SIKORSKY CELEBRATES 30 YEARS OF BLACK HAWK HELICOPTER OPERATIONS IN LATIN AMERICA

Continued production and new mission capabilities ensure the Black Hawk helicopter will remain operational around the world for decades

SANTIAGO, Chile, April 3, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- 2018 marks 30 years of operations for the Black Hawk helicopter in Latin America, since the Colombian Air Force took delivery of its first five UH-60A aircraft in 1988. Designed and manufactured by Sikorsky, now a Lockheed Martin company (NYSE: LMT), the twin engine medium-lift Black Hawk has become synonymous with the successful defense of territorial sovereignty, providing humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, combatting drug trafficking, performing search and rescue missions, surveilling coastlines and borders, and transporting heads of state.

"We congratulate and thank the 11 government agencies and armed forces across Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, and Mexico for showing the world how to adapt and operate the Black Hawk helicopter for critical missions that serve and protect their citizens," said Adam Schierholz, Sikorsky regional executive for Latin America. "Continued confidence in the Black Hawk by these countries during the past three decades stems from the aircraft's unequaled rugged military design, which translates to predictable reliability and performance in flight, effectiveness in combat, and the availability of strong product support to ensure high operational readiness."

"The Black Hawk has proven to be a unique and strategic tool for the Colombian Air Force that has allowed us to perform some of the most challenging missions in very extreme conditions," said Gen. Carlos Eduardo Bueno, Chief of the Colombian Air Force. "We join in celebrating this milestone anniversary, and look forward to many more years of effective utilization of these fine machines with the help and support of our friends at Sikorsky."

Since 1988, Sikorsky has delivered 174 Hawk aircraft to the region, which includes six Seahawk® variants to the Brazil Navy. The total will climb to 180 during 2018 when the Chilean Air Force takes delivery of six S-70i Black Hawk aircraft for military and humanitarian missions.

A Look Back Country-specific operations include:

• Colombia: As the largest Black Hawk customer in Latin America, the Colombian Air Force, Colombian Army and Colombian National Police have collectively taken delivery of 103 aircraft, including seven S-70i digital cockpit variants in 2013. Carrying out diverse combat missions such as attack, MEDEVAC, CASEVAC, and Air Assault, these aircraft have played an essential role to defend and regain territorial control during the Colombian Conflict.
• Mexico: With the region's second largest Black Hawk fleet, Mexico has acquired 48 aircraft — UH-60L and UH-60M variants — since 1991 for its Navy, Air Force and Federal Police to fight drug traffickers and crime syndicates. In 2011, the State of Jalisco took delivery of one S-70i. 
• Brazil: In 2017, two Air Force squadrons — the 7/8 'Harpia' air group based in Manaus, and the 5/6 'Pantera' air group in Santa Maria — achieved 30,000 flight hours for all 16 UH-60L aircraft. The same year, the Exército Brasileiro commemorated its 20th anniversary operating four S-70A Black Hawk aircraft. The Brazil Navy operates six S-70B Seahawk aircraft.
• Chile: The Chile Air Force has operated one S-70A aircraft since 1998 in a multirole capacity.
• Argentina: Argentina's Presidencia has operated one S-70A for head of state transport since 1994.

A Look Ahead Sikorsky continues to build UH-60M Black Hawk aircraft for the U.S. Army, which is expected to operate the platform into the 2070s. In March, Sikorsky began production of the HH-60W Combat Rescue Helicopter designed for long-distance missions.

Sikorsky continues to build the S-70i, a digital Black Hawk variant customized to the preferences of international militaries.

In 2018, Sikorsky will field two new mission capabilities for the Black Hawk:

• An aerial firefighting system, complete with belly tank, which can be easily retrofitted to the region's existing UH-60L and S-70i fleets
• A sophisticated weapons system for the S-70i and S-70M models that enables either pilot to engage static or moving targets with high accuracy using forward firing guns, rockets and laser-designated air-to-ground missiles

Further out, Sikorsky is developing an optionally piloted capability for the digital Black Hawk with the intelligence and autonomy to carry out missions with two, one or zero crew on board.

EASA issues single Production Organisation Approval to Airbus Helicopters

Marignane, The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and Airbus Helicopters have just implemented a new single Production Organisation Approval (POA). This replaces previous national approvals from France, Germany and Spain by a single, integrated framework allowing for simplified industrial exchanges between Airbus Helicopters’ manufacturing facilities and supporting the company’s industrial strategy of site specialisation across Europe.

“The implementation of the single POA allows us to work as a truly integrated company, and ensures that our various sites are no longer considered as each other’s suppliers from a regulatory perspective”, said Christian Cornille, Airbus Helicopters Executive Vice-President Industry. “I would like to congratulate our teams and thank EASA for their support in achieving this milestone which will streamline certification processes associated to our manufacturing activities, create synergies and improve our competitiveness.”

“A Single POA is of great value for Airbus Helicopters as it ensures continuity of its production procedures across its various European production sites and according to Europe’s highest safety standards” said Ralf Erckmann EASA’s deputy Flight Standards Director. “It is also a proof that EASA and the European National Aviation Authorities work hand in hand for the benefit of the European aviation industry and its customers.”

Since June 2016, Airbus Helicopters is also operating under a single Design Organisation Approval (DOA) from EASA which has simplified and harmonized development processes and facilitated the implementation of an increased transnational approach to certification, including through the establishment of a unified airworthiness office within Airbus Helicopters.

The Government of Canada donates surplus Coast Guard helicopter to Nova Scotia Community College in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia

Dartmouth, Nova Scotia – The Government of Canada is supporting Canadian aircraft maintenance training by donating surplus Coast Guard assets to institutions across Canada. These donations will support the development of well-trained, skilled personnel to serve the aerospace industry of the future. 

On behalf of the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, Darren Fisher, Member of Parliament for Dartmouth – Cole Harbour, announced today that the Nova Scotia Community College received a Coast Guard Messerschmitt-Bölkow-Blohm BO 105 helicopter on April 16, 2018.

Ten Coast Guard BO105 helicopters were in service in the Canadian Coast Guard for more than 30 years. The helicopter fleet plays an essential part in supporting programs such as icebreaking, marine communication, aids to navigation, environmental response, waterway protection, conservation and protection, science and support to other government departments as required.  

The first BO 105 helicopter was purchased by Coast Guard in April 1985, and the last unit was purchased in April of 1988.

NSCC Aviation Institute Aircraft Maintenance Engineering students; Paul Little, principal of Ivany Campus and Aviation Institute; Cathy MacLean, Vice President of Campuses and Communities at NSCC; MP Darren Fisher and Abid Ahmad, Academic Chair for related programs celebrate the donation of a surplus Coast Guard Messerschmitt-Bölkow-Blohm B0105 helicopter to Nova Scotia Community College.

Quotes

“I am proud that these Coast Guard helicopters will help develop students across the country allowing them to have practical and a hand-on experience. These assets have a lot of history and are part of the Coast Guard’s heritage. I am glad that they will benefit the generations to come in building high-level aircraft maintenance expertise.” 

The Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard 

“Students from the Nova Scotia Community College will benefit from the Government of Canada’s donation. There is nothing like being able to provide students with the opportunity to grow and develop their skills by learning on real Coast Guard assets.” 

Darren Fisher, Member of Parliament, Dartmouth – Cole Harbour

“This donation will be part of Make Way – The Campaign for NSCC, a $25-million fundraising initiative aimed at opening doors to education. The goal is simple: to remove barriers and enhance learning for those on their NSCC journey, through direct student financial aid, innovative programming, instructional equipment and Centres of Expertise.”

The Nova Scotia Community College

FLEET COMPLETE: YOKOTA AIR BASE RECEIVES FINAL C-130JS FROM LOCKHEED MARTIN

MARIETTA, Georgia, May 1, 2018 – Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) recently delivered the final two C-130J-30 Super Hercules airlifters assigned to the U.S. Air Force installation at Yokota Air Base, Japan.

These C-130J-30s are flown by 36th Airlift Squadron crews at Yokota, and the new aircraft recapitalize the unit’s older C-130H fleet. The C-130Js are used to support critical peacekeeping and contingency operations in the Western Pacific region, including cargo delivery, troop transport, airdrop and aeromedical missions. The 36th AS — known as the “Eagle Airlifters” — is one of several flying squadrons under the 374th Airlift Wing.

Lockheed Martin delivered nine C-130J-30s to Yokota, which is operating 14 Super Hercules in total. Yokota received its other C-130Js from other U.S. Air Force operators through a fleet rebalancing initiative.

The C-130J is defined by its versatility. To date, the C-130J supports 17 different mission configurations to include transport (military and commercial), firefighting, search and rescue, Special Operations, weather reconnaissance, and aerial refueling.

The U.S. government operates the largest C-130J Super Hercules fleet in the world. This delivery represents the U.S. government's continued transition to the C-130J as the common platform across Air Mobility Command, Air Force Special Operations Command, Air Combat Command, U.S. Coast Guard and U.S. Marine Corps. The Air National Guard and Reserve still operate a mixed fleet of C-130J and legacy aircraft.

Coast Guard rescues 3 boaters near Big Constance Lake

Photo: Petty Officer 3rd Class Lora Ratliff

An aircrew from Coast Guard Air Station New Orleans rescued three overdue boaters near Big Constance Lake, Louisiana, May 25, 2018. The overdue boaters were located on shore near Big Constance Lake after using an orange shirt tied to a stick to flag down the helicopter crew. The boaters reported that their vessel had sunk 18 hours earlier. U.S. Coast Guard photo.

NEW ORLEANS – The Coast Guard rescued three overdue boaters near Big Constance Lake, Louisiana, Friday.

Watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector New Orleans received a report of three overdue boaters on a 20-foot commercial shrimping vessel from Rollover Landing, Louisiana. Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries confirmed the truck and trailer associated with the overdue vessel was still at the landing.

Watchstanders directed the launch of an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew from Coast Guard Air Station New Orleans.

The overdue boaters were located on shore near Big Constance Lake after using an orange shirt tied to a stick to flag down the helicopter crew. The boaters reported that their vessel had sunk 18 hours earlier.

The aircrew returned the boaters to their truck in good condition.

The Coast Guard reminds boaters of the importance of float plans and ensuring that someone staying on land knows your plan. For more details on float plans, including what should be included, visit this website: http://floatplancentral.cgaux.org/classroom/filing.htm

-USCG-

BELL LAUNCHES NEW BELL 407GXi

Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, announced today the introduction of the Bell 407GXi at Heli-Expo 2018. The Bell 407GXi incorporates new avionics, an upgraded engine, and new executive interior design options.

“We are always looking at ways to innovate our current product line to provide our customers with the most capable, dependable, and technologically advanced aircraft in the market. The Bell 407GXi delivers improved pilot awareness, higher precision navigation, enhanced engine controls, and improved connectivity.” 

Susan Griffin, executive vice president, Commercial Business
Garmin’s G1000H NXi Integrated Flight Deck, complete with high-definition displays and faster processors offers increased brightness and clarity, faster startup and map rendering as well as connectivity to tablets and smartphones. Upgrades to the Bell 407GXi include a dual-channel FADEC engine with full automatic relight, and enhanced situational awareness through the G1000H NXi.
The Bell 407GXi is outfitted with the new Rolls-Royce M250-C47E/4 dual channel FADEC turbine engine delivering exceptional hot and high performance, fuel efficiency and the ability to cruise at 133 kts/246 km/h. Newly designed executive configuration options bring a modernized look and passenger experience to the five-seat club cabin.
Additional options for the 407GXi include the Garmin FlightStream 510 that allows pilots to upload flight plans from smart devices, Garmin SurfaceWatch that provides runway identification and alerting technology, a 3,100-lb. cargo hook, and Health Usage Monitoring (HUMS) for aircraft system diagnostics.
The Bell 407 GXi has been certified by Transport Canada and the first delivery is scheduled this Spring.

SIKORSKY CELEBRATES TWO SOUTH KOREAN COAST GUARD CREWS WITH WINGED-S RESCUE AWARDS

As the South Korean Coast Guard prepares to take delivery of its second S-92 helicopter for the critical mission of Search and Rescue, Sikorsky today celebrated two Coast Guard crews with Winged-S Rescue Awards for lifesaving achievement and Search and Rescue response.

Just recently, on Feb. 27, the Korea Coast Guard performed a daytime mission five miles off the coast of South Korea.  A crane accident caused severe injury and head trauma to a crew member on board a fishing boat.  Two security patrol boats, a marine rescue team and an S-92 helicopter were dispatched.  At the scene, rescuers determined that the S-92 helicopter would provide the most efficient life-saving transportation for the struggling victim.  The patient was hoisted into the aircraft and safely transported to a nearby hospital where he is now recovering.

In a challenging night-time environment on June 29, 2015, an S-92 helicopter and Coast Guard crew rescued an injured fisherman who had severely lacerated a hand while hauling in his net.  After evaluating its aerial fleet, the Coast Guard determined the S-92 was the most capable aircraft for the mission. It subsequently launched the S-92 helicopter, retrieved the wounded fisherman, and flew him to a hospital in time to save a nearly amputated extremity.

To recognize these lifesaving achievements, Sikorsky’s President Dan Schultz presented members of the South Korean Coast Guard with two prestigious Winged-S Rescue Awards. Beginning in 1950, the Winged-S Rescue Award Program is meant to honor all those who perform rescues flying a Sikorsky helicopter. Through this award, Sikorsky gratefully acknowledges the humanitarian efforts of all pilots and crewmembers that put themselves in harm's way to save others, fulfilling Igor Sikorsky's vision of the helicopter.

Just one month after delivery in 2014, the aircraft was called into action to help rescue survivors of the MV Sewol ferry, which capsized off the southern coast. During the rescue efforts, the Korean Coast Guard flew 220 missions with its S-92 helicopter, transporting rescue divers and material to the scene of the accident.

“The S-92 helicopter has performed exceptionally in every mission, and is very reliable,” said a Republic of Korea Coast Guard spokesperson. “During the difficult time of the ferry incident, we did not miss a single mission.”

Since then, the Korean Coast Guard has already saved 30 lives, flying search and rescue and emergency medical transport missions with the S-92.

Sikorsky’s President Dan Schultz also presented a framed photograph in front of the Coast Guard’s new S-92 aircraft.  The inscription quoted Igor Sikorsky and reads, “Always remember that the reputation of an aircraft is not due to the manufacturer alone, but primarily to the men and women who fly that machine...the aircrews who demonstrate their skill and dedication on a daily basis around the world."

CAL FIRE PLACES PURCHASE ORDER FOR FIREHAWK® AIRCRAFT

DENVER, CO, May 23, 2018 – United Rotorcraft, a division of Air Methods, and Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company, today received a purchase order from the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) for the acquisition of a new Sikorsky S-70 Black Hawk aircraft, to be modified into FIREHAWK® firefighting configuration by United Rotorcraft. This aircraft will be the latest firefighting tool put into service with CAL FIRE to protect property and the citizens of California.  

The purchase order follows a decision by the California Assembly and Senate budget subcommittees approving the budget for up to 12 of the aircraft to replace the state’s aging UH-1H fleet over the next five years. The Sikorsky manufactured S-70 is based on the legendary Black Hawk military helicopter, and is uniquely equipped to endure the unrelenting physical stresses demanded of the aerial firefighting and utility missions.

The FIREHAWK features next generation technology, which will provide substantial benefit to firefighting operators. Features include wide chord rotor blades for increased payload and maneuverability, a rugged airframe, digital glass cockpit with flight management system for improved situation awareness and precision hover capability using an enhanced global positioning system and an inertial navigation system. An Integrated Vehicle Health Management System monitors the aircraft's operational health for preventive maintenance to detect anomalies for early maintenance. 

“Igor Sikorsky founded our company with the vision of saving lives,” said Jeanette Eaton, Sikorsky regional sales executive for the United States and Canada.  “On a daily basis, the men and women of CAL FIRE put themselves in harm’s way to protect and save property, homes and lives. We are honored to have been selected as the best equipped aircraft to address California’s firefighting needs and provide the overall best value.  Even more so, we are humbled to play a role in their demanding mission and fulfilling Igor’s vision.” 

Once assembled, the aircraft are modified by United Rotorcraft with a 1,000-gallon (3,785-liter) water tank equipped with a unique snorkel system for 60-second tank refill, extended landing gear, single pilot cockpit layout and a medically equipped interior, all of which arm the aircraft for its role as a multi-mission firefighting tool. 

“United Rotorcraft and Sikorsky are honored to support CAL FIRE’s stewardship of over 31 million acres throughout California,” said Mike Slattery, president of United Rotorcraft. “As seasons have become longer and more severe, it’s crucial that California has these high-performance FIREHAWK helicopters, which allow initial attack capabilities that can knock down fires early before they spread widely.”

Customers can order aircraft with mission specific kits and accessories customized to specific preferences. For more information, visit the Sikorsky FIREHAWK website. 

First Leonardo AW101 Commando Merlin delivered to the UK’s Commando Helicopter Force

- Delivery of the first AW101 Commando Merlins announced by the UK’s Minister for 
Defence Procurement at RNAS Yeovilton

- Leonardo will deliver ten of the 25 AW101 Commando Merlins by the end of 2018 under 
Phase 2 of the Merlin Life Sustainment Programme (MLSP)

- The AW101 Commando Merlin Mk4 delivers enhanced capability for the Commando 
Helicopter Force and benefits from Merlin Mk2 commonality and cockpit technology

RNAS Yeovilton, 25 May 2018 – Guto Bebb MP, Minister for Defence Procurement, announced
the delivery of the first AW101 Commando Merlin Mk4 helicopter during a ceremony held at Royal
Naval Air Station Yeovilton yesterday. The event marks a major milestone for Leonardo’s Merlin
Life Sustainment Programme (MLSP) contract to convert 25 former Royal Air Force Merlin
helicopters to fully marinised amphibious support Commando Merlin helicopters for use by the
UK’s Commando Helicopter Force.

Geoff Munday, Managing Director of Leonardo Helicopters in the UK, said at the ceremony “The
delivery of the first Commando Merlin marks the culmination of over four years of design,
development and manufacturing effort by Leonardo here in the UK. The result is the world’s most
advanced and capable amphibious support helicopter that can fly faster, further and carry much
more than the now retired Commando Sea King, delivering a greatly enhanced capability to the
Commando Helicopter Force.”

The Commando Merlin Mk4/4A helicopters are fully optimised for ship operations and include
automatic main rotor blade folding and tail fold, an uprated undercarriage and enhanced cabin
safety features. The aircraft are also fitted with the same advanced technology cockpit developed
by Leonardo for the Royal Navy’s Merlin Mk2 aircraft, giving the UK’s Merlin fleet a common
cockpit featuring five 10” x 8” integrated display units, two touch screen units for controlling the
aircraft’s systems and mission equipment, as well as two cursor control devices to control the
tactical displays.

Leonardo’s electronic warfare experts in Luton have also upgraded the self-protection system on
the new Commando Merlin aircraft to provide optimum security. The previously-federated
Defensive Aids System (DAS) has been integrated with a latest-generation DAS Controller, which
allows the system to rapidly identify hostile weapon systems and initiate appropriate tactics and
countermeasures. By introducing a level of automation and integrating DAS functionality with the
helicopters’ new cockpit display units, pilot workload is reduced. Leonardo already provides
defensive aid suites across the UK Armed Forces’ helicopter fleet and provides Electronic Warfare
Operational Support (EWOS) for all of these platforms, allowing the fleet’s protective systems to be
re-programmed in response to changing battlefield conditions.

The Commando Merlin aircraft will be fully supported through the existing Integrated Merlin
Operational Support (IMOS) contract, which Leonardo has been the prime contractor for since its
inception in 2006. IMOS delivers, through an innovative Leonardo and Ministry of Defence
partnership, improved aircraft availability and significant cost savings for UK taxpayers.

Leonardo has also been contracted to deliver a range of Commando Merlin synthetic training
devices comprising two Flight Training Devices (FTDs), a Flight Navigation Procedures Trainer
(FNPT) and a Rear Crew Trainer (RCT). These will be delivered during 2018 and 2019 and
installed in the dedicated Commando Helicopter Force training facility located at the aircraft’s main
operating base - RNAS Yeovilton. The training devices will enable multi-aircraft and whole crew
training, utilising augmented reality to enhance the training experience for the rear crew.

Royal Brunei takes delivery of its first A320neo

Bringing new levels of efficiency for the carrier’s regional network

Royal Brunei Airlines (RBA) has taken delivery of its first A320neo aircraft during an event in Toulouse, France attended by Karam Chand, RBA Chief Executive Officer: Her Excellency Datin Paduka Malai Hajah Halimah binti Malai Haji Yussof, Ambassador of Brunei Darussalam to France; and Eric Schulz, Airbus Chief Commercial Officer.

The aircraft is the first of seven A320neo ordered by the airline under its single aisle fleet renewal programme. Powered by CFM International LEAP-1A26 engines, the new aircraft features a premium three class layout with 12 business class seats, 18 economy plus and 120 in the main cabin. The airline will operate the aircraft on its extensive regional network.

Royal Brunei has been flying A320 Family aircraft since 2003 and currently operates a fleet of six A320ceo jets.

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, the A320neo Family has captured nearly 60 percent share of the market.

Allegiant receives its first U.S.-produced Airbus aircraft

Allegiant Air has taken delivery of its first U.S.-produced A320 aircraft from the Airbus U.S. Manufacturing Facility in Mobile, Alabama. On hand for the occasion were executives from Airbus and Allegiant Air, a team of Allegiant employees, and representatives of the more than 380 Airbus employees at the production facility.

Bob Lekites, Executive Vice President of Customers for Airbus Americas said, “Airbus is committed to developing and producing fuel-efficient, passenger-friendly aircraft that are leaders in the evolving airline marketplace. Our partnership with Allegiant Air, coupled with our commitment to producing innovative aircraft, has allowed Allegiant to expand their ultra-low cost consumer flight options. We are proud to deliver Allegiant their first Airbus aircraft manufactured in Mobile, and we look forward to providing them more aircraft that exceed customer expectations.”

“Today’s delivery is an exciting milestone for Allegiant and our ongoing commitment to providing access to affordable, safe and reliable air travel for many people who wouldn’t otherwise be able to fly,” said Maury Gallagher, CEO and chairman, Allegiant. “This delivery is also an important step in our transition to an all-Airbus fleet, increasing efficiencies across our entire operation, and bringing economic advantages in fuel savings, higher seat capacity and more.”

The Airbus Manufacturing Facility in Mobile is delivering A320 Family aircraft at a rate of four per month – with the Allegiant delivery marking the facility’s 69th aircraft delivered since operations began in 2015.

The entire operation requires a team of dedicated employees of which more than 80 percent of are from the Gulf Coast region with nearly one third being U.S. Military Veterans. In addition to supporting hundreds of local jobs, the Mobile area has seen many Airbus suppliers open new facilities in the region, providing even more employment and a parallel boost to the local economy.

Demonstrating the adage “The Sun Never Sets on Airbus Manufacturing” – Airbus aircraft are now produced around the clock, 24 hours a day, at facilities in Mobile, Alabama; Hamburg, Germany; Toulouse, France; and Tianjin, China.

ACJ320neo Family enters production

Family highlighted at EBACE show

Manufacture of the first ACJ320neo[1] has begun, with elements taking shape across Europe and final assembly due to begin in June, followed by the first delivery of the ‘green’ aircraft to Acropolis Aviation of the UK in the last quarter of this year.  A second ACJ320neo will follow by year-end.

Deliveries of the first ACJ319neo, for K5 Aviation, will begin in the second quarter of 2019, marking a further step in the creation of the new corporate jet family. Orders for the ACJ320 Family now total nine aircraft, comprising three ACJ319neo and six ACJ320neo aircraft.

Airbus Corporate Jets (ACJ) is highlighting the ACJ320neo Family, which also includes the ACJ319neo, at the EBACE show[2], where it will be present with a stand shared with Airbus Corporate Helicopters (ACH). Two of today’s ACJ319s are also on display at EBACE.

“New engines and Sharklets enable the ACJ320neo Family to link even more of the world nonstop, in a large and comfortable cabin that is the envy of other business jet manufacturers,” said ACJ President Benoit Defforge.

The ACJ319neo can fly eight passengers 6,750 nm/12,500 km or 15 hours, while the ACJ320neo can transport 25 passengers 6,000 nm/11,100 km or 13 hours.

With wider and taller interiors than any other business jet, the ACJ320neo Family capitalises on the trend toward bigger cabins, delivering unmatched comfort, space and freedom in an aircraft of similar size and operating costs, with the modernity and value sought by customers today.

All Airbus corporate jets are derived from the world’s most modern aircraft family, delivering the benefits of an airliner heritage that is unmatched by traditional business jets.

These include a robust reliability that comes from aircraft that are designed to fly many times a day in airline service, simplicity and efficiency in maintenance, and a worldwide support network that is sized to serve more than 500 customers and operators flying over 10,000 aircraft.

ACJ customers also benefit from services tailored to their specific needs, such as the Airbus Corporate Jet customer-care centre (C4you) and ACJ Service Centre Network.

For customers wanting even more passenger capacity plus nonstop-to-the-world range, Airbus offers a complete family of VIP widebodies, which includes the new ACJ330neo and ACJ350 XWB families.

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

Together, ACJ and ACH are uniquely well placed to provide modern and efficient combined solutions to the air travel needs of customers worldwide, being the only manufacturer offering both business jets and helicopters.

Sociedad de Salvamento y Seguridad Marítima (SASEMAR)

Sikorsky S-61N, Helimer 209. ©Roi R. Labrador

El día 21 de julio de 1991 llegaba al aeropuerto de Alvedro, A Coruña, el primero de los helicópteros de la DGMM (aunque SASEMAR dependa de  la misma no se crearía hasta el año 1992, constituyéndose en el 93). 

De manera que el pasado verano se ha cumplido el XXV aniversario del inicio del servicio estatal de búsqueda y rescate marítimo a través de la Dirección General de la Marina Mercante (no aún con unas siglas propias), y veintiseis años desde la llegada de su primer helicóptero.

Por lo tanto este año Salvamento Marítimo sí celebra oficialmente su veinticinco cumpleaños; contando desde que empezó a rodar en 1993 y no desde su año de creación en el 92. Asimismo en julio de este 2018 serán veintisiete los años que han pasado desde la llegada del primero de los cinco Sikorsky S-61N a la base gallega de Alvedro (A Coruña).

Leonardo Helicopters AW139, Helimer 215. ©Ezequiel Millet

SASEMAR, a través de la experiencia acumulada a lo largo de este cuarto de siglo, se ha convertido en una muy clara referencia europea así como, por volumen en número de medios/km de  costa, en uno de los servicios SAR civiles más completos a nivel internacional.

S-61N, A Coruña 

Sikorsky S-61N, Helimer 210 y 209. ©Ezequiel Millet

El Helimer Galicia fue el primero de los cinco Sikorsky S-61N que se fueron incorporando gradualmente para cubrir los puntos más peligrosos y con mayor tráfico marítimo de  nuestras costas (7.905 km), además de las aguas de responsabilidad SAR asignadas a España mediante el Convenio SAR (Convenio Internacional sobre Búsqueda y Salvamento Marítimo -OMI-), el cual abarca 1,5 millones de km² (tres veces la superficie del territorio nacional). 

Lógicamente, en el apartado de los helicópteros siempre hay que contar con el radio de acción; la media en condiciones normales es de unas 200-220 nm (contando con los 30’ de combustible de reserva obligatorios con los que ha de aterrizar).

Estos primeros cinco S-61N fueron denominados Helimer (acrónimo de  helicóptero y Marina Mercante), a los que se les sumó el sobrenombre de las CCAA o zonas costeras que cubrían. Estos fueron los siguientes:

- Helimer Galicia.
- Helimer Cantábrico.
- Helimer Mediterráneo.
- Helimer Andalucía.
- Helimer Canarias.

Plan Nacional de Salvamento 2006-09 

A través del PNS (Plan Nacional de  Servicios Especiales de Salvamento de la Vida Humana en la Mar y de la Lucha Contra la Contaminación del Medio Marino) -mayo del 2006 y para el período comprendido durante el mismo-, se duplicó la flota  de helicópteros existente.

El objetivo fue que en 2009 ya hubiera diez Helimer operativos, de los cuales ocho serían propiedad de SASEMAR y quedarían dos S-61N fletados a la ya entonces Inaer (anteriormente Helicsa, hoy Babcock MCS). 

Aérospatiale AS365 N2 Dauphin 2. ©Jose López de Alba

Las primeras nuevas unidades, que se incorporaron en 2006 fueron dos Aérospatiale AS365 N2 Dauphin 2 (posteriormente fabricados por la división Eurocopter, hoy Airbus Helicopters), fletados en régimen de alquiler a la empresa concesionaria del servicio (recordamos, por entonces Inaer), llegando hasta 6 bases -ya que uno de estos Dauphin sustituyó a otro de los Sikorsky S-61N más antiguos-. 

Los dos helicópteros franceses sí contaban con AP de tres ejes, podían mantener parámetros durante la navegación pero carecían de un cuarto para el estacionario automático, con lo cual no incorporaban Modos SAR (búsquedas tráficos y grúas debían de realizarse completamente en manual). 

AW139, Helimer 202. ©Roi R. Labrador

En 2007 AgustaWestland (Leonardo Helicopters en la actualidad) hizo entrega a SASEMAR de los dos primeros AW139 adquiridos en propiedad: Helimer 201 y 202 (el resto de unidades llegarían paulatinamente, finalizando la misma en el 2011). 

Así, durante la mayor parte del año 2008, la flota de helicópteros de Salvamento Marítimo estuvo formada por un total de nueve unidades:

- Helimer 201, 202 y 203, AW139 (en propiedad), y cubriendo las zonas: Mediterráneo Norte, Canarias Occidental y Cantábrico, respectivamente. 

- Helimer 208, 209 y 210, Sikorsky S-61N (propiedad de la por entonces Inaer) en Canarias Oriental, Estrecho y Galicia, respectivamente (hoy en día el 210 tiene base en Santiago de Compostela, el 209 se retiró del servicio en julio del pasado 2017, y el 208 hace sobre cuatro años que también fue dado de baja). 

- Helimer 204, 205 y 207 (Inaer, hoy Babcock MCS). Los dos primeros eran AW139 y el tercero uno de los Dauphin N2.

Helicópteros Helimer en la actualidad  

Airbus Helicopters H225, Helimer 401. ©Hugo Ramos

Desde la llegada de los ocho Leonardo Helicopters AW139 adquiridos en propiedad, dentro del actual PNS 2010-18*, el número de helicópteros se ha elevado a once.

*Plan Nacional de Salvamento 2010-18.

Sus bases son: 

- Santiago (Lavacolla. IATA: SCQ, OACI: LEST), Sikorsky S-61N (Helimer 210).

- A Coruña (Alvedro. IATA: LCG, OACI: LECO), Airbus Helicopters H225 (Helimer 401).

Las dos bases gallegas son las únicas que mantienen los mismos dos helicópteros, ya que las otras nueve están cubiertas por AW139 pero sin distintivo fijo, puesto que las máquinas italianas van rotando según disponibilidad por calendarios de revisiones.

- Gijón (helipuerto de El Musel, IATA: n/d. OACI: LEEL). 

- Santander (Seve Ballesteros. IATA: SDR, OACI: LEXJ).

- Tarragona (aeropuerto de Reus. IATA: REU, OACI: LERS).

- Valencia (Manises. IATA: VLC, OACI: LEVC).

- Palma  de Mallorca (Son Sant Joan. IATA: PMI, OACI: LEPA).

- Jerez de la Frontera (IATA: XRY, OACI: LEJR).

- Almería (IATA: LEI, OACI: LEAM).

- Gran Canaria (Gando. IATA: LPA, OACI: GCLP).

- Tenerife Sur (Reina Sofía. IATA: TFS, OACI: GCTS).

AW139, Helimer 203 en la base de El Musel (Gijón). ©Jose López de Alba

Los AW139 fueron encargados por el Ministerio de Fomento con todos los equipos y sistemas SAR, al fabricante italiano, en febrero de  2006 tras ganar la compañía transalpina el concurso público de adquisición. 

Como hemos comentado, del inicial modelo S-61N, del fabricante norteamericano Sikorsky, actualmente sólo queda uno operativo (EC-FVO “Helimer  210”), que previsiblemente a través del nuevo contrato de adjudicación será retirado en un futuro no muy lejano...

Más información: Hlcopters #5