Coast Guard helicopter crew medevacs woman from cruise ship near Craig, Alaska

Photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Andrew Barresi, U.S. Coast Guard

JUNEAU, Alaska — A Coast Guard Air Station Sitka MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew medevaced a woman from the cruise ship Celebrity Solstice near Noyes Island, west of Craig, Alaska, Wednesday.

The Jayhawk helicopter crew hoisted the 61-year-old woman and transported her to Ketchikan, Alaska, where a Guardian Flight crew was waiting for transport to higher medical care.

Coast Guard Sector Juneau watchstanders received notification from the captain aboard the Celebrity Solstice who reported that a woman was suffering symptoms of a heart attack. A flight surgeon for the 17th Coast Guard District recommended a medevac, and Sector Juneau watchstanders directed the launch of an Air Station Sitka helicopter crew.

“Understanding the severity of the woman's reported condition, we knew we had to get on scene as soon as possible and complete a safe hoist,” said Lt. Jason Maddux, Jayhawk co-pilot who assisted with the hoist. “The efforts of everyone aboard the helicopter and those of the cruise ship staff taking our instruction allowed us to get the woman to Guardian Flight where she was taken for further care.”

Weather at the time of the hoist was 5-mph winds with 10 miles of visibility.

Video by Petty Officer 1st Class Jon-Paul Rios, U.S. Coast Guard

-USCG-

NHV AWARDED OFFSHORE CONTRACT BY NAUTICAL PETROLEUM/CAIRN ENERGY

Aberdeen  –  May  31st,  2018. The  NHV  Group  today  announced  a  new  contract  with  Nautical  Petroleum,  a  wholly  owned  subsidiary  of  Cairn  Energy LTD,  to provide  helicopter  services  in  support  of  their  upcoming  drilling  project  at  the  Ekland  Field.    The  operations are  expected  to  start  early  summer.  Flights  will  depart  from  NHV’s  base  in  Aberdeen  to  the  Ekland  Field,  which  is approximately  120nm  East  from  Aberdeen.   

NHV  will  support  this  project  utilizing  the  state-of-the-art  H175  aircraft,  an  Airbus  Helicopter’s  Super  Medium  type. The  H175  is  specifically  designed  to meet  evolving  mission  needs  in  the  oil and  gas  industry.  Being  the  launching operator  for  this  aircraft  type, NHV’s  H175s  have  accumulated  extensive experience in  the United  Kingdom, The Netherlands,  Ghana  and  Denmark  since  2014.  NHV  Group  ultimately  will  increase  its  fleet  to  16  of  these  newgeneration  helicopters. 

NHV  started  operating  out  of  Aberdeen  at  the  beginning  of  2016  and  announced  the  opening  of  a  new  hangar,  apron and  passenger  handling  facilities  in  October 2016. 

NHV’s  base  manager  Jamie  John  commented:  “We  at  NHV  are  delighted  that  Nautical  Petroleum  have selected  NHV  to partner  with  them  in  their  upcoming  drilling  project.  The  award  of  this  contract  strengthens  our  long  standing relationship  where  we  have  previously  supported  projects  in  West  Africa.  The  new  operation  in  Aberdeen  signals  the start  of  the  first  North  Sea  operation  between NHV  and  Nautical  petroleum,  and  we  are  looking  forward  to  providing support  on  this  new  project.’’ 

Public presentation of first ACH130 delivered since the launch of Airbus Corporate Helicopters

Geneva, The ACH130 on display at Airbus’ EBACE stand is the first of its type to be delivered since the launch of Airbus Corporate Helicopters (ACH) and represents the first time the aircraft is displayed in public.

The aircraft, delivered in the racing-inspired, in-house Stylence by ACH configuration, provides a high-quality yet lightweight completion, suitable for high intensity flights and transport in extreme comfort.

The aircraft, acquired by an unnamed customer, will be operated by Monacair. Frederic Lemos, Head of ACH, said, “The ACH130 combines unique passenger-focused design, exceptional single-engine performance and first class quality and comfort, making it very popular with private customers worldwide and a favourite of world-leading VIP and charter operator, Monacair, who operate a total fleet of eight ACH130.

The Story Behind the First Production Bell 505 JRX

Pylon Aviation owner and renowned pilot, Scott Urschel, has been with the Bell 505 program from the very beginning.

29 May 2018

Pylon Aviation owner and renowned pilot, Scott Urschel, was excited to receive the first production Bell 505 Jet Ranger X. As one of the initial members of the Bell 505 Customary Advisory Council, Urschel provided valuable insight, helping shape the design and development of the Bell 505.

I could not be more pleased to receive the first Bell 505 and put the aircraft into service. I have been part of the Bell 505 program from the very beginning and have been anticipating this moment. 

- Scott Urscheh

Before delivery, he was able to test-fly the Bell 505 along with Bell pilots. Urschel's involvement allowed him to provide feedback from the perspective of an experience pilot and customer, which played an essential role in Bell's revolutionary return to the short light single market.

Leonardo: AW169 enters Swiss VIP transport market with first order

•  Mountain  Flyers  will  operate  an  AW169  for  heli-taxi  services  from  Bern  Airport 

•  Over 20 Leonardo  VIP helicopters  sold  in  Switzerland  to  date   

•  More than 180  AW169s  have  been  sold  to  over  70  customers  in  30  nations  to  date 

AW169, photo ©Leonardo Helicopters

Geneva,  30  May  2018  –  Leonardo  announced  today  that  Mountain  Flyers  of  Switzerland  will operate  an  AW169  light  intermediate  twin  engine  helicopter,  marking  the  entry  of  the  new generation  type  into  the  Swiss  VIP  market.  The  announcement  was  made  during  an  official ceremony  held  at  EBACE  2018  in  Geneva.     

This  specially-configured  aircraft,  featuring  an  exclusive  7  seat  VIP  transport  layout,  will  be  used for  heli-taxi  services  from  Bern  Airport.  With  this  AW169,  Mountain  Flyers  will  be  able  to  serve several  routes  across  Switzerland  and  Europe  with  even  greater  capacity  and  range  following earlier  operations  carried  out  with  their  AWGrandNew  helicopter,  which  had  established  Bern Airport’s  first  twin  engine  helicopter  VIP  transport  service.  Mountain  Flyers’  customers  will benefit  from  best-in-class  comfort,  performance  and  technology  as  well  as  outstanding  safety standards.   

Christoph  Graf,  Chief  Executive  Officer  of  Mountain  Flyers,  said  “We’re  thrilled  to  introduce  the most  modern  helicopter  in  its  category  into  service  to  deliver  an  unprecedented  flight  experience to  our  customer  base.  The  AW169  is  the  perfect  fit  into  our  service  quality  strategy  and  fully meets  the  most  demanding  expectations  in  terms  of  navigation,  comfort  and  safety  for  the  task.”       

This  latest  order  brings  the  number  of  VIP  helicopters  of  Leonardo  in  Switzerland  to  over  20  and contributes  to  maintaining  the  company’s  leading  position  in  the  global  VIP  market  with  a  50 percent  share  in  the  multiengine  segment.   

AW169  helicopter   

A  versatile,  new  generation  twin  engine  light  intermediate  category  helicopter,  the  4.8  tonne AW169  has  been  designed  in  response  to  the  growing  market  demand  for  an  aircraft  that delivers  high  performance,  meets  all  the  latest  safety  standards  and  has  multi-role  capabilities. Orders  for  more  than  180  AW169  helicopters  have  been  ordered  by  over  70  customers  in  nearly 30  countries  around  the  world  to  date  for  a  wide  range  of  applications  including executive/corporate  transport,  air  ambulance,  law  enforcement,  offshore  transport,  electronic newsgathering.  More  than  50  units  have  been  already  delivered  globally.   

La Armada neutraliza un proyectil de 105mm en la Playa de Camposoto de San Fernando

El artefacto fue localizado por un transeúnte que avisó a la Policía Nacional

viernes, 16 de marzo de 2018

Un equipo de desactivado de la Unidad de Buceo de Cádiz (UNBUDIZ), perteneciente a las Unidades de la Fuerza de Acción Marítima, con base en la Estación Naval de Puntales, ha efectuado esta mañana la identificación y neutralización de un proyectil de artillería con carga explosiva de 105 mm que apareció, durante la bajamar, en la playa de Camposoto dentro del término municipal de San Fernando.

Tras recibir el aviso del hallazgo del artefacto, el Cuartel General de la Fuerza de Acción Marítima, a través del Centro de Operaciones y Vigilancia de Acción Marítima (COVAM), destacó un equipo de buceadores, especialistas en desactivado de explosivos, encargado de identificar y neutralizar el proyectil.

El proyectil de artillería fue hallado por personal civil que avisó vía telefónica a la Policía Nacional. Tras personarse la Policía Nacional, el artefacto quedó sumergido por la subida de la marea. Debido a esto, hubo que esperar a la siguiente bajamar para que el Equipo de Desactivado de Explosivos de la Unidad de Buceo de Cádiz realizara una remoción con el fin de que no quedara cubierto de nuevo.

Tras la identificación y remoción del proyectil, se procedió a la neutralización “in situ” del mismo ya que la playa de Camposoto se encontraba cerrada al tránsito de personal. Para minimizar efectos se utilizaron cargas especiales de corte de ignición por radiocontrol.

Seguidamente, el equipo de desactivado de explosivos comprobó que no quedaban en la zona restos de explosivo ni del artefacto, con el fin de evitar cualquier tipo de impacto medioambiental. Con los restos se constató que se trataba de un proyectil de artillería, alto explosivo, de 105mm.

Las Unidades de Buceo de la Armada cuentan con personal especialista en desactivación de artefactos explosivos submarinos (EOD), y buceadores con especialización en técnicas de inutilización de minas, siendo los únicos capacitados para realizar este tipo de tareas. Esta actividad, en el ámbito marítimo, es competencia exclusiva de la Armada.

Nuevo hallazgo de cuatro proyectiles en la playa de Camposoto

jueves, 22 de marzo de 2018

Un equipo de desactivado de la Unidad de Buceo de Cádiz (UNBUDIZ), perteneciente a las Unidades de la Fuerza de Acción Marítima en Cádiz, con base en la Estación Naval de Puntales, efectuó el pasado 21 de marzo la identificación y neutralización de cuatro proyectiles. El hecho sucedió durante la bajamar, en la Playa de Camposoto dentro del término municipal de San Fernando. Se identificaron: un proyectil de 105 mm, dos de 76 mm y otro proyectil de 120 mm inerte.

Tras recibir el aviso del hallazgo de los artefactos, el Cuartel General de la Fuerza de Acción Marítima, a través del Centro de Operaciones y Vigilancia de Acción Marítima (COVAM), destacó un equipo de buceadores, especialistas en desactivado de explosivos, encargado de identificar y neutralizar los proyectiles. Los proyectiles fueron hallados por personal civil que avisó vía telefónica a la Guardia Civil. Tras personarse estos últimos, junto a Policía Nacional y Protección Civil, el descubridor trasladó al GEDE a la zona del hallazgo.

Tras la identificación, se procedió a la neutralización “in situ” del mismo, ya que la Playa de Camposoto se encontraba cerrada al tránsito de personal. Para minimizar efectos se utilizaron cargas especiales de corte de ignición por radiocontrol.

Seguidamente, el equipo de desactivado de explosivos comprobó que no quedaban en la zona restos de explosivo ni de los artefactos, con el fin de evitar cualquier tipo de impacto medioambiental.

Desde el pasado 6 de Marzo, debido a los últimos temporales registrados en la zona, se han realizado 4 intervenciones con un total de 7 desactivaciones de artefactos explosivos. Consecuentemente, tras estas últimas neutralizaciones, se realizó una búsqueda complementaria en el área, por si hubiese más UXO’s (Municiones no explosionadas), resultando esta negativa.

Las Unidades de Buceo de la Armada cuentan con personal especialista en desactivación de artefactos explosivos submarinos (EOD), y buceadores con especialización en técnicas de inutilización de minas, siendo los únicos capacitados para realizar este tipo de tareas. Esta actividad, en el ámbito marítimo, es competencia exclusiva de la Armada.

Imágenes y texto: ©Armada Española

Leonardo welcomes Government of Canada Intention to move forward with AW101 Solutions for CH-149 Cormorant Mid-Life Upgrade and Fleet Augmentation

- Leonardo  and  Team  Cormorant  will  deliver  a  comprehensive  upgrade  to  Canada’s AW101 primary  SAR  helicopter  fleet  and expand the  current  fleet  of  14  AW101s by  up to seven    additional  AW101s 

- The  Cormorant  MLU  and  augmentation  will  position  the  rotary  wing  SAR  fleet  for further  reductions  in  cost  of  ownership  over  the  extended  life  of  the  fleet  to  2040  and beyond,  while  delivering  enhanced  capabilities  under  the  most  advanced  standards of  AW101  SAR

 - The  AW101  has  an  established  track  record  of  successful  SAR  missions  and  has already  been  chosen  or  has  been  in  operation  with  customers  in  several  nations including  Portugal,  Denmark,  Italy  and Norway   

Rome,  29  May  2018  -  Leonardo  welcomes  the  Government  of  Canada’s  intention  to  proceed with  the  CH-149  Cormorant  Mid-Life  Upgrade  Program  (CMLU)  to  be  carried  out  by  the Company  to  deliver  a  comprehensive  upgrade  to  Canada’s  AW101  primary  search  and  rescue helicopter  fleet  and  expand  the  current  fleet  of  14  AW101s  by  up  to  seven    additional  AW101s. Leonardo  with  IMP  Aerospace  and  Defence  and the  other  members  of  Team  Cormorant  –  CAE, Rockwell  Collins  Canada,  and  GE  Canada  –  comprise  a  strong  Canadian  team  for  the  CH-149 CMLU.     

The  Government  of  Canada’s  CMLU  announcement  recognizes  that  the  AW101  is  the  only helicopter  to meet  Canada’s  primary  rotary  wing  search and rescue requirements  and that  it  has been  an  excellent  search  and  rescue  asset  providing  outstanding  coverage  and  capability  for the  men  and  women  of  the  Royal  Canadian  Air  Force search  and  rescue  squadrons.  

Leonardo,  together  with  Team  Cormorant,  looks  forward  to  continuing  working  with  the Government  of  Canada  to  conclude  the  Options  Analysis  and  finalize  the  requirements  for  the CH-149  CMLU  and  fleet  augmentation,  simulation  and  training  program.  Based  on  the  AW101612  standard,  Leonardo  and  Team  Cormorant  will  provide  a  very  low  risk  solution  to  upgrade, enhance  and  address  obsolescence,  as  well  augment  the  fleet  to  return  the  Cormorant  to  all four  RCAF  Main  Operating  Bases.  Over  the  past  two  years,  in-support  support  from  Leonardo, IMP  and  GE  Canada    has  helped  the  Government  of  Canada  achieve  significant  reduction  in cost  of  ownership  in  the  operation  of  the  current  Cormorant  fleet.  The  CH-149  CMLU  and augmentation  will  position  the  rotary  wing  SAR  fleet  for  further  reductions  in  cost  of  ownership over  the  extended  life  of  the  fleet  to 2040  and  beyond. 

Leonardo  and  Team  Cormorant  are  also  committed  to  working  with  Canada’s  aerospace  and defence  sector  and  academia  to  develop  a  robust  Value  Proposition  program  through  Industrial and  Technological  Benefits  (ITBs),  delivering  high-value  direct  and  indirect  benefits  to  Canada in  support  of  areas  of  key  strategic  interest  to  Canada.  Leonardo  has  a  demonstrated  track record  of  outstanding  ITB  performance,  delivering  121%  of  its  obligation  on  the  original  AW101 Cormorant  acquisition  contract  two  years  ahead  of  schedule.  Since  then,  Leonardo  has continued  to  support  Canada’s  aerospace  and  defence  sector,  procuring  more  than  $1.5  billion in Canadian  goods  and  services  for  its  civil  and military  helicopter  programs  around  the  world. 

Leonardo  will  showcase  the  proposed  CMLU  solutions  based  on  the  AW101-612  at  CANSEC May  30  and 31,  at  booth  1511.     

Background information on  the  CH-149  Cormorant  and  the  AW101  SAR  helicopter 

Since  its  introduction  into  service  in  2002,  the  CH-149  Cormorant  has  successfully  carried  out  a number  of  SAR  missions  in Canada  with unparalleled  performance  in all  weather  conditions.     

The  AW101  SAR  is  not  only  used  by  Canada  but  also  by  various  nations  also  including Denmark,  Portugal  and  Norway.  The  AW101  is  also  used  for  personnel  recovery  in  Italy  and  for military  duties in  UK  and  many  other  countries  around the  world.   

The  AW101  benefits  from  three-engine  safety,  a  full  ice  protection  system  for  flight  in  known icing  conditions,  long  range  and  endurance,  a  proven  30-minute  “run  dry”  gearbox  as  well  as multiple redundancy  features  in avionic  and  mission  systems.   

The  AW101-612  variant  is  the  latest  version of  the  AW101  for  SAR  and was  selected  by  Norway following  a  comprehensive,  detailed  evaluation  process  of  all  the  alternatives.   

The  AW101-612  standard  includes  advanced  SAR  mission  equipment  including  a  Leonardo Osprey  multi-panel  360°  AESA  surveillance  radar  system,  4-axis  digital  Automatic  Flight  Control System  (AFCS),  two  rescue  hoists,  searchlight,  a  cell-phone  detection  system,  electro optical/infrared  device  and a  fully  integrated  avionics  and mission  system.  The  large cabin  doors and rear  ramp  provide  easy  access  for  personnel,  survivors  and equipment  into  the  27  m3 cabin which has  stand-up  head  room  throughout. 

SIKORSKY S-92® HELICOPTERS CERTIFIED TO OPERATE IN MEXICO

Mexico’s Directorate General of Civil Aeronautics (DGAC) has approved the Offshore and Utility Type Certificate for the Sikorsky S-92® helicopter.

STRATFORD, Conn., Nov. 14, 2017/PRNewswire/ -- Mexico's Directorate General of Civil Aeronautics (DGAC) approved the Offshore and Utility Type Certificate for the Sikorsky S-92® helicopter. The certificate enables the operation of S-92 helicopters in Mexico, in all production configurations including offshore oil and gas transportation, search and rescue, as well as regional airline passenger service and VIP transportation.

DGAC signed the certificate Nov. 6, capping an intensive three-year effort to introduce the S-92 helicopter manufactured by Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin Company (NYSE: LMT), to Mexico.

"Sikorsky has been excited to watch the evolution of the offshore oil and gas industry in Mexico," said Sikorsky Vice President, Oil & Gas, David Martin. "As the industry expands into new territory, safe and reliable offshore transportation will ensure they remain on schedule and on budget.  With this new certification of the S-92 aircraft, operators and oil and gas companies can select a true heavy helicopter that has the proven reliability and safety to support their success."

"This moves us another step forward in our overall Latin America strategy," said Sikorsky Vice President, Latin America, Adam Schierholz.  "The region has long had faith in Sikorsky products, specifically the Black Hawk.  It's a natural progression, as oil markets expand in Mexico and Colombia, that the S-92 would start to play a prominent role in that sector." 

The S-92 was certified in Colombia in November 2016.

Sikorsky has delivered nearly 300 S-92 helicopters since 2004. With a best-in-class safety record and industry-leading dispatch availability, the multi-mission S-92 aircraft is the preferred aircraft of its size class for offshore oil worker transportation. These helicopters also perform search and rescue missions, head of state missions, and a variety of transportation missions for utility and airline passengers. 

For more information visit Sikorsky Commercial Systems & Services

H145M lanzó con éxito cohetes guiados por láser de 70 mm durante su campaña de disparo en Suecia

Donauwörth, la  mejora de las capacidades para el H145M continúan. En las primeras semanas de diciembre de 2017, Airbus Helicopters demostró la capacidad de disparar cohetes guiados por láser (FZ275 LGR de Thales) con su nueva plataforma H145M en el campo de pruebas Älvdalen, del Centro de pruebas de la Administración de materiales de defensa sueco . En un entorno difícil y desafiante, el sistema funcionó a la perfección.

El sistema electro-óptico (MX-15D) de L3 Wescam, con láser incorporado, permite un margen de desviación inferior a un metro en todos los cohetes disparados a una distancia de hasta 4,5 km. Este cohete aire-tierra guiado por láser de 70 mm mejora las capacidades de interacción del H145M. Cumple con las necesidades de precisión de ataque de las fuerzas armadas en todo el mundo al reducir el riesgo de daños colaterales, especialmente durante las operaciones de combate asimétricas.

"Los cohetes guiados por láser de Thales funcionaron increíblemente bien, teniendo en cuenta las condiciones climáticas que experimentaron durante las pruebas, que fueron lejos de ser ideales y además con mucha humedad en el aire", palabras de Raymond Laporte, piloto de pruebas de Airbus Helicópteros.

Tras el éxito de las pruebas de disparo balístico, celebradas en Hungría en octubre de 2017, la consecución de este nuevo objetivo con cohetes guiados por láser es una continuación de la estrategia de desarrollo HForce de Airbus Helicópteros para impulsar la capacidad de la misión H145M.

La calificación final del sistema balístico HForce en el H145M está programada para finales de este año 2018, mientras que los cohetes guiados por láser están planeados para finales de 2019.

Second NH90 Sea Lion prototype completes maiden flight

Donauwörth, The second prototype of the NH90 Sea Lion commissioned by the Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (Bundesamt für Ausrüstung, Informationstechnik und Nutzung der Bundeswehr) lifted off from the Donauwörth site for its maiden flight on 24 November 2017. Airbus Helicopters is now entering a development testing phase of several months that will focus on avionics and software. Activities for the qualification of the delivery configuration will start over the course of 2018 once additional modifications have been made to the prototype. Despite the very demanding timetable, the company is convinced that deliveries to the German Navy will start at the end of 2019. Final assembly of the first Sea Lion seriesproduction aircraft also started recently; this will run in parallel to the qualification.

Lufthansa Group firms up order for six more A320neo and three A320ceo

Takes Group’s order to 122 A320neo family aircraft and 273 A320ceo family

Airbus A320neo, Lufthansa, ©Airbus

Lufthansa Group has firmed-up a previous option for six further Airbus A320neo, following a decision by the company’s supervisory board at the beginning of May. The latest agreement brings Lufthansa Group’s total order for the A320neo to 122 (77 A320neo and 45 A321neo). In addition, the airline signed an order for three more A320ceo, bringing the Group’s A320ceo orders to 273. With a total of 395 A320 Family aircraft on order, the Lufthansa Group is also Airbus’ biggest A320 operator with nearly 400 A320 Family aircraft in service. Lufthansa was the launch operator of the A320neo.

“We are delighted to see this additional order from our biggest A320 operator Lufthansa Group”, says Eric Schulz, Airbus Chief Commercial Officer. “Benefitting from the Airbus commonality and the A320 Family’s efficiency and environmental credentials such as reduced noise, lower fuel-burn and emissions, we are pleased the airline has decided to come back for more.”

The A320neo Family incorporates the very latest technologies including new generation engines and Sharklets, which together deliver at least 15 percent fuel savings at delivery and 20 percent by 2020. With more than 6,000 orders received from 100 customers since its launch in 2010, the A320neo Family has captured some 60 percent share of the market.

ACJ debuts Harmony cabin concept for VIP widebodies

Provides productive practicality for the longest flights

Airbus Corporate Jets (ACJ) has created a new cabin design concept, called Harmony, which combines the comfort and space of a widebody cabin with the practicality to suit the longest of flights.

Harmony seamlessly combines the benefits of Airbus Corporate Jets’ VIP widebodies – such as comfort, space and quietness - to produce a consistently harmonious customer experience. It builds on the Airspace cabin brand from the Airbus airliner family.

Initially proposed for the new ACJ330neo Family[1], which features new-generation engines and Sharklets, Harmony can also suit other Airbus widebodies, such as the ACJ350 XWB.

“Long-haul flights provide time for productive work and socialising, as well as rest, and ACJ’s Harmony cabin concept is wonderfully well designed to enable all of these, while bringing the world within a single flight,” says ACJ President Benoit Defforge.

“Harmony is a timeless and elegant design concept, because we dare to break the conventions that are traditionally imposed on us as cabin designers. Our creativity needs to be unique to fit the needs of our customers, as befits a host receiving their guests in their ‘world above the world,” says ACJ Head of Creative Design Sylvain Mariat.

A holographic globe, showing aircraft position, greets entering passengers. Turning left leads to the master bedroom, office and bathroom, while turning right brings travellers into a spacious lounge with seating grouped at round-tables that encourage social interaction.

Concentric circles, like ripples on a pond, are a feature of the cabin layout.

Just beyond the lounge is a conference table, and beyond that there are four VIP guest-suites - each featuring an office that converts to a bedroom, plus an ensuite bathroom with shower.

Seating for support staff and a galley make up the rear of the cabin, which can be adapted to serve both private and government customers.

Airbus aircraft have the distinction of being the world’s most modern and comprehensive family. All of the corporate jet versions have intercontinental capability, with some - such as the ACJ330neo and ACJ350 XWB Families – going beyond to deliver “nonstop to the world range”.

Airbus corporate jet customers benefit from airliner-reliability and a worldwide support network - sized to serve more than 10,000 aircraft and over 500 customers and operators - plus services tailored to their specific needs.

These services include the “one call handles all” corporate jet customer care centre (C4you), customised maintenance programmes and the ACJ Service Centre Network.

All of today’s Airbus aircraft include the protection and simplicity of fly-by-wire controls, the benefits of Category 3B autoland, and time and cost-saving centralised maintenance.

More than 190 Airbus corporate jets are in service on every continent, including Antarctica, highlighting their versatility around the clock around the world.

BELL 505 TO ASSIST IN RECOVERY OF MISSING US MILITARY PERSONNEL IN SOUTHEAST ASIA

Phnom Penh, Cambodia (8 February 2018) - Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, announced today the delivery of two Bell 505 Jet Ranger X helicopters to Asian Aviation Resources Pte. Ltd. in Cambodia.

One of the helicopters, which will be operated by Helicopters Cambodia, will be used to facilitate the United States Department of Defense’s Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) in their efforts to find missing US military personnel in Southeast Asia. The other helicopter will be used for tourism related charters.

“We are proud to play a role in the US DPAA’s noble mission to reunite missing United States military personnel with their families and to give an account to the nation. Once again, our thoughts and gratitude go out to all the families who have made the ultimate sacrifice for the freedom we as Americans enjoy today,” said Sameer A. Rehman, managing director of Bell Helicopter Asia Pacific. “We look forward to working with the DPAA and Helicopters Cambodia to ensure the success of both the DPAA and Helicopters Cambodia’s missions throughout Southeast Asia and beyond.”

The reliability, speed, performance, and maneuverability of the Bell 505 is integrated with a flat floor, open cabin that is configurable for a wide variety of missions and payloads. The spacious cabin can be configured to carry up to four passengers or configured for internal cargo missions by removing quick disconnect rear cabin seats and/or copilot seat. The Bell 505’s flat floor cabin design and large rectangular baggage compartment lets the Bell 505 adapt to the ever-changing mission needs. These features combined with a proven and reliable drivetrain and rotor system make the Bell 505 a true multi-mission aircraft in the short light single-engine market.

Coast Guard hoists injured hiker off beach north of Lincoln City, Ore.

Petty Officer 2nd Class Cody Reed, a aviation maintenance technician from Coast Guard Sector North Bend, monitors an injured hiker hoisted from a beach north of Lincoln City, Ore., May 27, 2018.

The aircrew was returning to sector when a local fire department member hailed them over the radio as they flew by and requested assistance.U.S. Coast Guard photo by Lt. Justin Bench.

NORTH BEND, Ore. — A Coast Guard helicopter crew assists North Lincoln Fire and Rescue by hoisted an injured, 78-year-old female hiker from a beach near God's Thumb north of Lincoln City, Saturday.

The MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew safely transported the hiker to waiting emergency medical service personnel at a local casino parking lot. 

Watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector North Bend were notified at 11:14 a.m. by local 911 dispatch about the response. However, the request for assistance came from the North Lincoln Fire and Rescue captain, who hailed the aircrew over the radio, when he spotted them flying by while he was on scene coordinating the rescue response.

The aircrew reported that they had to stay high due to winds coming over God's Thumb creating severe turbulence, which made for an extremely challenging hoist.

Fire department responders reported the hiker had suffered an open-wound break on one of her ankles after she suffered a fall.

Petty Officer 3rd Class Caleb, a rescue swimmer from Coast Guard Sector North Bend, assists emergency medical service personnel approach a helicopter in Lincoln City, Ore., May 27, 2018.

The aircrew was transferring an injured hiker to the EMS personnel, after they hoisted her a couple miles north near God's Thumbs.

U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Cody Reed.

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U.S. MARINE CORPS AWARDS CONTRACT TO LOCKHEED MARTIN TO BEGIN CH-53K HELICOPTER PRODUCTION

Connecticut plant to build heavy lift helicopters

STRATFORD, Conn., Sept. 1, 2017/PRNewswire/ -- Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, has awarded Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) a Low Rate Initial Production (LRIP) Lot 1 contract to build two production CH-53K King Stallion helicopters. This contract follows the April 4, 2017, Milestone C decision by the Defense Acquisition Board (DAB) approving LRIP production.  

"Gaining the U.S. Marine Corps approval to enter into production and the award of the first contract are milestones made possible by the tremendous achievements of the joint Sikorsky, Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) and U.S. Marine Corps team," said Dr. Mike Torok, vice president, CH-53K programs. "This is what we have been striving for - to deliver this amazing capability to the U.S. Marine Corps."

Under the $303,974,406 contract, Sikorsky will deliver two production aircraft to the U.S. Marine Corps in 2020 along with spares and logistical support. Aircraft assembly will take place at Sikorsky's headquarters in Stratford, Connecticut.

"We have just successfully launched the production of the most powerful helicopter our nation has ever designed. This incredible capability will revolutionize the way our nation conducts business in the battlespace by ensuring a substantial increase in logistical through put into that battlespace. I could not be prouder of our government-contractor team for making this happen," said Col Hank Vanderborght, U.S. Marine Corps program manager for the Naval Air Systems Command's Heavy Lift Helicopters program, PMA-261.

The CH-53K King Stallion provides unmatched capability with three times the lift capability of its predecessor, the CH-53E Super Stallion. The helicopter cabin, a full foot wider, gives increased payload capacity to internally load 463L cargo pallets, High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicles (HMMWV) or a European Fenneck armored personnel carrier while still leaving the troop seats installed. The CH-53K's external hook system provides the capability to lift three independent external loads simultaneously. These true heavy lift internal and external cargo improvements give the Marine Corps tremendous mission flexibility and efficiency in delivering combat power in support of the Marine Air Ground Task Force or in delivering humanitarian assistance or disaster relief to those in need.

The King Stallion also brings enhanced safety features for the warfighter. Full authority fly-by-wire flight controls and mission management reduce pilot workload enabling the crew to focus on mission execution. Features include advanced stability augmentation, flight control modes that include attitude command-velocity hold, automated approach to a stabilized hover, position hold and precision tasks in degraded visual environments, and tactile cueing. These features permit the pilot to focus confidently on the mission at hand while operating in degraded environments.

The CH-53K's internal health monitoring systems with fault detection/fault isolation, coupled with a digital aviation logistics maintenance system that interfaces with the Fleet Common Operating Environment for fleet management, provides improved combat readiness for the Marine Corps.

The U.S. Department of Defense's Program of Record remains at 200 CH-53K aircraft. The U.S. Marine Corps intends to stand up eight active duty squadrons, one training squadron, and one reserve squadron to support operational requirements.

Airbus Helicopters completes AS565 MBe Panther deliveries to Mexican Navy

Delivery of final two multi-mission Panther helicopters out of an order for ten

Marignane, The Mexican Navy has received its final two AS565 MBe Panther helicopters during a delivery ceremony at Airbus Helicopters in Marignane. With their order for ten units in 2014, the Mexican Navy became the launch customer of this new version. The first four helicopters were delivered in 2016 and the remaining six during the course of 2017.

Stationed at three naval bases in the Mexican states of Veracruz, Sonora and Michoacan, the helicopters perform an average of 300 flight hours for reconnaissance, patrol missions and training flights.

“The arrival of the MBe Panther has enhanced the Navy Aviation’s operational capabilities,” explained Admiral Jose Maria Garcia Macedo, the Mexican Navy’s General Director of Naval Aviation. “It is a modern, multi-mission helicopter that we can use in both maritime and land environments for a wide range of missions, including maritime SAR, disaster relief, external load operations and even air ambulance.”

To carry out such a range of missions, the MBe Panther makes use of advanced mission equipment that includes a cargo hook, a rescue hoist, forward-looking infrared (FLIR) for night-time rescue missions and a total of four stretchers for medical evacuation.

“I would like to thank the Mexican Navy for their confidence in our helicopters,” said Mesrob Karalekian, Airbus Helicopters’ Vice-President for Latin America. “To help ensure success for their critical missions, we have made a technical and logistical support team available to them around the clock in Veracruz. Some 30 pilots have also been trained, many of them receiving specific training in SAR and night vision goggles (NVG).”

The AS565 MBe combines new and proven technologies to offer more value to operators. It is equipped with two Safran Arriel 2N engines, which enhance its performance in hot & high conditions and enable it to achieve a top speed of 278 km/h and a range of 780 kilometers. It also boasts a new main gearbox, a latest-generation tail rotor and a 4-axis autopilot that reduces crew workload and makes the most demanding missions, such as SAR, easier to perform. More powerful and efficient, the AS565 MBe is also safer, more cost-effective and easier to operate.

Coast Guard rescues 2 near Galveston, Texas

Photo: MH-65 Dolphin helicopter, ©U.S. Coast Guard

HOUSTON — The Coast Guard rescued two men from their vessel near Galveston, Texas, Saturday night.

At 8:45 p.m., Sector Houston/Galveston watchstanders received a request from Sector New Orleans watchstanders after a 911 call was received from a boater reporting that his 22-foot pleasure craft had become disabled and stranded on rocks near Bird Island in Galveston Bay.

Coast Guard Station Galveston response boat crewmembers attempted to assist but were unable due to shallow water depths around the pleasure craft. An Air Station Houston MH-65 Dolphin Helicopter crew hoisted and transported the two boaters to Scholes International Airport in Galveston.

There were no reports of injuries.

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