SIKORSKY RINDE HOMENAJE AL GUARDACOSTAS DEL REINO UNIDO

FARNBOROUGH, Inglaterra / PRNewswire / - Sikorsky, una compañía Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT), celebró el pasado día 18 de julio sus 35 años de asociación con la Agencia Marítima y el Guardacostas del Reino Unido (MCA, Maritime & Coastguard Agency), honrando sus heroicas misiones recientes en las que se han salvado vidas. La ceremonia de reconocimiento se celebró en el Farnborough International Airshow.  

La relación entre Sikorsky y la MCA data del año 1983, cuando la Agencia comenzó a operar el helicóptero Sikorsky S-61N. 

La flota de aeronaves de ala rotatotia del Guardacostas británico incluye actualmente 12 aeronaves Sikorsky S-92®, que operan desde las bases SAR de Newquay , Caernarfon, Sumburgh, Stornoway, Humberside e Inverness.

Desde abril de 2015 , el MCA ha utilizado su flota de helicópteros S-92 para llevar a cabo más de 4.500 misiones SAR (búsqueda y rescate).

"Sikorsky tiene el honor de formar parte de la misión del MCA durante los últimos 35 años, y la Agencia se enorgullece de que el S-92 desempeñe un papel tan importante al disponer de una máquina segura, eficaz y fiable con la que salvar vidas", Dale Bennett (Vicepresidente Ejecutivo de Lockheed Martin's Rotary and Mission Systems), "Con Sikorsky, como parte de Lockheed Martin, nuestro objetivo es apoyar plenamente a todos nuestros clientes de helicópteros comerciales y la totalidad de las misiones que realizan con ellos".

"Estoy muy orgulloso de la asociación que tenemos con Sikorsky, que lleva desarrollándose a lo largo de los últimos 35 años", Damien Oliver , Director del Programa de Aviación de la MCA. "Las aeronaves de Sikorsky ofrecen las mejores capacidades para las misiones de búsqueda y rescate, sin las cuales nuestras tripulaciones no podrían ofrecer un servicio SAR de primer nivel, salvando vidas de personas que se encuentran en dificultades en la mar, en zonas costeras e incluso en offshore en todo el Reino Unido".  

En la ceremonia se incluyó el honrar los recientes esfuerzos de la tripulación del helicóptero de la base del HM Coastguard en Inverness el mes pasado (el premio de Sikorsky Winged-S se concede a aquellas personas que como mínimo hayan salvado una vida humana con una aeronave de Sikorsky).

En junio de 2018 , un equipo de cuatro guardacostas del HM que operaban un helicóptero S-92 rescató a dos niños trasladándolos a lugar seguro. Los niños, de 11 y 14 años, nadaban en el océano cuando la marea comenzó a subir y fueron incapaces de alcanzar a la orilla.

Los chicos pudieron subirse a una formación rocosa en alta mar a medida que la marea creciente amenazaba con sumergir las rocas. Fue un ciudadano quien vio a los menores en apuros e inmedíatamente lo notificó al HM Coastguard.

La tripulación con base en Inverness respondió en tres minutos, recogiendo a los muchachos y poniéndolos a salvo en la misma playa.

Este premio, o galardón, de rescate es el número 50º otorgado a la MCA por Sikorsky.

Boeing Signs Commitment with Customer for 100 737 MAX Airplanes

Agreement carries list-price value of $11.7 billion

Significant commitment reflects strong demand for 737 MAX, fastest-selling jet in Boeing history

FARNBOROUGH, United Kingdom, July 19, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] and an unidentified customer reached an agreement during the 2018 Farnborough International Airshow for an additional 100 737 MAX airplanes, the company announced.

The commitment carries a list-price value of $11.7 billion and will be reflected on Boeing's Orders and Deliveries website once it is finalized.

"We are honored that so many customers continue to see the unmatched value of the 737 MAX airplane family and are coming back to place repeat orders. This is a significant commitment that reflects the strong demand for the MAX and the health of the single-aisle market," said Ihssane Mounir, senior vice president of Commercial Sales & Marketing for The Boeing Company.  

The 737 MAX is the fastest-selling airplane in Boeing history, accumulating nearly 4,700 orders from more than 100 customers worldwide. Projections show both numbers will continue to grow significantly.

According to the Boeing 2018 Commercial Market Outlook released this week, airlines will need 31,360 new single-aisle airplanes, such as the 737 MAX, over the next 20 years. That represents a 6-percent increase over last year's forecast. Analysts say the demand is fueled by the success of low-cost carriers and a big requirement for single-aisle jets for growth and replacement.

The 737 MAX family is designed to offer customers exceptional performance, with lower per-seat costs and an extended range to open new routes and destinations. The 737 MAX incorporates the latest CFM International LEAP-1B engines, Advanced Technology winglets, Boeing Sky Interior, large flight deck displays and other features to deliver the highest efficiency, reliability and passenger comfort in the single-aisle market. For more information and feature content, visit www.boeing.com/commercial/737max.

BELL 429 CELEBRATES OVER 330,000 HOURS OF OPERATION

More than 325 Bell 429 aircraft in operation configured for various mission sets.

Footprint Continues to Grow with New International

Farnborough, United Kingdom – Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. (NYSE:TXT) company, is excited to announce that the Bell 429 global fleet has exceeded 330,000 hours of operation. With 325 aircraft in operation configured for various mission sets, the Bell 429 footprint continues to grow, with recent new orders and deliveries:

• The Swedish Police Authority has purchased two additional Bell 429 helicopters, growing their fleet to nine Bell 429s used for law enforcement across the country.

• The Indonesian Police has chosen to add an additional Bell 429 to their fleet, increasing their operation to three Bell 429s.

• An undisclosed Asia- Pacific government agency has selected two additional Bell 429s for their operation.

• Bell has received two new orders from corporate customers in Germany and Bangladesh. In addition, a Bell 429 helicopter has been delivered to a customer in Poland.  

“We are pleased to see that the unique capabilities of the Bell 429 are satisfying our international customer base. We continue to see a steady flow of orders particularly in law enforcement for fleet growth. We also have a steadily growing corporate customer base that appreciates the refinement and sophistication of the aircraft.”

Patrick Moulay, International Commercial Business Senior Vice President
The Bell 429 is designed with the future in mind, enhancing occupant safety, with the adaptability to remain at the forefront as mission requirements evolve. The Bell 429 is chosen by police forces, air medical teams and militaries around the world for time-sensitive missions. The aircraft has been chosen by customers in 42 countries, including Australia, France, Indonesia, Kuwait, Oman, Switzerland, Slovakia, Sweden, Turkey, Thailand, the United States and the United Kingdom.

Undisclosed customer orders six A330neo Family aircraft

A customer has signed a commitment for six A330neo Family aircraft. The Memorandum of Understanding was signed at the 2018 Farnborough International Airshow.

Launched in July 2014, the A330neo Family is the new generation A330, comprising two versions: the A330-800 and A330-900 sharing 99 percent commonality. It builds on the proven economics, versatility and reliability of the A330 Family, while reducing fuel consumption by about 25 percent per seat versus previous generation competitors and increasing range by up to 1,500 nm compared to the majority of A330s in operation. The A330neo is powered by Rolls-Royce’s latest-generation Trent 7000 engines and features a new wing with increased span and new A350 XWB-inspired Sharklets. The cabin provides the comfort of the new Airspace amenities.

Air Transat Selects Pratt & Whitney GTF™ Engines to Power 17 A321neo Family Aircraft from AerCap

FARNBOROUGH, England, July 18, 2018/PRNewswire/ -- Pratt & Whitney, a division of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX), and Air Transat today announced the selection of Pratt & Whitney GTF engines to power 17 firm-order A321neo family aircraft: 2 A321neo and 15 long-range A321LR aircraft, the latest variant of the A321neo. All aircraft will be leased from AerCap. This follows the Air Transat announcements in 2017 and 2018 stating its agreements with AerCap for a long-term leasing arrangement. Aircraft deliveries are scheduled to begin in 2019.

"We're thrilled for Air Transat and grateful for the confidence they're placing in the GTF engine," said Rick Deurloo, senior vice president of sales, marketing and customer support at Pratt & Whitney. "Our history with Air Transat goes back to the JT8D-powered Boeing 727. Together with AerCap, we're building a great relationship that will allow Air Transat to enjoy the full benefits of the GTF."

Since entering into service in early 2016, the GTF engine for the A320neo family aircraft has demonstrated its promised ability to reduce fuel burn by 16 percent, to reduce NOx emissions by 50 percent to the regulatory standard and to lower the noise footprint by 75 percent.

U.S. Start-up Airline Orders 60 A220 Aircraft, Powered Exclusively by Pratt & Whitney GTF™ Engines

FARNBOROUGH, England, July 18, 2018/PRNewswire/ -- Pratt & Whitney, a division of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX), announces that the Pratt & Whitney GTF™ engine will power up to 60 Airbus A220 aircraft ordered under a memorandum of understanding by a start-up airline to be based in the United States. The first aircraft is scheduled to be delivered in 2021.

"It is an exciting time as we begin to build our fleet in 2021," said David Neeleman, chief executive officer of the start-up airline. "We look forward to the fuel savings, environmental benefits and passenger friendliness of the GTF-powered A220 aircraft."

"Pratt & Whitney is incredibly excited to be one of the first to work alongside David Neeleman in helping to build this airline," said Rick Deurloo, senior vice president of sales, marketing and customer support at Pratt & Whitney. "We are proud to share the latest game-changing technology and benefits of the GTF."

To date, the GTF-powered A220 fleet has flown more than 150,000 engine flight hours with three operators, traveling to 145 destinations. The GTF engines for the A220 continue to meet performance benefits including up to 20 percent lower fuel consumption, 50 percent reduction in nitrogen oxide emissions to CAEP/6, and 75 percent reduction in noise footprint.

Leonardo: AW109 GrandNew light twin enters Irish VIP market

- QME Mining Equipment  Ltd will  take  delivery  of  the  helicopter  in  early  2019 

- Leonardo  and  official  distributor  in  UK  and  Ireland  Sloane  Helicopters  have  delivered 15  aircraft  in  the  last  18  months  confirming  Leonardo’s  dominance  in  the  regional VIP  market 

- With  a  50%  share  in  2017  Leonardo  continues  to  lead  the  world’s  VIP  multiengine helicopter  market  

Farnborough,  18  July  2018  -  Leonardo  and  official  distributor  in  UK  Sloane  Helicopters (Sloane)  announced  today  that  QME  Mining  Equipment  Ltd  (QME)  of  Ireland,  a  leading company  in the  supply  of  complete solutions  to  the Mining  and  Tunnelling  industries  worldwide,   has  signed  a  contract  for  an  AW109  GrandNew  helicopter.  The  aircraft  will  be  used  to  perform VIP/corporate  transport  operations  with  delivery  expected  in  early  2019.  The  announcement was made during  an  official  ceremony  held at  Farnborough  International  Airshow  today.   

QME,  with  decades  of  helicopter  ownership  experience,  selected  the  AW109  GrandNew  after  a thorough  and  rigorous  evaluation.  The  order  marks  the  first  AW109  GrandNew  in  VIP configuration  entering  the  Irish  helicopter  market  where  Leonardo  is  pursuing  further opportunities  for  a  range  of  types  that  include  the  AW109  Trekker  and  AW169,  thanks  to  stateof-art  avionic  and  navigation  systems  along  with  class  leading  performance,  safety  and  comfort standards  for  roles  such  as  VIP  transport  and  helicopter  emergency  medical  service  (HEMS). Irish operators  can  also  benefit  from  an  established  and expanding  in-country  support  presence, following  the  set  up  of  a  Leonardo  Authorised  Service  Centre  by  Sloane  Helicopters  in  St Angelo,  Enniskillen  in 2007. 

This  latest  contract  follows  another  major  milestone  achieved  in  the  Irish  market,  with  Sloane being  selected  in  June  to  operate,  on  behalf  of  the  Irish  Community  Rapid  Response  (ICRR), Ireland’s  first  dedicated  charity  funded  HEMS  service  to  be  based  at  Cork  Airport.  Sloane  will initially  use  an  AW109  EMS  and a  dedicated  in-country  back  up  AW109  starting  later  this  year.   

David  George,  Sloane  Chairman,  said  “As  we  approach  our  20th  year  as  an  established  HEMS operator,  we  are  delighted  and  proud to  have  been  selected  by  ICRR  to  provide  HEMS  services in  Ireland  and  very  much  look  forward  to  developing  a  close  partnership  with  the  Charity.    For over  23  years  as  the  Leonardo  distributor  in  Ireland  and  the  UK,  as  well  as  being  an  Authorised Service  Centre,  Sloane  Helicopters  has  provided  helicopter  in-country  support  for  its  many  Irish customers  and sees  this  scope expanding  over  coming  years.” 

Also  the  AW139  model  has  proven  successful  in  Ireland  with  one  aircraft  used  for  private/VIP transport  and  six  units  operated  as  multirole  helicopters  by  the  Irish  Air  Corps.  With  this  latest AW109  GrandNew  sale  Leonardo  is  increasing  its  dominant  position  in  the  UK  and  Irish VIP/corporate  market  where  Leonardo  and  Sloane  have  delivered  15  helicopters  including  the AW109,  AW169  and  AW139  models  in  the  last  18  months.  Leonardo  maintains  its  leading position  in  the  world’s  VIP/corporate  market  in  the  multi  engine  helicopter  segment,  also including  private,  charter  and  VVIP/Government  transport  services,  for  both  units  delivered  and value  outperforming  competition.  In  2017  global  market  share  was  approximately  50%.   

Boeing Signs Commitments for 40 High-Capacity 737 MAX 8s, 53 MAX 8 Airplanes

FARNBOROUGH, United Kingdom, July 18, 2018/PRNewswire/ -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] and four customers have signed commitments for a total of 93 737 MAX airplanes, including a carrier that has committed to 40 of the high-capacity version of the MAX 8 airplane. The commitments, valued at nearly $11 billion at current list prices, were announced at the 2018 Farnborough International Airshow.

The agreements will be reflected on Boeing's Orders and Deliveries website when they have been finalized. The four unidentified customers hail from the airline and airplane leasing industries.

"Today's announcement is yet more proof of the strong demand that we continue to see around the world for the 737 MAX airplane family," said Ihssane Mounir, senior vice president of Commercial Sales and Marketing for The Boeing Company. "The best-in-class capabilities of the 737 MAX - its superior efficiency, reliability and passenger comfort – are driving the long-term success of this popular program."

The 737 MAX family is designed to offer customers exceptional performance, with lower per-seat costs and an extended range to open up new destinations in the single-aisle market. The MAX family provides operators a 14-percent improvement over today's most efficient single-aisle airplanes. The high-capacity MAX 8 variant, which can accommodate 200 seats, offers up to a 20-percent fuel efficiency improvement per seat.

The 737 MAX is the fastest-selling airplane in Boeing history, accumulating nearly 4,700 orders from more than 100 customers worldwide. Projections show both numbers will continue to grow significantly.

According to the Boeing 2018 Commercial Market Outlook released this week, airlines will need 31,360 new single-aisle airplanes, such as the 737 MAX, over the next 20 years. That represents a 6-percent increase over last year's forecast. Analysts say the demand is fueled by the success of low-cost carriers and a big requirement for single-aisle jets for growth and replacement.

The 737 MAX incorporates the latest CFM International LEAP-1B engines, Advanced Technology winglets, Boeing Sky Interior, large flight deck displays and other features to deliver the highest efficiency, reliability and passenger comfort in the single-aisle market. For more information and feature content, visit www.boeing.com/commercial/737max.

Leonardo forms partnerships with Ultra CSS and L3 Technologies to offer complete next-gen acoustic sensor system for anti-submarine warfare

•  Leonardo  has  formed  separate  partnerships  with  L3  Technologies,  relating  to  the company’s  advanced  low-frequency  HELRAS  dipping  sonar  technology  and  next generation  mid-frequency,  lightweight  Firefly  dipping  sonars,  and  with  Ultra  Electronics Command  & Sonar  Systems,  for  its  advanced  sonobuoy  sensors   

•  The  company  will  now  be  able  to  offer  a  complete  acoustic  system  based  on  its  new ULISSES  processor,  integrated  with  sonobuoys  and/or  dipping  sonar  depending  on customer  requirements,  and  able  to  deliver  multistatic  capability 

•  This partnered  approach  will  see  Leonardo  able  to  offer  a  new  market-leading  system  to international  customers,  helping  the  Company  meet  its  objective  for  long-term sustainable  growth  as  laid  out  in  the  2018-2022  Industrial  Plan 

Farnborough,  18  July  2018  -  Leonardo  has    entered  partnerships  with  L3  Technologies  and  Ultra Electronics  Command  &  Sonar  Systems  (“Ultra”)  in  order  to  offer  a  complete  Anti-Submarine  Warfare (ASW)  acoustic  system  based  on  Leonardo’s  new  lightweight  ULISSES  (Ultra-LIght  SonicS  Enhanced System)  processor.  Leonardo  will  offer  an  integrated  system  comprising  ULISSES  and  either  a  dipping sonar  provided  by  L3  or  sonobuoys  provided  by  Ultra,  or  a  combination  of  both.  The  integrated  system will  be  trialed  for  the  first  time  later  this  year  with  the  complete  system  available  for  deliveries  in  2020. 

Leonardo  has  a  track  record  in  ASW  technology,  originally  providing  the  OTS-90  acoustic  system  for Italian  and  Dutch  NH90  Naval  Frigate  Helicopters.  The  Company  has  taken  the  experience  gained  from this  work  and  used  it  to  develop  the  new  ULISSES  processor,  packing  enhanced  functionality  into  a much  smaller  unit  weighing  just  6.5kg.  Combined  with  market-leading  sonobuoys  from  Ultra  and advanced  HELRAS  and  Firefly  dipping  sonars  from  L3,  Leonardo  is  now  able  to  offer  a  highlycompetitive  integrated  acoustic  system  to  a  range  of  international  users.  A  reduction  in  system  weight compared  to  legacy  systems  means  that  ULISSES  can  be  fitted  on-board  even  very  small  unmanned platforms  such  as  the  Company’s  own  SD-150  Hero  rotary-wing  aircraft.   

Notably,  the  new  system  is  able  to  deliver  multistatic  functionality,  where  the  processor  collects  data from  multiple  sonobuoys  and  combines  the  information  to  develop  an  in-depth  picture  of  the  under-sea environment,  including  detailed  location  data  of  any  potentially  threatening  vessels.  Multistatic functionality  invented  and  developed  by  Ultra  is  embedded  in  the  ULISSES  sonobuoy  processor. Currently,  Ultra  is  the  only  company  to  provide  miniaturized  sonobuoys  fitted  for  multistatic  operation which  are  suitable  for  small  UAV  applications  and  Leonardo  will  be  the  first  company  to  offer  a  system which  makes  use  of  them.  The  ULISSES  system  can  also  use  the  very-low-frequency  L3  HELRAS dipping  sonar  as  an  active  source,  improving  its  multistatic  performance  and  delivering  the  bestpossible  information  to  operators.   

Leonardo: AW169 helicopter grows stronger in UK EMS market with selection by Magpas Air Ambulance

- Specialist  Aviation  Services (SAS)  will  customise  and operate  an  AW169  on  behalf  of Magpas  Air  Ambulance  starting  from  spring  2019      

- This  will  be  the  ninth  UK-based  AW169  for  air  ambulance  operations  confirming  it  as the  market  leader  since  its  introduction 

- Over  180  AW169s are on order  with    nearly  60  in service  worldwide 

Farnborough,  18th  July  2018  -  Leonardo  is  pleased  to  announce  that  Magpas  Air  Ambulance  has selected  the  AW169  as  its  new  generation  helicopter.  Specialist  Aviation  Services  (SAS)  will customise  the  aircraft  with  an  advanced  medical  interior  and  will  operate  the  helicopter  on  behalf  of Magpas  Air  Ambulance,  providing  pilots  and  maintenance  services.  The  announcement  was  made during  the  Farnborough International  Airshow.   

Magpas  Air  Ambulance,  a  leading  HEMS  provider  and  the  oldest  emergency  medical  charity  of  its kind  in  the  UK,  operates  24/7  throughout  the  year  and  is  fundraising  to  put  its  AW169  into  service  in the  spring  of  2019.  Magpas  Air  Ambulance  selected  the  AW169  for  its  class  leading  characteristics and  an  unrivalled  medical  interior  enabling  360º  patient  access,  which  will  deliver  increased  mission effectiveness  in  its  daily  life-saving  duties. 

Daryl  Brown,  CEO,  Magpas  Air  Ambulance  said  “We  are  delighted  to  be  working  with  Leonardo  and Specialist  Aviation  Services  (SAS)  towards  the  delivery  of  a  new  AW169,  to  replace  our  current aircraft  in  the  spring  of  2019.   

The  current  Magpas  Air  Ambulance  MD  902  Explorer  entered  service  17  years  ago  and  has  been with  Magpas  Air  Ambulance  since  June  2012.    Whilst  the  current  model  has  flown  to  thousands  of patients  over  the  last  six  years  and  has  helped  the  charity  respond  to  its  highest  number  of activations  ever,  in  2017;  it  is  now  coming  to  the  end  of  its  operational  life.   

Following  intensive  research,  Magpas  selected  a  (AW169)  helicopter,  with  the  most  advanced aviation  technology,  to  become  the  new  Magpas  Air  Ambulance.  We  recently  launched  a  two-year appeal  to  raise  £1.5  million  and  bring  this  new  state  of  the  art  AW169  helicopter  to  the  East  of England  and  beyond.  The  new  aircraft  will  be  able  to  fly  further,  faster  and  allow  the  lifesaving service  to  reach an  even  greater  number  of  patients.” 

Henk  Schaeken,  Managing  Director,  Specialist  Aviation  Services  (SAS)  said  “Magpas  Air Ambulance  is  a  key  provider  of  emergency  medical  response  in  the  East  of  England  and  we  are delighted  to  maintain  our  close  working  relationship  with  them  as  they  launch  the  extra  live-saving capability  which  the  AW169  is  proving  it  can  deliver.” 

SAS  has  placed  orders  for  12  AW169s  and  is  also  an  Authorized  Service  Centre  for  the  AW169  in the  UK,  providing  a  range  of  support  and  maintenance  services  to  AW169  customers.  SAS  has  also recently  been  appointed  as  an  Authorised  Service  Centre  for  the  AW139  to  support  the  growing number  of  customers  in  the  UK  that  are  operating  the  type.  Expanding  the  level  of  customer  service worldwide  is  part  of  Leonardo’s  commitment  indicated  in  the  Industrial  Plan  launched  earlier  this year.   

Eight  AW169  helicopters  are  already  in  service  or  are  soon  to  enter  service  with  UK  air  ambulance charities  comprising  Kent  Surrey  &  Sussex  Air  Ambulance  (2  aircraft),  Children’s  Air  Ambulance  (2 aircraft),  Dorset  and  Somerset  Air  Ambulance,  Lincs  &  Notts  Air  Ambulance,  Cornwall  Air Ambulance  and  Essex  &  Herts  Air  Ambulance. 

The  first  four  AW169  air  ambulances  to  enter  service  in  the  UK  in  their  first  year  of  service  have performed  nearly  3,000 lifesaving  missions  and have  flown  more  than 2,200  hours. 

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.  The  AW169 incorporates  several  new  technology  features  in  the  rotor  system,  engines,  avionics,  transmission and  electric  power  generation  and  distribution  systems.  It  is  the  first  all  new  helicopter  in  its  weight class  in  more  than  30  years  and  has  become  the  best-selling  helicopter  in  it  class  for  a  wide  range  of applications  including  air  ambulance,  corporate/VIP  transport,  offshore  transport  and  law enforcement.  Over  180 AW169s  are  on  order  with  nearly  60  in  service  worldwide.   

Magpas  Air  Ambulance  is  a  charity  which  brings  essential  lifesaving  care  by  land  and  by  air  to patients  in  life-threatening  emergencies  in  the  East  of  England  and  beyond.  The  oldest  emergency medical  charity  of  its  kind  in  the  UK,  Magpas  Air  Ambulance  has  treated  over  60,000 patients  since  it was  formed  in  1971. 

Magpas  Air  Ambulance  operates  its  helicopter  and  rapid  response  vehicles  from  a  base  near Huntingdon  in  Cambridgeshire  and  is  dispatched  to  medical  incidents  across  12  counties.  In  2017, the  charity’s  enhanced  medical  team  were  called  to  over  1,600  life-threatening  emergencies.  To  find out  more  about  the  charity  please  visit  www.magpas.org.uk.   

The  Specialist  Aviation  Services  Group  is  a  UK-based  aircraft  operator  and  support  company providing  leading  edge  solutions  internationally  to  Public  Service  and  VIP  customers  who  depend  on aircraft  to  support  their  operations.  It  provides  bespoke  and  professionally  managed  aviation services  -  making  it  the  partner  of  choice  for  many  police,  air  ambulance,  offshore  and  VIP  clients. To  find  out  more  please  visit  www.specialist-aviation.com. 

SIKORSKY HONORS UK MARITIME & COASTGUARD AGENCY

FARNBOROUGH, England, July 18, 2018/PRNewswire/ -- Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company (NYSE: LMT), today celebrated 35 years of partnership with the UK Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA) and honored recent heroic lifesaving efforts of the MCA.  A recognition ceremony took place at the Farnborough International Airshow.  

The relationship between Sikorsky and the MCA dates back to 1983 when the MCA, through Her Majesty's Coastguard, began operating the Sikorsky S-61 helicopter. The HM Coastguard fleet currently includes 12 Sikorsky S-92® aircraft operating from Newquay, Caernarfon, Sumburgh, Stornoway, Humberside and Inverness. Since April 2015, the MCA has utilized its S-92 fleet to conduct 4,500 search and rescue missions.

"Sikorsky is honored to be a part of the MCA's mission for the past 35 years and is proud that the S-92 plays such a critical role in providing a safe, efficient and reliable aircraft with which to save lives," said Lockheed Martin's Rotary and Mission Systems Executive Vice President Dale Bennett. "With Sikorsky a part of Lockheed Martin, our focus is to fully support all our commercial helicopter customers and their missions."

"I am very proud of the partnership we have with Sikorsky which has developed over the last 35 years," said Damien Oliver, MCA Aviation Programme Director. "Sikorsky's aircraft offer the very best in search and rescue capabilities, without which our crews across the UK could not deliver a first-class search and rescue helicopter service, saving the lives of those in difficulty at sea, in coastal areas and inland throughout the UK."  

The ceremony included honoring recent lifesaving efforts by the HM Coastguard helicopter crew at Inverness. The Sikorsky Winged-S Rescue Award is bestowed upon those who perform a lifesaving rescue with a Sikorsky aircraft.

In June 2018, two boys were winched to safety by a four-person HM Coastguard crew operating an S-92 helicopter. The boys, ages 11 and 14, were swimming in the ocean when the tide began to rise and they found themselves unable to swim back to shore.

The boys were able to climb atop an offshore rock formation as the rising tide threatened to submerge the rocks. A concerned citizen spotted the boys and notified HM Coastguard.

The Inverness-based crew responded within three minutes and winched the boys safely to the nearby beach.

The Rescue Award is the 50th presented to the MCA by Sikorsky.

Milestone Year for V2500® Engine as it Looks to Power Third Platform

FARNBOUROUGH, England – July 18, 2018 – The company behind the V2500® engine is celebrating a milestone this year marking 35 years since the partnership was formed.

The V2500 engine is offered through IAE International Aero Engines AG, a multinational aero engine consortium whose shareholders comprise Pratt & Whitney (NYSE:UTX), Pratt & Whitney Aero Engines International GmbH, Japanese Aero Engines Corporation and MTU Aero Engines.

“The first V2500 engine flew into service just 6 years after we launched the company, and now this year we’ll start to power our third platform with this engine when the KC-390 is delivered to Embraer’s first customer,” said Bernie Zimmerman, president, IAE International Aero Engines AG. “The V2500 engine has powered more than 3,100 aircraft for greater than 200 million flight hours.”

The V2500 engine family provides efficient, clean power in the 22,000 to 33,000 pound thrust range with class-leading lowest fuel burn and reliability.

Pratt & Whitney is a world leader in the design, manufacture and service of aircraft engines and auxiliary power units.

Pratt & Whitney Signs Long-term EngineWise™ Service Agreement with Tianjin Airlines and West Air

FARNBOROUGH, England, July 18, 2018/PRNewswire/ -- Pratt & Whitney, a division of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX), today announced that Tianjin Airlines and West Air signed a long-term EngineWise Comprehensiveservice agreement. The agreement will cover Tianjin Airlines and West Air's fleet of 20 firm Airbus A320neo family aircraft, operated by Tianjin Airlines and West Air and powered by Pratt & Whitney GTF™ engines.

"We thank Tianjin Airlines and West Air for its trust in Pratt & Whitney to maintain its fleet of GTF-powered aircraft," said Rick Deurloo, senior vice president of sales, marketing and customer support at Pratt & Whitney. "Through EngineWise, we remain committed to delivering world-class aftermarket services to our customers around the world."

EngineWise includes engine fleet data analytics and real-time intelligence to predict and prevent engine disruptions before they occur, significant investments in new technology and resources to improve our responsiveness and flexibility, and a growing portfolio of service offerings. 

LONGBOW LLC AWARDED $170 MILLION IN ORDERS FOR APACHE AH-64E FIRE CONTROL RADAR SYSTEMS

FARNBOROUGH, England, July 18, 2018/PRNewswire/ -- LONGBOW Limited Liability Company (LLC) and the U.S. Army have definitized contracts valued at $170.5 million to provide LONGBOW Fire Control Radar (FCR) hardware for Apache AH-64E helicopters supporting U.S. Army lots 7 and 8 plus three international customers.

LONGBOW LLC is a joint venture of Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) and Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC).

The contracts include LONGBOW FCR Mast Mounted Assemblies (MMA), Radar Electronics Units (REU) and spares for the U.S. Army, United Kingdom, Saudi Arabiaand Qatar, making Qatar the 13th international customer to receive LONGBOW FCR. Production will extend through April 2021 at Lockheed Martin's Orlando and Ocala, Fla., facilities and at Northrop Grumman's Baltimore, Maryland, facility.

"We remain focused on delivering significant upgrades and products as quickly and efficiently as possible," said Jim Messina, LONGBOW LLC president and director of LONGBOW programs at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control. "This contract allows us to supply the U.S. Army fleet with REUs, which is the foundation for future enhancements like extended range, maritime mode and unmanned aerial systems detection."

"The LONGBOW FCR REU continues to provide outstanding capabilities to our customers," said Susan Bruce, LONGBOW LLC vice president and vice president Advanced Tactical Systems, Northrop Grumman Mission Systems. "The REU provides growth capabilities to LONGBOW FCR while reducing space, weight and power, along with maintenance cost."

The MMA and REU are key components of the LONGBOW FCR. The LONGBOW FCR automatically searches, detects, locates, classifies and prioritizes multiple moving or stationary targets on land or in the air, in clear or adverse weather, and in obscured battlefields – giving commanders the precision engagement capabilities necessary to win the battle.

SUBARU AND BELL ANNOUNCE COLLABORATION ON COMMERCIAL 412 HELICOPTER UPGRADE

THE SUBARU BELL 412EPX INTRODUCED AS PART OF JAPAN UH-X PROGRAM

Farnborough, United Kingdom (16 July 2018) – At a ceremony held at Farnborough Air Show today, BELL HELICOPTER, a Textron Inc. (NYSE:TXT) company and SUBARU Corporation announced their collaboration on a commercial enhancement of the BELL 412 EPI, which was type-certified this month as the 412 EPX, in support of the Japan UH-X program.

In 2015, Bell’s long-term partner, SUBARU (formerly known as Fuji Heavy Industries), was awarded the contract for the Japan UH-X program to replace Japan Ground Self Defence Force’s (JGSDF) current fleet of UH-1J aircraft with a militarized derivative of the SUBARU BELL 412EPX, which will enable the JGSDF to protect and save lives across its challenging topography, while addressing Japan’s unique requirements.

With improved performance and safety features, the SUBARU BELL 412 EPX will also provide more capability while maintaining its long-established reputation for utility and reliability for commercial customers.

“Our relationship with SUBARU extends over six decades. Together, we were the first to deliver military helicopters to Japan’s defense force. We look forward to continuing our successful collaboration on the UH-X and the 412 EPX Programs.”

Mitch Snyder, Bell President and CEO

“Under cooperation with BELL, the SUBARU BELL 412EPX will provide a great opportunity to expand the commercial business. Further, the UH-X, which will replace the current UH-1J aircraft, will start delivery to JGSDF in 2022 and will be deployed for island defense and disaster relief efforts.”

Shoichiro Tozuka, Corporate Executive Vice President and President of Aerospace Company, SUBARU
The SUBARU BELL 412EPX will benefit from a more robust main rotor gearbox dry run capability, increased internal Maximum Gross Weight to 12,200 lbs. and mast torque output of +11% at speeds below 60 knots. This will provide operators the ability to transport more supplies and achieve better operational efficiency.
The SUBARU BELL 412EPX commercial variant is planned to become available to customers globally through SUBARU and BELL in the future. A commercial prototype has undergone testing at Bell’s facility in Mirabel, Canada, and FAA certification was achieved on July 5, 2018.