Coast Guard hoists 5 distressed mariners near Tununak, Alaska

An MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew from Air Station Kodiak, Alaska, hoists one of five distressed mariners off the coast of Tununak, Alaska, Sept. 29, 2018. All five people that were eventually hoisted and brought to safety were in a 22-foot boat that lost power and began taking on water. U.S. Coast Guard video by Air Station Kodiak

ANCHORAGE, Alaska — The Coast Guard rescued five people stranded on a boat without power off the Alaskan coast near Tununak, Saturday.

A Coast Guard Air Station Kodiak MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew hoisted all five people and brought them to Tununak.

Watchstanders in the 17th District command center in Juneau received notification from Alaska State Troopers Friday at about 10:30 p.m. that the 22-foot boat was adrift without power, taking on water and dragging anchor approximately 4 miles off Tununak. The people on the skiff had a VHF radio that was running out of batteries.

The Coast Guard issued an urgent marine information broadcast to alert mariners of the need for help, and diverted the crew of the Coast Guard Cutter Douglas Munro. The Canadian research vessel Frosti answered the UMIB and headed toward the disabled vessel to assist.

An Air Station Kodiak C-130 Hercules aircrew launched and made VHF radio contact with family members of the distressed party near Tununak. The family members guided the pilots to the location of the distressed vessel and got them in radio range of the people aboard.

The Coast Guard Air Station Kodiak helicopter crew launched from Kodiak and arrived on scene at about 7:45 a.m. Saturday before hoisting all five people to the helicopter.

“Because the family of these folks had VHF radios, and because they had a radio aboard as well, we were better able to locate them and understand their situation,” said Lt. Casey Corpe, C-130 Hercules co-pilot for the case. “Though they did not have a life jacket for every person on the boat, I’m sure that next time they go out they will. Alaskan water temperatures are unforgiving.

If something goes wrong on the water, a life jacket often means the difference between life and death.”

Conditions when the Coast Guard arrived on scene were 40 mph winds, 6-foot seas, 10-mile visibility, and 49 degree air and water temperatures.

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Coast Guard, others continue search for potential crash survivors near Lituya Bay, Alaska

MH-60 Jayhawk ©USCG (archive)

ANCHORAGE, Alaska — The Coast Guard and others are continuing the search Saturday for three potential survivors of a helicopter crash that occurred Friday near Lituya Bay.

The helicopter crashed in the water approximately 100 yards from the shoreline of a beach about 3 miles east of Lituya Bay.The Coast Guard located sections of the crashed helicopter’s fuselage, engine, rotor head, and front and rear seats washed up on the beach today but not any sign of the passengers.

Two handlers with canines from the Southeast Alaska Dogs for Ground Search were brought in via Coast Guard helicopter but were not able to locate any sign of the helicopter’s passengers.

A C-130 aircraft crew with the 211th Rescue Squadron for Alaska Air National Guard’s 176th Wing out of Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage is on scene searching.

The crew of Coast Guard Cutter Bailey Barco out of Ketchikan is searching the water in the vicinity of the crash, and will continue searching overnight.

A Coast Guard MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew out of Air Station Sitka is scheduled to begin searching at first light Sunday.

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Coast Guard rescues helicopter crash survivor, searches for others near Lituya Bay, Alaska

Photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Jon-Paul Rios (archive)

ANCHORAGE, Alaska — The Coast Guard rescued a survivor of a helicopter crash Friday near Lituya Bay, Alaska, and is searching for three potential others Saturday.

The 14-year-old survivor was flown to Sitka by a Coast Guard Air Station Sitka MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew and placed in the care of awaiting EMS. He displayed signs of mild hypothermia but was reported to be in good condition.

An additional Air Station Sitka MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew is searching Saturday along with a Civil Air Patrol aircraft crew out of Juneau, for three others who were aboard the helicopter when it went down.

The crew of Coast Guard Cutter Bailey Barco out of Ketchikan is searching the water in the vicinity of the crash, and their small boat crew is searching the shoreline.

Watchstanders in the Coast Guard 17th District command center in Juneau initially received an overdue aircraft alert at about 6:30 p.m. Friday from the Juneau Flight Service Station. The alert stated a private helicopter with four people aboard expected to arrive in Yakutat Friday had not arrived.

A Coast Guard MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew launched from Air Station Sitka at 8:15 p.m. The crew learned the last known position of the aircraft due to the signal of a GPS locator. The Coast Guard helicopter crew landed on the beach about 3 miles east of Lituya Bay, where the crew’s rescue swimmer located the boy.

“We did not locate any other survivors tonight but the Coast Guard and others will conduct a thorough search Saturday,” said Lt. Kellen Browne, helicopter co-pilot for Friday's rescue.

Two adults and two adolescents were aboard the crashed helicopter that was reported to be brand new out of the factory. The pilot is reported to have 40 years flying experience including Alaska flight time in both fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft.

The new helicopter was on a trip that originated in Grand Prairie, Texas, and was bound for Wasilla.

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PENTAGON AND LOCKHEED MARTIN AGREE TO REDUCED F-35 PRICE IN NEW PRODUCTION CONTRACT

F-35A Aircraft Now Below $90 Million

FORT WORTH, Texas, Sept. 28, 2018/PRNewswire/ -- The U.S. Department of Defense and Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) have finalized an $11.5 billion contract for the production and delivery of 141 F-35 aircraft at the lowest per aircraft price in program history.

For the eleventh consecutive year, the cost of an F-35A was lowered.  The F-35A unit price including aircraft, engine and fee, is $89.2 million. This represents a 5.4 percent reduction from the $94.3 million it cost for an F-35A in Low-Rate Initial Production Lot 10 (LRIP 10). 

In LRIP 11, the F-35B unit cost was lowered to $115.5 million.  This represents a 5.7 percent reduction from the $122.4 millionit cost for the short-takeoff and landing variant in LRIP 10. The F-35C unit cost was lowered to $107.7 million. This represents an 11.1 percent reduction from the $121.2 million it cost for the carrier variant in LRIP 10. The LRIP 11 agreement funds 91 aircraft for the U.S. Services, 28 for F-35 International Partners and 22 for F-35 Foreign Military Sales customers. Deliveries will begin in 2019.

"Driving down cost is critical to the success of this program," said Vice Admiral Mat Winter, F-35 Program Executive Officer. "We are delivering on our commitment to get the best price for taxpayers and warfighters.

"This agreement for the next lot of F-35s represents a fair deal for the U.S. Government, our international partnership and industry.  We remain focused on aggressively reducing F-35 cost and delivering best value."

With stealth technology, supersonic speed, powerful sensors, large weapons capacity and global deployment, the F-35 is the most advanced fighter aircraft ever built, enabling women and men in uniform to execute their mission and return home safely. More than a fighter jet, the F-35's ability to collect, analyze and share data, is a powerful force multiplier that enhances all airborne, surface and ground-based assets in the battlespace.

"This agreement marks a significant step forward for the F-35 program as we continue to increase production, reduce costs and deliver transformational capabilities to our men and women in uniform," said Greg Ulmer, F-35 Vice President and General Manager. "As production ramps up, and we implement additional cost savings initiatives, we are on track to reduce the cost of the F-35A to $80 million by 2020, which is equal to or less than legacy aircraft, while providing a major leap in capability."

Program Progress

The latest contract is a demonstration of the program's progress and maturity, as industry and the government now set their sights on future acquisition approaches for the next three production lots to further reduce costs.

With more than 320 aircraft operating from 15 bases around the globe – the F-35 is playing a critical role in today's global security environment. More than 680 pilots and 6,200 maintainers have been trained and the F-35 fleet has surpassed more than 155,000 cumulative flight hours. The F-35 weapons system reliability continues to improve through a combination of hardware and software improvements.

In addition to advanced capability, the F-35 provides economic stability to the U.S. and Allied nations by creating jobs, commerce and security, and contributing to the global trade balance. The F-35 is built by thousands of men and women in America and around the world. With more than 1,500 suppliers in 46 states and Puerto Rico, the F-35 program supports more than 194,000 direct and indirect jobs in the U.S. alone. The program also includes more than 100 international suppliers, creating or sustaining thousands of international jobs.

Coast Guard rescues 2 in San Diego Bay National Wildlife Refuge

The Coast Guard rescued two people whose boat ran out of gas and drifted aground in the San Diego Bay National Wildlife Refuge, Sept. 28, 2018. An MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew hoisted the people into the helicopter and took them to Coast Guard Sector San Diego, where they were met by family members. (U.S. Coast Guard video/released)

SAN DIEGO — The Coast Guard rescued two people whose boat ran out of gas and drifted aground in the San Diego Bay National Wildlife Refuge, Friday.

A friend of the passengers aboard the stranded boat contacted Coast Guard Sector San Diego’s Joint Harbor Operations Center watchstanders just after 8 p.m., Thursday, to report the situation and that a woman aboard the boat was having an asthma attack.

Coast Guard Station San Diego launched a boat crew to assist, but the crew was unable to reach the 36-foot cabin cruiser due to shallow water depth.

A Coast Guard Sector San Diego MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew launched to assist.

Once on-scene, the helicopter crew deployed a rescue swimmer to assess the situation. The woman was reportedly no longer having an asthma attack, but due to the lack of food or water aboard the aground boat, the passengers were hoisted into the helicopter.

The Jayhawk crew transported the passengers to Sector San Diego, where they were met by family members at 12:50 a.m., Friday.

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Airbus Helicopters delivers the first of 100 H135s for China in Qingdao

Qingdao, Airbus Helicopters has delivered one H135 to Health Commission of Qingdao in China’s Shandong Province, making this helicopter the first of 100 H135s to be delivered to China per a framework agreement signed in June 2016. 

The H135 was delivered in HEMS configuration, fully equipped with the latest medical interior, and will perform life-saving EMS missions in Qingdao and the surrounding area. It is the first H135 to be delivered to China with Airbus’ latest generation Helionix avionics suite, which increases safety and decreases pilot workload.

At the ceremony, United General Aviation Industrial Development Co. Ltd. (UGA), Airbus Helicopters’ distributor in China, signed a contract with Eastern General Aviation Company for two H135s. UGA has also previously secured a framework agreement with Qingdao Huatong Financial Leasing Co. Ltd. (Huatong Leasing) for six H135s.

The first five H135s of the order for 100, including the one delivered today, are being assembled in Donauwörth, Germany, where Chinese final assembly line (FAL) employees have been receiving on-the-job training from their German counterparts since April 2018. The remaining 95 will be assembled in Qingdao on the H135 FAL which broke ground in 2017. The construction of the FAL will be completed by the end of 2018 and will enter into operation in early 2019 on schedule.

“This delivery represents the first of many milestones supporting our commitment to serve the Chinese market with H135s made in Qingdao. We are proud of our ambitious 50-year partnership with China and cannot imagine a better way to kick off our next 50 years together,” said Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters.

Airbus Helicopters holds the leading position in the Chinese civil and parapublic helicopter market. As of August 2018, there were approximately 280 Airbus helicopters flying in China serving 75 customers.

The company is committed to working hand-in-hand with Chinese administration, private operators and industrial partners to meet the rotorcraft needs of this growing market, which has experienced annual growth of 20 percent in recent years.

The H135 is one of the most popular light twin-engine helicopters in China, mainly operating in helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS), search and rescue, law enforcement, firefighting and tourism. To date, more than 1,270 helicopters of the H135 family are in operation around the globe with close to 5 million flight hours.

KENYA DEFENCE FORCE ORDERS SIX ARMED MD 530F ATTACK HELICOPTERS

SECOND DELIVERY ORDER ISSUED AGAINST MDHI’S 5-YEAR, $1.4 BILLION IDIQ

MD Helicopters, Inc. (MDHI) announced yesterday receipt of the second Delivery Order issued against its 5-year, $1.4 billion light scout attack helicopter IDIQ contract. The firm, fixed-price award is for six (6) armed MD 530F Cayuse Warrior helicopters for Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), and includes initial logistics support (ILS) for the aircraft, aircraft systems and ground support equipment.

The contract was awarded through U.S. Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama. Initial deliveries will take place in April 2019, with all aircraft delivered prior to the August 2019 contract completion date.

“Our respect for and commitment to the warfighter is matched only by our legacy of providing the best in American-made rotorcraft to U.S. and Allied forces,” said Lynn Tilton, Chief Executive Officer for MD Helicopters, Inc. “We look forward to delivering these MD 530F Cayuse Warrior helicopters to the Kenya Defence Forces, enhancing their ability to provide close air support and over-watch for ground operations.”  

The IDIQ Contract vehicle ensures an estimated quantity of up to 150 armed MD 530F Cayuse Warrior and/or MD 530G attack helicopters are available to U.S. and Partner Nation Military Forces. With the issuance of Delivery Order 2, MD Helicopters is currently under contract to deliver a total of 36 armed MD 530F Cayuse Warrior helicopters.

KDF Cayuse Warrior Configuration

In addition to an advanced, all-glass cockpit and ballistically tolerant crashworthy fuel system, Kenya’s MD 530F Cayuse Warrior fleet will be outfitted with the full complement of mission equipment standard to the Cayuse Warrior:

• FN Herstal Weapons Management System
• DillonAero Mission Configurable Armament System (MCAS)
• DillonAero Fixed-Forward Sighting System
• 62mm ballistic armor protection
• FN Herstal .50 caliber HMP 400 Machine Gun Pods
• M260 7-shot rocket pods

The KDF’s six armed MD 530F aircraft will also include an enhanced communication system that features the Harris RF-7850A tactical radio and the Rockwell Collins HF-9000D.

All aircraft will be delivered with a full U.S. Army-awarded Airworthiness Release (AWR).

“This aircraft will be an exceptional addition to the KDF fleet,” Tilton concludes. “It is effective, efficient, and a proven performer in combat operations. It is gratifying to see this iconic airframe rise, once again, to be the standard for light scout attack helicopter operations worldwide.” 

Coast Guard searching for man near St. Matthew Island, Alaska

HC-130H U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Jonathan Harper (archive).

ANCHORAGE, Alaska — The Coast Guard is searching for a man last seen aboard a fishing boat north of St. Matthew Island Thursday.

A Coast Guard Air Station Kodiak C-130 Hercules aircrew launched from Kotzebue and is searching for the man along with the crew of fishing vessels Clipper Epic, Frontier Spirit and Frontier Mariner. The man was initially reported missing to the Coast Guard by the master of the 162-foot fishing vessel Clipper Epic at about 12:40 p.m., approximately 60 miles north of St. Matthew Island in the Bering Sea.

Watchstanders in the 17th District command center in Juneau issued an urgent marine information broadcast to alert potential good Samaritans. 

The crew of Coast Guard Cutter Douglas Munro has been sent to assist in the search. 

Search conditions include 15 mph winds, 5-foot seas, 10-mile visibility, an air temperature of 48 degrees and a water temperature of 50 degrees.

"The Coast Guard, the crew of Clipper Epic and others are doing everything we can to find this man," said Maren Murphy, Coast Guard 17th District command duty officer for the case. "We plan to search through the night."

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Boeing Wins U.S. Air Force T-X Pilot Training Program Contract

$9.2 billion award funds 351 jets, 46 simulators and associated ground equipment

The U.S. Air Force has selected the Boeing T-X advanced pilot training system which features an all-new aircraft designed, developed and flight-tested by the team of Boeing and Saab. (Photo: John Parker, Boeing)

ST. LOUIS, Sept. 27, 2018 – U.S. Air Force pilots will soon train for combat with T-X jets and simulators from Boeing [NYSE: BA].

“Today’s announcement is the culmination of years of unwavering focus by the Boeing and Saab team,” said Leanne Caret, president and CEO, Boeing Defense, Space & Security. “It is a direct result of our joint investment in developing a system centered on the unique requirements of the U.S. Air Force. We expect T-X to be a franchise program for much of this century.”

Boeing and its risk-sharing partner Saab designed, developed, and flight tested two all-new, purpose-built jets ― proving out the system’s design, repeatability in manufacturing and training capability.

“This selection allows our two companies to deliver on a commitment we jointly made nearly five years ago,” said Håkan Buskhe, president and CEO of Saab. “It is a major accomplishment for our partnership with Boeing and our joint team, and I look forward to delivering the first trainer aircraft to the Air Force.”

Boeing is now clear to begin placing orders with its suppliers, including Saab. More than 90 percent of Boeing’s offering will be made in America, supporting more than 17,000 jobs in 34 states.

Saab serves the global market with world-leading products, services and solutions within military defense and civil security. Saab has operations and employees on all continents around the world. Through innovative, collaborative and pragmatic thinking, Saab develops, adopts and improves new technology to meet customers’ changing needs.

LOCKHEED MARTIN'S SNIPER ADVANCED TARGETING POD SECURES BAHRAIN AND TAIWAN DELIVERY ORDERS

ORLANDO, Fla., Sept. 26, 2018/PRNewswire/ -- Lockheed Martin's (NYSE: LMT) Sniper Advanced Targeting Pod (ATP) recently received two Foreign Military Sale (FMS) delivery orders for Bahrain and Taiwan.

The Royal Bahraini Air Force continues to order Sniper ATPs with this most recent 19 pod delivery order for the F-16 Block 70 platform. The second FMS order was placed by Taiwan in the United States for 18 pods to be implemented on the mid-life upgraded (MLU) F-16 platform.

"Sniper ATP continues to be a must-have product on platforms worldwide for its superior performance and reliability," said Michael Williamson, vice president of Sensors & Global Sustainment at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control. "We continue to focus on delivering game-changing sensor capabilities to our customers around the globe."

The orders were placed through the FMS Production Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity contract extension.

Sniper ATP detects, identifies, automatically tracks and laser-designates small tactical targets at long ranges. It also supports employment of all laser- and GPS-guided weapons against multiple fixed and moving targets.

Sniper ATP has been integrated across multiple platforms, including U.S. Air Force and multinational F-2, F-15, F-16, F-18, A-10, B-1, B-52, Harrier and Typhoon aircraft.

Philippine Coast Guard becomes Philippines’ first H145 operator for parapublic missions

Philippines, Philippine Coast Guard has placed an order for one H145 helicopter, making it the first H145 parapublic operator in the Philippines.

The new 4-tonne-class twin-engine helicopter is specially equipped with high frequency radios, emergency flotation gear, fast roping, cargo sling, search light, and electro-optical systems to perform critical missions including search and rescue, medical evacuation, maritime patrol and law enforcement. The latest contract will also encompass on-site technical support and continuing airworthiness management organisation services, fully supported by Airbus’ team in the country.

“We are honoured by the Philippine Coast Guard’s decision to introduce the country’s first parapublic H145 into its fleet, as the perfect complement to the current workhorse BO105 which has served the agency well for the past 40 years. We have full confidence in the H145’s ability to support the agency’s work, coupled with our dedicated in-country customer centre which stays committed to supporting its operations in close proximity,” said Philippe Monteux, Head of Southeast Asia and Pacific of Airbus Helicopters.

The H145 is the market leader for rescue missions, with over 1,400 helicopters of the H145 family in service globally, and achieving close to five million flight hours. Due to its small footprint, agility and designed-in mission capability and flexibility, the H145 is particularly ideal for a wide range of missions. It is equipped with Airbus’ state-of-the-art Helionix avionics suite and 4-axis autopilot system, which helps to reduce pilot workload during missions. In the Philippines alone, there are currently four H145 helicopters operating in the country, mainly for business aviation purposes.

U.S. Air Force selects the MH-139 based on the world-class Leonardo AW139 helicopter for Intercontinental Ballistic Missile protection and government and security forces transport missions

The MH-139 programme, offered by Boeing as prime contractor, is valued at $2.4 billion for up to 84 helicopters training devices and associated support equipment with initial readiness by 2021   

Profumo: “This result is testament to Leonardo’s ability to meet the most stringent requirements of major customers, and a recognition of the Company as a strong, reliable partner and long established contributor to the US industry”   

Philadelphia-built aircraft will be  operated by the U.S. Air Force to replace their UH-1N Huey fleet leveraging modern technology, high performance and with a savings of $1 billion in acquisition and lifecycle costs over the life of the fleet   

Over 900 AW139s are already in service among 270 governments, militaries and companies across the world, with 260 assembled and delivered from Philadelphia     

Rome, 25 September 2018– The United States Air Force (USAF) selected the MH-139, based on the Leonardo AW139 and offered by Boeing as prime contractor, to replace its fleet of UH-1N “Huey” helicopters. The programme awarded today is valued at $2.4 billion for up to 84 helicopters, training  devices and associated support equipment. With initial operational capability expected by 2021, the aircraft will take over the role of protecting the nation’s intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) bases and the transportation of U.S. government and security forces.

Alessandro Profumo, Chief Executive Officer, Leonardo said “We are extremely proud of this outstanding result. Major customers continue to rely on Leonardo to meet the most stringent requirements like the critical mission of protecting missile bases and transporting government personnel and special forces. This selection is also testament to Leonardo as a strong, reliable partner and long established contributor to the US industry.”    

The MH-139 leverages the market-leading Leonardo AW139 baseline, a modern, nondevelopmental, multi-mission helicopter that is in service worldwide and has already demonstrated its capabilities in protecting critical infrastructures and  transporting military and government representatives in various nations.

Gian Piero Cutillo, MD Leonardo  Helicopters, said “Today’s announcement is a strong recognition of the world-class quality and competitiveness of our product to meet the most demanding needs of leading  customers.”

The MH-139 is the right-sized aircraft for the mission, exceeds the Air Force’s  speed, payload, range, armament and survivability requirements for protecting ICBM bases, and is perfect for VIP transport. The type features modern design and the best level of affordability with a savings of $1 billion in acquisition and lifecycle costs over the life of the fleet. The AW139 is assembled at the Leonardo northeast  Philadelphia plant, with additional components to be integrated into the military MH-139 at the Boeing Philadelphia facility in Ridley Township, Pa.

William Hunt, CEO, AgustaWestland Philadelphia Corporation, said “We are happy that the U.S. Air Force has selected our team to deliver a new fleet of Philadelphia-built MH-139s. Our Air Force deserves the best tools; this is  the right helicopter for their mission. The more than $125M investment made by Leonardo in the Philadelphia facility demonstrates that we are fully prepared to execute in support of this contract. We look forward to working with Boeing on this programme and we’re committed to deliver according to expectations of the prime contractor,  the US Government and taxpayers.”

The AW139 helicopter   

The most successful helicopter programme in the last 15 years, the AW139 has set new standards through advanced technology and high performance, reliability, safety, flexibility and cabin space. The AW139 is the ideal solution to operate in harsh  environments and weather conditions. Its modern avionics reduces crews’ workload allowing the pilot to focus on the mission. Over 270 governments, militaries and companies across the world have ordered nearly 1100 AW139s, confirming itself as the bestselling aircraft in its category and with more than 900 already in service exceeding 2 million flight hours. More than 260 of the helicopters have been  assembled and delivered from Philadelphia. The AW139 is able to perform a wide range of roles including government, EMS, SAR, patrol, homeland security and transport duties. Many of the AW139s today in service in the U.S. perform law enforcement and public service missions in Maryland, New Jersey and California.

Boeing MH-139 to Replace U.S. Air Force UH-1N Huey Fleet

Boeing will provide its MH-139 helicopter and related support to the U.S. Air Force to replace the fleet of UH-1N “Huey” helicopters used to protect America’s intercontinental ballistic missile bases. (Photo: Fred Troilo, Boeing)

PHILADELPHIA, Pa., Sept. 24, 2018 — Boeing [NYSE: BA] will provide its MH-139 helicopter and related support to the U.S. Air Force to replace the more than 40-year-old UH-1N “Huey” helicopters used to protect America’s intercontinental ballistic missile bases.

The program awarded today is valued at $2.4 billion for up to 84 helicopters, training devices and associated support equipment.

“We’re grateful for the Air Force’s confidence in our MH-139 team,” said David Koopersmith, vice president and general manager, Boeing Vertical Lift. “The MH-139 exceeds mission requirements, it’s also ideal for VIP transport, and it offers the Air Force up to $1 billion in acquisition and lifecycle cost savings.”

The MH-139 derives from the Leonardo AW139, which is used by more than 270 governments, militaries and companies worldwide. Leonardo will assemble the helicopters at its northeast Philadelphia plant, with Boeing integrating military-specific components at its facility south of that city.

The contract also includes operations, maintenance, training systems and support equipment for the MH-139 aircraft.

“We’re proud to provide the U.S. Air Force with solutions across the entire services ecosystem,” said Ed Dolanski, president of U.S. Government Services, Boeing Global Services. “With the AW139 platform’s more than 2 million flight hours and established supply chain, we look forward to applying our expertise to drive cost savings while supporting mission readiness.”

Airbus Helicopters focuses on the wind turbine growth market

Hamburg, Airbus Helicopters views the support for wind farms as a business segment that is undergoing global growth and expects demand for up to a thousand helicopters over the coming two decades, corresponding to revenues of approximately €9 billion. Airbus Helicopters will present its supply, maintenance and crew transport solutions at the WindEnergy expo, which will be held in Hamburg from 25 to 28 September.

“Helicopters are an integral part of any logistics concept for offshore wind farms,” says Dennis Bernitz, Head of Western Europe Sales. “Our helicopters can complete missions for wind farms in a particularly quick, economical, safe and environmentally friendly manner. Helicopters can be used to deploy technicians or medical personnel in emergencies, even in rough seas, and can also transport operating personnel between the shore and the wind farm.” Helicopter transport means that personnel avoid problems with seasickness caused by travelling by sea in rough weather conditions. The probability of mistakes being made by seasick technicians is considerably higher than in the case of healthy technicians; in severe cases, the error rate climbs dramatically.

With turbine output rising, leading to a higher rate of electricity production, wind farm operators rely on an efficient, rapid-response logistics system, relying on high availability, to keep losses to a minimum should a malfunction occur. At the same time, wind farms are being built further and further from the shore. A helicopter can cover 40 nautical miles (approximately 74 km) in 20 minutes, meaning it can reach the site and return to shore faster than a transport vessel.

Airbus Helicopters has developed a logistics calculator for wind farm operators, which takes into account all relevant factors – weather, location and the number of turbines in the wind farm – to determine the most economical and environmentally friendly logistics solution which includes options on the mix of transport and special-purpose vessels.

Companies do not usually purchase the means of transport themselves, but lease the services from operators. Airbus Helicopters offers the H135, H145 and H175 rotorcraft for crew transport, maintenance and rescue missions. In future, the H160 is also expected to be available to this market. With their two engines and four-axis autopilot, these Airbus helicopters have the ability to hover in the air and safely and precisely winch down personnel or goods to exactly where they are needed.

Coast Guard assists fishing vessel taking on water near Baffin Bay, Texas

MH-65 Dolphin, Lone Star SAR ©USCG (archive)

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — Coast Guard crews assisted a fishing vessel taking on water approximately 22 miles offshore of Baffin Bay, Texas, Saturday night.

Sector/Air Station Corpus Christi watchstanders received a report that the vessel Juanitas was taking on water and in need of assistance.

A Sector/Air Station Corpus Christi MH-65 Dolphin helicopter aircrew was launched. Once on scene, the MH-65 aircrew passed a dewatering pump to the vessel who was able to secure the source of the flooding.

The fishing vessel's sister ship Ms. Robin arrived on scene to assist.

The Juanitas was able to make way and is under its own power en route to Port Isabel, Texas.

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Coast Guard medevacs diver 115 miles offshore of Galveston, Texas

An Air Station Houston MH-65 Dolphin helicopter aircrew transfers a 54-year-old diver reportedly suffering from a heart attack to awaiting emergency medical services personnel at University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, Texas, Sept. 22, 2018. The Air Station Houston MH-65 Dolphin helicopter aircrew was launched to perform the medevac after the vessel requested assistance approximately 115 miles offshore. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Air Station Houston.

HOUSTON —The Coast Guard medevaced a 54-year-old diver from a charter vessel approximately 115 miles offshore of Galveston, Texas, Saturday night.

Coast Guard Sector Houston-Galveston watchstanders received a report from a representative of the vessel Fling of a female passenger who reportedly began exhibiting symptoms of a heart attack. Watchstanders notified the duty flight surgeon who recommended the medevac.

An Air Station Houston MH-65 Dolphin helicopter aircrew and a Sector/Air Station Corpus Christi HC-144 Ocean Sentry airplane crew were launched.

Once on scene, a rescue swimmer was deployed to check on the condition of the passenger while the MH-65 refueled due to the distance offshore.

The woman was then hoisted and transported to awaiting emergency medical services personnel at University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston.

"Through excellent coordination between multiple Coast Guard air assets, our command center and the crew of the Fling, all teams involved were able to work seamlessly to get the diver the medical assistance she needed from an area offshore where hoists are not routinely conducted," said Ensign Terrell Sisk, command duty officer at Sector Houston-Galveston.

The woman was reported to be in stable condition.

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Coast Guard medevacs man from cruise ship south of Nantucket

A Coast Guard Air Station Cape Cod aircrew hoists a 78-year-old man Saturday, Sept. 22, 2018 from the cruise ship Norwegian Escape 40 nautical miles south of Nantucket. The man suffered a possible stroke and was brought to Rhode Island Hospital. (U.S Coast Guard video by: Air Station Cape Cod)

BOSTON — A Coast Guard Air Station Cape Cod aircrew medevaced a 78-year-old man Saturday from the cruise ship Norwegian Escape after he suffered a possible stroke 40 nautical miles south of Nantucket.

The crew of the Escape notified Coast Guard watchstanders of the man’s condition at approximately 5 p.m.

An Air Station Cape Cod MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew arrived on scene and hoisted the man and a nurse from the ship at approximately 7:30 p.m. and transported them to Rhode Island Hospital.

He was reported to be stable at the time of the transfer.

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Coast Guard Air Station Kodiak Dolphin aircrew medevacs man near Dutch Harbor, Alaska

MH-65 Dolphin Air Station Kodiak ©USCG (archive)

KODIAK, Alaska – A Coast Guard Air Station Kodiak MH-65 Dolphin helicopter aircrew medevaced a man from the 1,099-foot bulk carrier Ever Living 57 miles southeast of Dutch Harbor, Alaska, Saturday.

The Dolphin aircrew hoisted and transported a 28-year-old crew member from the Ever Living to awaiting LifeMed personnel in Dutch Harbor for further care and transport to Anchorage.

Coast Guard 17th District Command Center watchstanders received initial notification Friday evening from the Ever Living master via email stating a crew member suffered burns while working on the ship’s incinerator. The Ever Living was approximately 621 miles from Dutch Harbor at the time of initial notification.

A Coast Guard duty flight surgeon was briefed, and due to the man’s symptoms, the flight surgeon recommended a medevac.

Command center watchstanders instructed the Ever Living master to transit toward Dutch Harbor and directed an awaiting Dolphin helicopter aircrew in Dutch Harbor to prepare for the medevac.

“We had the Ever Living transit toward Dutch Harbor to get within range of the Dolphin helicopter crew and to lessen the flight time for the injured crew member,” said Chief Petty Officer Seth Caron, District 17 operational unit controller. “We hope he gets the necessary care needed and makes a full recovery.”

Weather on scene was 6-foot seas and 17 mph winds.

-USCG-