or incident. Vector personnel many achievements is the design and value-oriented MRO services and not only support helicopters within its installation of a variety of integrated solutions. 5$5FOHJOFT facilities, but also travel to customer cockpit display systems for Bell t 5VSCPNFDB "VUIPSJ[FE locations anywhere in the world to 212/206/205A1 and Sikorsky S61. Vector recognizes that all customers provide support at the customer have a mission specific requirement operating facilities. The Experience to Make a that is unique to the way they operate. Difference And Vector in turn satisfies those Specialized Avionics 8JUINPSFUIBOZFBSTFYQFSJFODF VOJRVF OFFET o HJWJOH UIFN BO t 5SBOTQPSU $BOBEB %FTJHO Vector’s avionics department and with professionally trained advantage over their competitors. consists of a team of highly trained technicians who are equipped t &VSPDPQUFS"QQSPWFE5FDIOJDBM t *40 o "MM 7FDUPS GBDJMJUJFTBSFSFHJTUFSFEUPUIF*40 t 4JLPSTLZ o 4 3FQBJS BOE

t 3PMMT3PZDF "QQSPWFE

SETTING THE STANDARD OF CUSTOMER SERVICE Eurocopter Credit: Photo

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WWW.ROTORANDWING.COM JANUARY 2013 | ROTOR & WING MAGAZINE 35 Aviall LIFT Helps Helicopter Customers Hover Higher viall’s LIFT program offers a Avariety of services tailor-made for each helicopter operator. All services are designed to add value and reduce costs for customers. The benefits include access to more than 240 product lines, local stocking of high-demand parts, inventory management, electronic ordering via the aviall.com website or EDI (electronic data interface), and the support of local Aviall sales personnel. To provide the highest quality service, Aviall looks at the unique needs of each customer and develops a plan spe- ciically for them. By managing and combining supply chain and administrative and inventory functions for a customer, Aviall performs a valuable service that would normally cost customers time and money. The LIFT program was created exclusively to serve the helicopter market. Aviall recently expanded its general helicopter inventory to support the program. In addition, Aviall ofers exchange programs for Rolls-Royce M250® engine parts and starter generators, as well as stop shop for customers. Aviall prides Dubai, Singapore, Hong Kong, Australia, Lord Corporation’s isolator exchange itself on pairing outstanding customer New Zealand and the United States. program for the Bell 206 and 407 appli- service with technical innovation, hese locations also provide the indus- cations. Aviall’s exchange program is advanced distribution capabilities, and try’s most experienced and responsive designed to improve reliability and per- an unmatched number of parts and ser- ield representatives, backed by an inside formance while lowering operating costs vices that includes battery, hose, wheel support team dedicated to customer for customers. and brakes, kitting and paint mixing satisfaction. Because Aviall is the world’s larg- needs. Aviall—with roots dating back to est diversified provider of new avia- Aviall’s central distribution facility in 1932—operates as a subsidiary of The tion parts—with more than 2,000,000 Dallas is ISO 9001, AS9100, AS9120 and Boeing Company. unique aircraft and engine parts—it AC 00-56A-registered. It is the hub for For more information about Aviall or is able to leverage its sizable supply multiple Aviall Customer Service Cen- Aviall LIFT, please call 1-800-AVIALL-1 chain eiciencies to provide solutions ters and stocking locations in Canada, for North American Sales or 1-800- other companies can’t. It is a one- the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, AVIALL-3 for International Sales.

36 ROTOR & WING MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2013 WWW.ROTORANDWING.COM 300

300 is the number of customer service professionals deployed around the world who can help helicopter operators and maintenance providers save money with Aviall’s LIFT program. Aviall works hard to provide you with exactly what you need, precisely when you need it. Aviall Delivers. Aviation Instrument Services Putting Customers First with a Commitment to Excellence he employees at Aviation Instru- sales associates for future expansion. facilities to anticipate customer needs Tment Services, Inc. (AIS) strive Coupling experience with strong cus- and maintain a diverse selection of each day to meet the principals tomer and vendor relationships, AIS airworthy equipment for outright and president Jim Sensale founded the has expanded its extensive in-house exchange sale. This is particularly ben- company on over 35 years ago—to inventory by offering consignment eficial for consignors enabling them to build a reputation of excellence through services to operators and suppliers as market and sell surplus inventory in outstanding customer service and sup- a solution for handling excess inven- better condition than previously held, port. Whether looking for an altimeter tory. AIS currently manages consign- thus increasing revenue to assist in or main gearbox, you can depend on the ment for well-respected companies their operations. At the same time, the attentive sales staff to quickly provide such as Petroleum Helicopters (PHI), expansive inventory benefits customers any part at an exceptional price. Air Methods Corp., Lider Air Taxi, looking for new or replacement items AIS offers extensive sales experi- and others. This service allows con- that are ready to be installed on their ence, high quality parts, expert repair signors to retain ownership of surplus aircraft, including any model Sikorsky, management, reliable consignment equipment while letting a proven Bell, Eurocopter and others. services and exceptional support. team handle the warehousing, mar- Today, AIS has developed into a Since 1977, the highly trained sales keting, sales and support of inventory multi-dimensional company that can associates have worked to meet a to produce additional revenue. assist customers as a single source pro- variety of customer needs. With most Over time, AIS has broadened its vider for the vast majority of instrumen- of the sales department having more knowledge of instruments and avionics tation and component needs in fixed than 20 years of experience working in into more diverse systems including and rotor wing aircraft. AIS strives to the aviation industry, additional staff engines, transmissions and gearboxes, assist its clients in finding quality and has carefully been selected to help the as well as components such as blades, cost-effective solutions for parts and company develop and grow on the hydraulic actuators, landing gear, rotor services every step of the way. Com- envisioned path of excellence. Despite hubs, and many others. Whether con- mitment to excellence has always been the current challenging economic signment inventory or company owned, the cornerstone of AIS. Now and in the environment, AIS remains strong and AIS uses industry experience and long- future, AIS plans to meet and exceed plans to add more local and remote term relationships with the top repair your expectations.

PLEASE VISIT US AT THE 2013 HELI-EXPO • BOOTH #C3216 PARTS AND SERVICES YOU CAN TRUST... EVERY STEP OF THE WAY! EXCHANGES • SALES • REPAIR • OVERHAULS Flight, Navigation and Engine Instruments • Transmitters • NAV/COM • Radar Inverters • Control Heads • Actuators • Fuel Controls • Governors • Grimes Lighting Extensive Inventory of Rotor/Fixed Wing Spares

TEL: 305-251-7200 • FAX: 305-251-2300 12181 S.W. 129TH CT., MIA, FL 33186 email: [email protected] www.aviation-instrument.com IN HOUSE CONSIGNMENTS FROM:

38 ROTOR & WING MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2013 WWW.ROTORANDWING.COM Alpine Air Support Eurocopter AS365 Dauphin parts distributor with OEM distribution network.

ow in our seventeenth year, ensure a steady supply of components Alpine Air Support is an and to maintain stock levels for the “hot Naftermarket helicopter parts movers”. We are able to pass on genuine supplier exclusively stocking com- cost savings to our customers for many ponents for the Eurocopter AS365/ OEM products, with far quicker deliv- EC155 Dauphin series of helicopters. ery times than the factory. Centrally located in Zürich, Swit- zerland, our company is focused on Quality and Customers stocking the most widely required Alpine Air Support’s Quality System rotable, avionics and instrument is ASA-100 accredited and approved parts for the Dauphin series of (based on FAA AC-00-56A). We have helicopters. a worldwide Dauphin operator and service center customer base who trust Parts Exchanges our quality, appreciate our service and For rotable replacement, avionics competitive pricing. If you fly or main- and instruments, we offer a compre- Stocked Components tain Dauphins, we should be talking! hensive exchange program where we It is our clear aim to be the market supply a tagged, serviceable unit on leader in AS365 and EC155 heli- Contact advance exchange with a core unit copter aftermarket parts support. Alpine Air Support GmbH due back to us within 21 days. Our We have made major and continual Dorfstrasse 8 sales price reflects the actual net cost investments in Dauphin spares. We CH-8311 Brütten, Switzerland associated with the repair or overhaul, specifically stock every single Sagem Tel: +41 52 345 3605 saving money against the manufac- AP-155 autopilot component and USA Tel: 1-207-513-1921 turer’s list price. have an extensive inventory of avi- E-mail: [email protected] onics and instruments on the shelf, Web: www.alpine.aero Consignments ready to ship. Main and We can also offer parts consign- tail rotor servos, engine ments as an attractive and cheaper accessories, starter gen- option to OEM Power by the Hour erators and landing lights #1 for Dauphin Parts (PBH) arrangements. Alpine physi- to name just a few. cally supplies complete inventories to operators which are maintained at OEM Factory the customer’s operating facility until Distribution required. Our consignments offer As a factory authorized far greater flexibility and availability distributor for Messier, than any existing PBH schemes. We Sagem Défense et Sécurité successfully run and operate several and Thales AES in France, consignments with major Dauphin Alpine has established operators worldwide. marketing agreements to We own and stock the largest inventory of independently held Dauphin helicopter spare parts available on the market today. Rotables, hydraulics, avionics & instruments ready to ship worldwide. Parts for exchange and outright sales.

Phone : +41 52 345 3605 Fax : +41 52 345 3606 US-Phone : +1 207-513-1921 E-Mail : [email protected] Web : www.alpine.aero

WWW.ROTORANDWING.COM JANUARY 2013 | ROTOR & WING MAGAZINE 39 CAE Helicopter Training and Simulation Global Leadership AE has an unparalleled breadth revolutionary roll-on/roll-off cockpit flight training operations of CHC of experience in helicopter sim- design, which enables cockpits repre- Helicopter, a global leader in helicop- Culation, training and mission senting various helicopter types to be ter services, and agreed to become rehearsal. In fact, no other company used in the simulator. The HATSOFF CHC’s long-term training provider, has designed training systems for a training center currently offers train- responsible for training more than greater variety of rotary wing plat- ing on three helicopter types – the 2,000 helicopter pilots and mainte- forms. CAE has simulated helicopters Bell 412, the civil/conventional HAL nance engineers. from virtually all the major manufac- Dhruv, and the Eurocopter AS365 N3 CAE also formed a joint venture turers, including AgustaWestland, Bell Dauphin. An additional cockpit for with Lider Aviacao, the largest heli- ฀ Helicopter Textron, Boeing, Euro- the Indian Army/Air Force variant of copter operator in Brazil. The new JV copter, Hindustan Aeronautics Lim- the HAL-built Dhruv will be added acquired the first full-motion Level ฀ ited (HAL), Kaman, MD Helicopters, in 2014. D CAE 3000 Series full-flight simula- NHIndustries, and Sikorsky. CAE is The CAE Brunei Multi-Purpose tor (FFS), replicating the S-76C++ also the industry pioneer in designing Training Centre (CAE Brunei MPTC) installed at CAE’s training center in and developing a comprehensive turn- is a joint venture of CAE and the Gov- Sao Paulo. ฀ key training service for helicopter train- ernment of Brunei established in 2012. CAE and JV partner China South- ing, as evidenced at CAE’s Medium Initially, the CAE Brunei MPTC, which ern Airlines also installed an S-76C++ Support Helicopter Aircrew Training is scheduled to open in 2014, will FFS in Zhuhai, the first CAE 3000 Facility (MSHATF) in the UK. include the development of the region’s Series civil helicopter flight and mis- largest helicopter training center with sion simulator in Asia. Military Highlights training programs already under devel- In early 2012, CAE opened a new CAE is responsible for the design and opment for the Sikorsky S-92 and S-70i training center near Mexico City in development of some of the most Black Hawk helicopters. Toluca, including a Bell 412 FFS. The sophisticated and capable helicopter CAE and AgustaWestland have a CAE 3000 Series helicopter flight and training systems in the world. For joint venture company called Rotor- mission simulators provide an immer- the U.S. Navy MH-60S “Sierra” and sim that offers comprehensive AW109 sive training experience for civil heli- MH-60R “Romeo,” CAE is provid- and AW139 at several locations glob- copter pilots. This new CAE simula- ing tactical operational flight train- ally, and will add AW189 training tion capability offers unprecedented ers (TOFTs), which include both the at the Rotorsim training centre in realism for helicopter-specific mission operational flight trainer to train pilots Sesto Calende during 2013. CAE is training, including offshore, emergen- and co-pilots as well as weapons tactics also developing, in partnership with cy medical services, law enforcement, trainers (WTTs) to replicate the back- AgustaWestland, AW139 full-flight high-altitude, corporate, and other end of the helicopter for training sensor simulators for Professional Way in operations. operators. When integrated, MH-60 Malaysia as well as a joint venture of The U.S. FAA qualified the first TOFTs provide a comprehensive solu- Abu Dhabi Aviation and Mubadala CAE 3000 Series helicopter simulator, tion to train flight and tactical skills Aerospace in the Middle East. a Eurocopter AS350 located in Phoe- together. nix, for Level 7 flight training device Recently, CAE was awarded a con- Civil Highlights credits. FAA has also approved CAE tract from the U.S. Navy to develop CAE is significantly expanding its to deliver the pilot training ground two MH-60R TOFTs for the Royal global presence in civil helicopter train- school for the AS350 helicopter Australian Navy (RAN) under a for- ing. CAE and its partners offer train- through a CAE Simfinity e-Learning eign military sales (FMS) program. ing on 17 helicopter simulation in program, enabling pilots to reduce This is the first-ever procurement of 11 locations, including Bengaluru, their time at the training center for the U.S. Navy's most advanced anti- India (HATSOFF); Dubai (Emirates- both initial and recurrent training. submarine and anti-surface warfare CAE Flight Training); Sesto Calende, helicopter outside the United States. Italy (Rotorsim); Stavanger, Norway; CAE: Uniquely Qualified The two MH-60R TOFTs for the RAN Aberdeen, Scotland; Morristown, N.J. CAE is uniquely qualified to handle will be delivered in 2015 to HMAS and Phoenix, Ariz.; Vancouver, Cana- all helicopter simulation, training and Albatross, located near Nowra in New da; Toluca, Mexico; Sao Paulo, Brazil; mission rehearsal needs. From entry South Wales and home of the Royal and Zhuhai, China. level training devices to the networking Australian Navy's Fleet Air Arm. These locations include simulators of advanced multi-mission helicopter CAE and HAL established a joint for the AgustaWestland AW109 and simulators operating in an interactive venture company in Bangalore, India AW139, Bell 212/412. Eurocopter threat environment, we’ve earned our called the Helicopter Academy to AS332L/L1 Super Puma, AS332L2 reputation as the leader in helicopter Train by Simulation of Flying (HAT- Super Puma, AS350B2 Astar, AS365 simulation. CAE’s experience, technol- SOFF). The HATSOFF training center Dauphin, HAL Dhruv, and Sikorsky ogy leadership, and focus help ensure includes a CAE-built full-mission heli- S61, S-76B, S-76C+ and S-76C++. In aircrews always stay one step ahead to copter simulator that features CAE’s 2011, CAE acquired the helicopter achieve mission readiness.

40 ROTOR & WING MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2013 WWW.ROTORANDWING.COM CAE Global Helicopter Training Solutions for Safety and Efﬁciency

We can help you achieve your goals – safer flights and reduced operational costs. High-fidelity simulation training enhances pilot and technician skills without risk and at lower cost than training on the helicopter. ฀ Worldwide civil simulator fleet accessible to your operations ฀ Immersive training scenarios for oil and gas, emergency medical, law enforcement and other missions, customized to your operating procedures ฀ The most extensive flight simulator experience – more than 100 military and civil helicopter simulators developed across 10 OEMs

Have a conversation with CAE at HAI Heli-Expo, Mar 4-7, Las Vegas, Booth C-1516

Aberdeen Stavanger Zhuhai

Dubai Bengaluru Vancouver Sesto Calende Kuala Lumpur New York Brunei

Phoenix

Mexico City

São Paulo

CAE Civil Helicopter Training Programs

AgustaWestland AW109 – Sesto Calende Eurocopter EC-225 – São Paulo (2014) Scan for complete list AgustaWestland AW139 – Kuala Lumpur (2013), HAL Dhruv – Bengaluru New York, Sesto Calende Sikorsky S-61 – Stavanger Bell 212 / 412 – Bengaluru, Dubai, Mexico City Sikorsky S-76B, S76C+ – New York Eurocopter AS332L/L1 Super Puma – Stavanger Sikorsky S-76C++ – São Paulo, Vancouver, Eurocopter AS332L2 Super Puma – Aberdeen ZhuHai Eurocopter AS350B2 Astar – Phoenix Sikorsky S-92 – Rimba (2014), São Paulo (2014), Eurocopter AS365 Dauphin – Bengaluru Stavanger (2014)

cae.com [email protected] Kaman ONE KAMAN, Focused on Meeting Customers’ Needs aman Corporation is realigning, streamlining and expanding its aerospace operations to ensure that customers Kreceive the full benefits of the global company’s growing design, manufacturing, testing and tooling capabilities and its highly experienced engineering workforce.

Rotorcraft remain an important part The Unmanned K-MAX to date 2012 Program Excellence Award for of the $1.5 billion corporation’s port- has carried more than 2.2 million System-Level Research & Develop- folio under the leadership of Greg pounds of materiel to combat forces ment and System Development and Steiner, president of Kaman Aero- in over 840 missions while reducing Design. In addition, the American space, and Jim Larwood, president of the risk of death or injury for Marines Helicopter Museum and Education the Aerosystems division. who previously moved supplies by Center in West Chester, Pa. honored manned helicopters or ground con- the Unmanned K-MAX team with Rotorcraft Excellence voys. The Marines have extended its 2012 Achievement Award for its Now supporting the U.S. Marine the two-aircraft system’s deployment “innovative application of helicopter Corps in Afghanistan, the K-MAX® and expanded its operating area control technology to address chal- unmanned aerial system has taken in Afghanistan. The Unmanned lenging operational needs of the U.S. center stage among rotorcraft K-MAX’s life-saving benefits led the armed forces.” offerings. The Marines have called editors of Popular Science magazine The commercial K-MAX to date the Unmanned K-MAX, devel- to name it as the 2012 Grand Award has successfully flown over 285,000 oped with Lockheed Martin from Winner in Aerospace in their “Best fleet flight hours in the firefighting, Kaman’s K-MAX utility helicopter, of What’s New” honors, which for logging, and powerline construction a life-saving combat multiplier with 25 years have recognized ground- industries worldwide. unequalled ability to deliver cargo breaking new technologies. Aviation The company’s HeliworX™ full- to troops “when weather, terrain Week & Space Technology, one of the service aerospace innovation and or enemy actions pose an unsuit- world’s top aerospace magazines, manufacturing support center is able risk” to manned helicopters or also honored the Unmanned K-MAX advancing helicopter composite rotor ground convoys. team, naming it as winner of the blade technology, with production

The Unmanned K-MAX, above, is supporting the U.S. Marine Corps in Afghanistan. Right: Kaman's robust design and manufacturing capabilities support production of blades, cockpits, fuselages, and other critical components.

42 ROTOR & WING MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2013 WWW.ROTORANDWING.COM under way for Kaman, Bell, Boeing, MDHI and Sikorsky helicopters. The proprietary Hontek three- layer, sprayable erosion coating pro- ONE KAMAN, Focused on Meeting Customers’ Needs vided by Kaman has significantly extended U.S. Army BLACK HAWK main rotor blades’ lifespan and reduced life cycle costs. Kaman has installed a robotic coating facility at its Bloomfield, Conn. site and to date has coated over 2,500 BLACK HAWK blades. Kaman also is actively marketing the highly capable, mission-ready SH-2G(I) Super Seasprite to international naval customers. The aircraft offers an affordable small-ship capability to counter surface, submarine and asymmetric threats. A wide range of rotorcraft operators, from U.S. special forces and military services of other nations to civil operators of Bell Helicopter and MD Helicopters aircraft around the world, benefit day to day from the advanced structures, main rotor blades and bearings designed, built, tested and supported by Kaman. and tail rotor blade manufacture, hua, Mexico facility, opened in 2010 repair and overhaul. The heart of for low-cost metallic detail parts Investing in Growth those capabilities is Kaman’s 200- and assembly manufacturing, and Kaman is building its extensive capa- plus engineers; roughly three quar- its Jacksonville, Fla. lines producing bilities through acquisitions and ters of them have more than 15 years cabins for the new-build Bell/Marine investments in facilities and people. of experience. Corps AH-1Z and Sikorsky BLACK Those capabilities include design, “With our legacy as a rotorcraft HAWK. Lean initiatives have accel- metal and composite manufactur- OEM, our broad capabilities and erated rotor blade production. ing, testing, tooling production and our highly experienced engineers, The streamlining efforts comple- support of cockpits, fuselages, tail Kaman is uniquely positioned to ment Kaman’s ongoing expansion rotor pylons, flight control bearings, meet customers’ requirements,” said of capabilities. In addition to the bushings, blade-erosion coatings and Steiner. “Realigning ourselves as One Chihuahua facility, Kaman in 2010 driveline couplings, as well as main Kaman will ensure that all of our acquired Global Aerosystems, LLC, expertise is focused on efficiently an Everett, Wash. provider of aero- helping our customers succeed.” structures engineering design analy- One Kaman brings all of Kaman’s sis and FAA certification services. In aerospace operations under Steiner 2011 it bought Vermont Composites, and streamlines the organization Inc., a Bennington, Vt.-based leader in two major units: Aerosystems in composite aerostructures design and Engineered Products. Those and manufacture. Last year, Kaman units are organized according to agreed with Kineco Private Ltd., one functional requirements rather than of India’s leading composites manu- products. Led by Larwood, Aero- facturers, to establish the Kineco systems consists of four divisions: Kaman Composites–India Pvt. Ltd. Air Vehicles and MRO, Composite advanced composite structures Structures, Engineering Services, manufacturer in Goa, India. Kaman’s and Metallics and Assembly. Engi- global footprint already included neered Products reports to Steiner facilities throughout the U.S. and in and includes the Fuzing & Precision the U.K. and Germany. Products Division and the Specialty A 5,100-employee workforce is Bearings and Engineered Products building on Kaman’s pioneering Division. history. Kaman also is streamlining design, manufacturing and testing. For more information: It applied continuous improvement [email protected] processes in designing its Chihua-

WWW.ROTORANDWING.COM JANUARY 2013 | ROTOR & WING MAGAZINE 43 Cobham Aerospace Communications The Most Important Thing We Build is Trust obham Aerospace Commu- and FliteLine™ next-gen navigation ACARS-based communications, nications designs, manufac- and communication systems. routers, file servers, electronic flight Ctures, and supports navigation, bags, data analysis & storage, mission communication, and airborne net- Audio computers, Voice Over IP (VOIP), working products and systems for Specialized aircraft communica- video conferencing, and In-Flight commercial, business, and military tion equipment for air medical, law Entertainment (IFE). aircraft. Our products are in use on enforcement, SAR, EMS, electronic Eurocopter, AgustaWestland, Bell, news gathering, military and marine Slip Rings Enstrom, Boeing, Airbus, Bombar- applications. Products include digital Design and manufacture in applica- dier, and ATR platforms, and with and analog radio/audio management tions from helicopter rotor deicing to military forces in more than 100 systems, Tac/Com™ FM radio systems, wind turbines. countries. intercoms, data interface accessories, Cobham Aerospace Commu- Our technology suite includes: and aural warning generators. nications’ affiliate offices in France are recognized for their intercoms, Radio Airborne Information Radio Integrated Management Sys- A complete line of Nav/Com prod- Management tem (RAIMS), Audio/Radio Control ucts for the corporate aviation, mili- Airborne networking, products, and and Display Unit (ARCDU), aircraft tary trainer, commuter airline, and services related to data communica- lighting, on-board man-machine helicopter markets, including Flex- tions for both the cabin and the flight interfaces, microwave systems and comm™ multi-band, airborne FM/ deck of regional airlines, helicop- components, ferrite devices, RF fil- AM radio communications systems ters, and business aircraft, including ters, and waveguides.

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DIGITAL AUDIO Installed by more rotorcraft manufacturers as standard fit on civil aircraft than any other digital audio system. For decades, the Kaman name has been synonymous with aerospace innovation and excellence. Today, Kaman’s deep engineering talent and advanced certification, production and aircraft integration capabilities, including composite and metal structures, main AUDIO-RADIO MANAGEMENT rotor blades, shafts, drive systems and bearings, provide diverse aerospace customers with robust solutions and an important Full control of all aircraft communications, competitive edge. From tip to tail, from concept to completion, there’s only one name to know. . with significant space, weight, and power consumption savings.

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44 ROTOR & WING MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2013 WWW.ROTORANDWING.COM ONE KAMAN WITH YOU, FROM CONCEPT TO COMPLETION.

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MD Helicopters gave Rotor & Wing the opportunity to become the first aviation publication to put the 540F through its paces. By Ernie Stephens, Editor-at-Large

46 ROTOR & WING MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2013 WWW.ROTORANDWING.COM MD540F Pilot Report

hey say that the best situation an aircraft manufacturer can be in is to have a product that Tboth the military and the civilian worlds want. Very few have been able to continuously satisfy both sectors with a single hull design. But MD Helicopters (MDHI) based in Mesa, Ariz. is one of them. In 1963, Hughes Helicopter Co., the birth name of MDHI, introduced the OH-6 “Cayuse;” a light, single-engine, turbine helicopter that looked like a flying egg. But say what they wanted about the little reconnaissance aircraft, its speed and agility made it perfect for snaking around the jungles of Vietnam, and its egg-shaped hull provided the most crash-worthy cabin in the Army’s inventory. In 1984, the OH-6 was redesigned into the AH-6 “Little Bird” attack/ reconnaissance helicopter. Its agility, coupled with an assortment of wing- mounted weapons, has made it the helicopter of choice for the Army’s elite 160th Special Operations Airborne Unit. And although MDHI’s previous owner, RDM Holdings, sold the design rights for the AH-6 to Boeing in 2003, current owner Patriarch Partners bought at least some of those rights back, and now builds a portion of the tough little helicopter—designated the AH-6M—and the AH-6i light attack helicopter as a Boeing subcontractor. Meanwhile, MDHI’s MD500 line—a civilian version of the OH-6 —has enjoyed great success as a police and power line patrol platform in its D, E and F models. A 500M variant called the “Defender” has seen service with the armed forces of several small countries, but with fewer accolades. The last ship in the 500 line to be certified was the MD530F, with its increased main rotor and transmission ratings. Those features, plus other changes and upgrades, gave the F Though still in development, the MD-540F is showing the potential to be a model substantially increased high- superior warrior. hot-heavy capabilities, and a service ceiling that was 4,800 feet higher than

WWW.ROTORANDWING.COM JANUARY 2013 | ROTOR & WING MAGAZINE 47 PRODUCTS | AIRFRAMES

six-bladed a thorough inspection of N540HH, so setup found after a quick walk-around it was time to on the larger board. Pilots who drive civilian versions M D 6 0 0 , of the MD500 know that the pilot-in- instead of the command sits in the left seat. shorter, five- But since military specification bladed set on almost always call for the PIC to sit the 500 line. on the right, the aircraft’s primary

Photo by Ernie Stephens A f te r a flight instruments favor the person on short techni- the starboard side. MDHI’s policy— cal briefing, I at least in aircraft still designated as met up with “experimental”—is to put their pilot on c o m p a n y the PIC side. So, I strapped myself into pilot Nick the left seat. Page, whom Once aboard, the 540F felt like the I would be other members of its model line that flying with. I’ve flown. With a fixed seat, the only The six-bladed rotor system gives improved handling over previous models As with all thing you can do to find a comfort- in the 500 line. Hard banking is smooth with minimal blade slap. of the evalu- able position is to move the pedals the E model when it was certified in the ation flights I do, I got a good briefing, a few inches fore or aft. And for my mid-1980s. reviewed some emergency procedures, 5’10” frame, that meant setting them Now comes the MD540F, the com- then headed out into the bright, Ari- as far away as possible. As for prox- pany’s state-of-the-art, armed helicop- zona sun. imity to the cyclic, what you have is ter. If the Boeing AH-64 Apache is the On approach to the flight line, I what you have. “big gun” of Army aviation, the 540F is immediately noticed that the skids on The size and shape of the instru- a point scout packing a big sidearm and the 540F were beefier. This is because ment panel is typical for a latter-day, a very sharp knife. MDHI hopes it will the engineers are looking for a 3,800 to civilian 500. The instrument panel is be certified “soon,” but no one would 4,100-lb. takeoff capacity for produc- T-shaped, but narrow enough to easily commit to a date. tion models. That kind of weight, they see around for steep approaches. Even with its weapons systems still determined, needed more robust skids The engineers installed three in the integration stage, MDHI wanted than the standard 500-model tubes. So, multi-function displays. From left Rotor & Wing to be the first publication instead of designing a brand new set, to right, the largest screen is an Elbit to take the 540F for a test drive. So, out the 540F will come with the skids used Systems moving map with navigation to their plant near Phoenix I went to on the heavier MD600 helicopter. and battlefield situational awareness see what it would do. Chris Nehls, vice The back doors of the fuselage capabilities. The top-right module is president of engineering, explained were gone from the aircraft to allow a split-screen Garmin G500H display- that the MD530F was built for the for the weapons wing, which can hold ing primary flight information. On battlefield. “It’s everything you’d want a combination of externally mounted the lower portion of the console is a in [an armed] scout aircraft,” he said. guns, missiles and guided rockets. The backup glass instrument display, along “We wanted to make it an affordable wing also serves as a 62.1-gallon fuel with a standard Garmin GNS 430 solution for both the U.S. military and cell, nearly doubling the approximately GPS/radio transceiver. foreign militaries.” 2.8 hours of flying time provided by the The lower console houses a target- The 540F is currently powered by main 64-gal fuel tank. ing control system, communications the same Rolls-Royce 250-C30 gas The targeting gear had been head, and a weapons control panel for turbine engine that’s in the 530F. But removed by its manufacturer, L-3, but managing the things that make stuff on the company will later install an even I was told that it features the same the ground blow up. All instruments, stronger Rolls-Royce powerplant. That general kind of in-helmet target acqui- switches and controls were easy to engine will drive an all-composite, six- sition system found in the Apache. The consult and reach. Even the bright sun- bladed rotor system specially designed system aboard the 540F is also capable shine didn’t cause any problems with for MDHI by Van Horn Aviation of of showing each pilot exactly where the the displays. Tempe, Ariz., giving the ship greatly other pilot is looking, thus making crew Cranking the 540F was straight- increased lifting capability. But for now, coordination much easier. Nick Page forward. Page executed a modulated the main rotor shaft flies with the same and the ground crew had already done start, holding the igniter switch for just

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a couple of seconds before the com- pressor reached its 12 percent light-off minimum. After completing the pre-takeoff checklist, Page hopped the ship over the fence of the company ramp, set us down on Taxiway Echo at Falcon Field (FFZ), and waited for the tower to clear us for departure to the training area six miles northeast. When it was received, he turned the controls over to me. Having logged many hours in MDHI products, I was already used to the heaviness of the unboosted cyclic, which tends to disturb most other Photo by Ernie Stephens pilots who are accustomed to hydrauli- The MD540F can carry a variety of missiles and guns on each end of its weapons ring. The cally assisted sticks. In fact, only 3 oz. of structure doubles as a 62.1-gallon auxiliary fuel tank. hydraulic fluid is aboard the aircraft. It doors off is the second cure. design was also missing, and there was resides in a small mechanism mounted Once out over the practice range, an abundance of power remaining as under the flight deck that dampens I put the 540F through its paces. The the airspeed indicator reached zero. rotor-induced cyclic kickback. But MD500 line has always been a well- Getting back underway was equally bumping the trim control on any 500- mannered aircraft that won’t do any- smooth. model’s cyclic will alleviate that stiff- thing until you give it permission, and In an effort to see how much speed ness, making the aircraft very easy to this one was no different. The collective we could get out of the 540F, I returned fly. (For those used to flying a 500, the didn’t wander. The pedals moved easily, the controls of the aircraft over to Page, 540F’s trim motor is noticeably faster!) and there was that great feedback in and asked him to drive us up to the first Climb-out was spritely in the calm the cyclic that let me know that it was limiting factor, which on this day was wind. And with a takeoff weight of working for me, not vice versa. going to be torque. With him holding approximately 3,100 lbs., it was easy to MDHI’s engineers made the right the aircraft at the top of the green, it tell that the engine and rotor combina- call with the new rotor system. Wheth- delivered 128 KIAS (133 TAS) straight tion upgrade produced a substantially er I eased the aircraft into a bank or and level at 1,960 feet MSL on a 23° C more powerful ship than previous 500s. threw it on its side, the blades executed day with an altimeter setting of 29.93. The 540F’s field of view is excellent, the maneuvers smoothly and with Not bad at all. except for the issue that plagues all of less blade slap than its five-bladed Normally, I would check to see how MDHI’s 500 models. The doorframe predecessors. Even while heeled over well an aircraft autorotates. But because closest to you, being about 4 inches in a 70-degree bank, “dirty” from its the 540F is still under development, wide, can be right at eye level for pilots weapons wing, the 540F seemed happy certain flight maneuvers have yet to be around my height. One remedy is to to comply, and could have taken much approved, at least for demonstration slouch or bend down when turning to more, I suspect. purposes to an outsider. So, the flight look in that direction. Flying with the Hauling the 540F from a 90-knot concluded with a variety of approach- The same 650-shp Rolls-Royce 250-C30 powering the older cruise into an out-of- es and takeoffs back at Falcon Field, MD530F is installed in the experimental MD540F. By the time it ground-effect hover along with some playtime in ground goes into production, it will have a more powerful RR engine. was so uneventful, effect. No problems, no surprises, and it could have put me no complaints. to sleep. As it passed Since my opinion of the MD540F through ETL I could is limited to how it flies, as opposed to really feel the power how it fights, I can only say that current of the two-bladed and former OH-6, MD500 and AH-6 tail rotor as it bit into pilots will be quite impressed with Photo by Ernie Stephens the air. The unnerv- what MDHI’s engineers did with this ing shake that is design. They took a more-than-capable common in the light attack scout and, to quote MDHI’s MD520N’s NOTAR president and CEO Lynn Tilton, “...gave ( n o t a i l ro to r ) it attitude.”

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By Lee Benson Bridge to Somewhere e have all heard about Vertical Lift Aircraft.” Program (ITEP). This improvement “the bridge to nowhere.” Piasecki Aircraft Corp. pioneered requires a new transmission and a new WWhat about a bridge to compound helicopter flight. A compound tail rotor. Improved speed is not a ben- somewhere? Somewhere helicopter is a helicopter augmented with efit of the modification. The benefit is can be improved aviation capabilities en auxiliary lift and thrust. Piasecki modified improved lift. route to the U.S. Army’s Aim Point 2030. a preproduction UH-60 Seahawk with Objectives of FVL came from various The challenge is with aviation leader- wings and a ducted fan. The modification studies conducted by the joint services ship’s willingness to actually be the honest is about a 30 percent modification of the and rolled into the August 2010 report. broker and analyze the benefits of the existing Black Hawk. The pilot controls Aviation leadership set the year 2030 to bridging technology available to them. the fan in a similar manner as control- begin operational flights for FVL aircraft. A 200-plus-knot cruise speed for a Black ling the tail rotor. The fan replaces the This is approximately 17 years from Hawk helicopter will go a long way as a need for a tail rotor and provides thrust today. If one looks at the lessons learned, bridge to the Army’s Aim Point 2030. for faster flight and improved lift. Phase this cannot happen with the government The U.S. military faces challenges l test confirmed increased performance, bureaucracy involved—Comanche and from sequestration, budget deficit, and survivability and affordability. The test V-22 both exceeded 20 years in develop- the need to maintain a strong military. It aircraft cruised at 180 knots (maximum ment. Sikorsky and EADS/Eurocopter— will take more than a big cut in defense based upon NATOPS regulation), has using their own funds—developed the spending to balance the budget this time. twice the range of the current UH-60 X2 and the X3 (X-cubed), respectively, If Congress does its job, this will greatly and 50 percent less vibration than the and mitigated many of the capability affect the defense budget and might test UH-60 did prior to the mods. The gaps identified in the Report to Congress. delay aviation leadership’s ability to meet addition of wings provides for additional The development times will be less but the Aim Point 30 goal for Future Vertical fuel and enables the aircraft to fly in a flat still will take time. The large and cum- Lift (FVL) integration into the Army. mode versus nose down at high speeds. bersome military development system With the focus by Congress and DoD, Phase ll—if or when funded—will con- slows fielding of even the simplest equip- Black Hawk operators would not have firm Phase l projections that the aircraft ment item when the equipment requires to wait for FVL for improved capability. can meet or exceed the key performance attachment to the aircraft structure. Sequencing particular technologies into objectives. Phase ll program objectives Black Hawk production is expect- the existing Black Hawk fleet, would include the addition of a supplemental ed to run through 2025. This could be demonstrate technologies prior to incor- power unit (SPU) to power the ducted decreased or increased by the funding poration into subsequent FVL programs, fan. This modification removes the need provided by Congress. The compound resulting in cost and risk reduction. These for 500-700 SHP from the main engines modification can be certified rapidly modifications would increase near- to drive the tail rotor and essentially frees with the correct attention of leadership term capability, safety and survivability. up the additional horsepower to provide and the modification integrated into the Improvements can be obtained as early as lift for the aircraft. The SPU provides production and the rebuild lines. Both 2020—200+ knot cruise speed, improved power for the ducted fan. The reduction would save on cost while the bridge to the agility, maneuverability and survivability, in power needed to drive the tail rotor is future vertical lift provides the joint forces and operational range. Improved main- now used for lift, greatly improving hover improved capability in speed, range, sur- tainability/reliability, reduced fuel and performance and airspeed. The cost of vivability, maintainability and reliability. maintenance costs can be attained. such an effort can be mitigated if leader- The Compound Black Hawk should be This is a way to bridge capability gaps ship allows itself to be innovative. combined with the improved turbine identified by the joint services in the There is potentially a way to mitigate engine effort to provide more than just August 2010 Report to Congress: “A Stra- development costs. The Army gave improved lift. The speed can compensate tegic Plan for U.S. Department of Defense priority to the Improved Turbine Engine for a smaller military force.

52 ROTOR & WING MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2013 WWW.ROTORANDWING.COM February 2013:

Bell 525 Relentless Progresses—Bell Helicopter invited Heli-Expo Preview—The helicopter industry revolves Rotor & Wing to witness the continuing development of the 525 around the hallmark annual event, set to take place from March Relentless “super medium” twin, which is projected for first flight 5-7 in Las Vegas, Nev. Heli-Expo 2013 is poised to bring together in mid-2014. Larry Timmesch, vice president of commercial pro- hundreds of operators, suppliers and vendors from around the grams, and David King, chief engineer for the 525, provided an commercial rotorcraft industry. We’ll supply the details on who’s overview of the helicopter, including its Garmin G1000H avionics, coming, what they’re bringing to display and what to expect dur- General Electric CT7 engines and other components. ing the three-day event.

Q&A with Marc Paganini—The American Eurocopter Elbit Systems of America—ESA has grown into an influ- President & CEO spoke with Editor-in-Chief Andrew Parker on a ential and dynamic defense industry player, and CEO Ranaah wide range of topics during an exclusive interview, including the Horowitz intends to turn lessons learned through the recession outlook for North American markets and his organization’s involve- to help plan for the future (with a little help from the parent com- ment with the Army AAS voluntary flight demonstrations and X3 pany in Israel). Specialization and good user feedback have been (X-cubed) U.S. demo tour. essential.

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WWW.ROTORANDWING.COM JANUARY 2013 | ROTOR & WING MAGAZINE 53 MILITARY | GOVERNMENT AGENCIES Military Insider By Andrew Drwiega A Happy New Year?

n kicking-off this first issue of 2013 or “gibberish”), his Christmas message of aircraft to the end users. Although this in a change to the usual format would have been seasonally complete. is not news, there needs to be a collective Iof this column I now intend to Happy FMS to All drive to instill this as a top priority. The devote it a selection of smaller In September 2012 the Defense Security completion of the Sikorsky CH-53K items that may be pressing, current, Cooperation Agency announced a pos- ground test vehicle is a landmark event historic or that just take my interest—as sible military sale of eight Boeing AH64- but the wider picture of the length of the long as they all have a bearing on military Es to Indonesia. This is the aircraft cur- program schedule to provide replace- rotorcraft and the people who use them: rently being fielded by the U.S. Army to ment helicopter to the USMC shows Christmas Sequestration replace its own old AH-64Ds of Block I a timeline from “soup to nuts” which [In front of a toy store window] and Block II vintage. stretches over 15 years, and that is just to Bob Cratchit: Well, my loves, which one While the U.S. defense industry is reach the full rate production decision. do you like best, eh? scouring the world for orders of any The GAO Assessment of Major Kathy Cratchit: I like the dolly in the size to hopefully make up the shortfall, Weapons in March 2012 showed the corner. the political scene is also changing and program start point as November 2003 Tiny Tim: I like all of them. countries that previously may have been with the full rate production decision Bob Cratchit: Good boy? And why not blocked or restricted from purchasing not due until May 2019 (initially it was one in particular? higher levels of defense technology are September 2015). With 200 aircraft Tiny Tim: Well... you said I can’t have now openly courted for business. The currently on order (raised from 156 in none of them, so I might as well like them Indonesian and Iranian presidents met 2008), prior to any budget cuts or even all. (With apologies to Scrooge) in November with both agreeing that the impact of sequestration in early 2013, So what did Santa have in his sack the solution to the Syrian conflict must the final aircraft will be delivered to the for the boys and girls who defend the lie within the country (although Iran is user around 20 years after the need was United States? Well, at time of writing believed to be supplying weapons to the formalized. Sikorsky will naturally argue in mid-December he was actually look- Syrian regime through Iraq). However, that the latest variant is a new helicop- ing to cross stuff off their lists and give in the wider strategic picture Indonesia ter in that it can lift more, much more them less. The prospect of sequestration is also one of the countries that is being at 27,000 lbs over 110 miles, than the was due to come into effect on Jan. 2, geographically challenged by China’s ter- CH-53E Sea Stallion that is replacing. 2013. But before Christmas it was in the ritorial claims, specifically in the South But USMC no doubt bought into the minds of those in the DoD more than China Sea (together with its regional CH-53K proposal thinking that it was a yuletide merriment. And they weren’t at neighbors including Vietnam, Malaysia relatively low-risk strategy. Sikorsky sold all pleased it had come to this. and the Philippines), so the U.S. senses it no doubt on the basis that they had In a DoD statement issued in early the opportunity to support those who decades of experience in manufacturing December, Pentagon Press Secretary could help to buffer China’s regional the type. Actually the fledgling aircraft, George Little said internal planning for ambitions. A further positive influence YCH-53A, first took to the skies on Oct. sequestration had begun in cooperation on U.S. policy could be linked to Presi- 14, 1964. With a constant commitment with OMB. He very much hoped that it dent Obama spending four years of his to the type and all the subsequent models would not result in the DoD going “off childhood in Indonesia’s capital, Jakarta. since, it is concerning that either Sikor- a fiscal cliff.” However his self-evident Obama has encouraged good relations sky’s development were either too ambi- contempt for the situation burst through: between the U.S. and Indonesia, which tious when conceived, or that the Marine “If this is triggered, even in light of this is in the process of modernizing since the acquisition requirements had some absurd mechanism that was created to lifting of a six-year arms embargo in 2005 bearing on the schedule delays. Either avoid absurdities, our intent is to not (for human rights abuses in East Timor). way, lengthy acquisition programs must implement sequestration in an absurd New Year Resolutions be shortened for the industry to improve way … inside DoD.” Had he added the The aviation industry needs to establish its credibility as the second decade of the phrase “bah humbug” (aka “nonsense” a resolution to improve on the delivery 21st century marches on.

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WWW.ROTORANDWING.COM OCTOBER 2011 | ROTOR & WING MAGAZINE 55 ( THINK INNOVATION )

Our commitment to ongoing investment in technology and product development rtqxkfgu"Gwtqeqrvgt"ewuvqogtu"ykvj"kppqxcvkqpu"kp"tkijv"uchgv{."tgfwegf qrgtcvkpi"equvu"cpf"kortqxgf"gpxktqpogpvcn"rgthqtocpeg0 How to make helicopters that work better.

Thinking without limits