Fresh Start: No End in Sight? Stock in Trade Lives On The Line

Volume 33 Number 1
January/February 2014
Fresh start
UK helicopter upgrades progress apace
NO END IN LIVES ON STOCK IN

SIGHT? THE LINE TRADE
Indian procurement European SAR operations Asia-Pacific market focus
www.rotorhub.com
DH_JanFeb14_OFC.indd 1 27/01/2014 14:20:05
DH_JanFeb14_IFC.indd 2 27/01/2014 14:49:42
CONTENTS
Front cover: Two RAF Puma HC2 aircraft work together with
the Chinook force during Exercise Agile Spear in Norfolk, UK
in November 2013. (Photo: Crown Copyright)
3 Comment
Editor
Tony Skinner, tony.s@shephardmedia.com
Tel: +44 1753 727020 4 News
n Israel, Japan to acquire V-22
Staff Reporter
Jonathan Tringham, jonathan.t@shephardmedia.com n Spending bill to fund USAF CSAR
helicopter
Business Reporter
Joyce de Thouars, joyce.t@shephardmedia.com n Libya interested in T129
Contributors
n DoD helicopter spending to decline
Patrick Allen, Gordon Arthur, Pieter Bastiaans, by half
Peter Donaldson, Jim Dorschner, Scott R Gourley,
Neelam Mathews, Alexander Mladenov,
David Oliver, Richard Scott, Matthew Smith, 8 Home improvement
Alan Warnes, Jim Winchester, Tom Withington
The UK is currently carrying out a number
Production Department Manager
David Hurst, david.h@shephardmedia.com
Sub-editor
of military helicopter upgrade programmes
to meet the recommendations outlined
19
Adam Wakeling
by the government in 2010. Defence
Helicopter visited RAF Benson to see the 32 Stock in trade
Commercial Manager
Jane Smith, jane.s@shephardmedia.com work in progress. As Western defence budgets continue to
Tel: +44 1753 727004 stagnate, helicopter OEMs are looking to
Junior Sales Executive 13 No end in sight? other regions to keep their order books in
Sara Sheperia, sara.s@shephardmedia.com Shrouded by alleged business a healthy condition. Defence Helicopter
Tel: +44 1753 727003
wrongdoings and a history of delayed examines the sales prospects in Asia-Pacific.
Editor-in-Chief
Tony Skinner
programmes, India’s acquisition of military
helicopters is a hot topic. 36 Centres of attention
Managing Director
Darren Lake As the drawdown gathers pace in
19 Lives on the line Afghanistan, the shape of the helicopter
Chairman
Nick Prest The Portuguese Air Force’s 751 Esquadra MRO industry is changing to reflect new
has a long and rich history of successful and emerging operational requirements.
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COMMENT
Sequestration eases,
but the budgetary future stays uncertain
SO IT SEEMS THE POLITICAL WRANGLING Investment in R&D and procurement
over the US budget – a process that is currently amounts to 29% of the top-line
largely unfathomable to those outside the defence budget, which is below the 35% the
Beltway – may finally be subsiding, allowing AIA believes is necessary to maintain a healthy
some measure of longer-term planning to industrial base.
take place. There are also significant pressures on the
The deal that was signed by President supply chain, with those in the lower tiers of the
Obama on 26 December was unsurprisingly industry harder hit by the decline in defence
welcomed by aerospace and defence revenues than the bigger players, who have a
companies, given the uncertainty that has more diverse portfolio.
lingered over the industry in recent years However, even prime aerospace
due to the budgetary self-immolation that is companies are searching for export growth
sequestration. to offset the decline in US spending, as we
Automatic spending cuts will now be eased, discover this issue with features on India (p13)
allowing expenditure to rise by $63 billion and the Asia-Pacific market (p32).
over scheduled levels in FY2014 and 2015 –
although defence spending, now set at $498 NO MORE KIOWA?
billion, is still $30 billion below the requested For the US military, which has long had access
budget, with FY2015 not yet mapped out. to funds that have long made it the envy of
Congress is now being urged to create more others around the world, the budget realities
certainty beyond the coming two fiscal years. also seem to be finally hitting home. Handing these missions over to the Apache
‘We hope Congress will use this time wisely The OH-58 Kiowa Warrior now looks likely to seems an expensive and overly complex
to develop a long-term plan,’ Marion Blakey, be put on the chopping block, and the armed solution to the reconnaissance mission, even if
president and CEO of the US Aerospace scout role handed over instead to the army’s some of the burden is taken over by unmanned
Industries Association (AIA), said in December. AH-64 Apache. aerial platforms.
‘Our number one priority will be to ensure While a final decision had yet to be officially Conversely, however, the proposal is
stable and predictable budgets for national made at the time of writing, the level of detail also an indication of the army’s determination
security, civil aviation and space.’ about the proposal provided at the recent to reshape itself to address prevailing
Such comments reflect the depth of feeling AUSA Aviation conference by army officials budgetary realities, even if that stance means
of industry executives over the past two years, suggests the plan is well advanced. losing a much-tasked aircraft and potentially
several of whom have bitterly complained I must admit the news that Kiowa may be reducing the number of active combat
to me that if comprehensive cuts were removed from service altogether – a move aviation brigades.
unavoidable, the government should just that will also likely sound the death knell for Despite the unfortunate personnel
move forward and enact them so that suitable the Armed Aerial Scout (AAS) programme to upheavals that will come as a result, the army’s
business strategies can be put in place. replace the OH-58 – did not initially sit well. consolidation of its helicopter fleet is one way
That’s what doing business is all about – The army has frequently stressed over the to better position itself for the future, much as
judiciously reacting to what is in front of you. It last decade that the Kiowa Warrior has had the it did when it divested itself of the Cobra and
was clearly the uncertainty that has been the highest operational tempo of any of its aircraft Huey in the 1990s.
killer, limiting the ability of companies to plan in-theatre in Afghanistan. With details of the plan now emerging,
and invest in infrastructure, personnel and R&D, On average, the type has maintained a industry will be hoping that the army is
or alternatively to reduce head counts and monthly operational tempo of about forthcoming with the particulars, so
restructure. 75 hours – that number was more than 100 companies don’t keep spending money
So while this latest progress will be hours a month in 2012 – accounting for nearly chasing procurement dollars that suddenly
welcomed – allowing the Pentagon to invest 50% of all army reconnaissance and attack vanish, as has happened with the AAS project
in some much-needed capabilities – real missions flown in Iraq and Afghanistan from in recent years.
concerns remain. 2001 to 2010. Tony Skinner, Editor
DH_JanFeb14_p03_Comment.indd 3 27/01/2014 14:24:58

NEWS
Israel, Japan move ahead

with Osprey acquisition
AFTER PRECISELY ZERO BELL-BOEING on 12 June. All will be delivered to the current On 17 December, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s
V-22 Osprey export contracts to date, two Block C standard, which benefits from a number cabinet endorsed plans to acquire the tiltrotors
have now come along at once with both Israel of reliability, maintainability and mission alongside amphibious vehicles, F-35 fighters and
and Japan showing interest in the combat- improvements that have been introduced support aircraft, under plans set out in the five-
proven tiltrotor. into the production line. year Mid-Term Defence Programme, which is
Israel has now formally requested a sale of six With the IDF preparing for a series of budgeted at $239 billion, and will commence
V-22s, according to a 14 January press release by contingencies in the Middle East due to in FY2014.
the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency. tensions with Iran and the ongoing civil war in ‘This shows our foreign and security policy
The latest step confirms announcements by Syria, the V-22 will be a complement to the with great clarity and transparency to the people
Pentagon officials in late 2013 which indicated upgraded CH-53 Yasur 2025 medium transport of Japan and to the world. Based on cooperation
that the US would facilitate the fast-track helicopters, which will continue to serve until at with other countries, we want to make greater
procurement of V-22s for Tel Aviv in an FMS least 2025. contributions than in the past to the peace and
deal estimated at $1.13 billion. Meanwhile, the Japan Air Self-Defence Force security of international society,’ Abe told
The Israeli aircraft will come from available plans to acquire 17 V-22s plus three Global Hawk reporters after the decision.
capacity in the second multi-year procurement UAVs to bolster defences against an increasingly By Pieter Bastiaans, Breda and
contract, which the DoD signed with Bell-Boeing aggressive China. Jonathan Tringham, London
Spending THE USAF IS SLATED TO RECEIVE FUNDING

for its Combat Rescue Helicopter (CRH)
programme under a government-wide
Sikorsky spokesman Frans Jurgens said
it was encouraging that Congress continued
to support the CSAR mission with available
bill to fund omnibus spending bill, unveiled by the
White House on 13 January.
funds.
‘We await confirmation that continued
USAF CSAR CRH, intended to replace the air force’s fleet

of ageing HH-60 Pave Hawk helicopters, has
funding exists for FY2015 and beyond to
enable a contract award this year,’ he said in
helicopter been designated a ‘Congressional special

interest item’ and will receive $333.5 million
in funding, according to the new bill.
a written statement.
In November, the USAF announced its
intention to move forward with Sikorsky as
While acknowledging the aircraft need the sole bidder for CRH, providing sufficient
Photo: USAF to be replaced, Congressional appropriators funds were allocated in the 2014 defence
have ensured an ‘affordable’ budget allocation budget.
to prevent the programme from being ‘In response to the CRH solicitation, the
‘cancelled due to insufficient funding in USAF received one proposal. That offer, from
future years’. Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, has provided an
‘The air force must continue to assess its acceptable technical solution and the USAF
acquisition strategy to find ways to control intends to award a contract based upon
costs and ensure that the programme remains budget availability,’ an air force spokesman
on track to deliver these helicopters to the confirmed at the time.
fleet,’ the bill reads. The statement indicated that the service
According to the bill, any decision to was laying the groundwork to award the CRH
terminate CRH must be preceded by a review of contract in Q2 FY2014.
the programme’s ‘threshold’ and ‘objective’ However, according to a USAF statement,
requirements, combined with an analysis of the award was ‘contingent on the outcome of
‘alternative acquisition strategies using cost- the President’s budget review process, where
benefit analysis’, to be conducted by the CRH would need to be funded across the
Secretary of the Air Force and the Chief of Staff future year’s defence programme’.
of the Air Force. By Jonathan Tringham, London
4 Defence Helicopter | January/February 2014 | Volume 33 Number 1 www.rotorhub.com
DH_JanFeb14_p04-06_News.indd 4 27/01/2014 14:25:47

NEWS
AgustaWestland attempts NEWS ON THE WEB

to save Indian contract DETAILS OF BOLIVIA SUPER PUMA
PURCHASE FORMALISED
AGUSTAWESTLAND IS PREPARING for long negotiations will take before the issue is 17 January 2014
last-ditch negotiations following a decision by ironed out.
the Indian government to formally cancel the AgustaWestland spokesman Geoff Russell TWO EC135s DELIVERED TO
procurement of 12 AW101 VVIP helicopters. said it was difficult to say what state the contract SPANISH MINISTRY OF DEFENCE
On 2 January, New Delhi announced it had was in, given the complications to date. 15 January 2014
terminated the $750 million deal, signed in 2010, ‘The Indian statement talks about termination –
on the grounds of a breach of the pre-contract [the Indian MoD] unilaterally suspended payment USN CONTINUES MH-53
integrity pact. The termination followed an in February, which was in breach of the terms of CRASH RECOVERY
investigation into allegations of bribery the contract. We appointed an arbitrator back 14 January 2014
involving Indian officials. in October, and at the time the Indian MoD said
Upon receiving formal notification of they wouldn’t get involved in arbitration,’ he said.
SIKORSKY WINS $500M USN
termination, AgustaWestland ‘welcomed’ the ‘They’ve now appointed an arbitrator, and HELICOPTER DEAL
news that India had at last agreed to appoint there is now a requirement for both parties to 10 January 2014
an arbitrator. agree on a third arbitrator, and that process
The Anglo-Italian company had been pressing will continue.’
FOUR DEAD IN USAF PAVE
for arbitration since November 2013 – when it The decision to cancel the contract as India
HAWK CRASH
announced the appointment of its own edges towards national elections has become 8 January 2014
arbitrator – and continues to maintain that politically charged.
the accusations of corruption are baseless. ‘[The cancellation is] just to save the name and
LOCKHEED MARTIN
In a statement, the Attorney General of to avoid the defamation of the first family of the
RECEIVES COBRA TARGETING
India said that although integrity-related issues Congress [Party]. Though the helicopters are
SYSTEM CONTRACT
were not subject to arbitration, ‘with a view to good, the Congress has indulged in corruption,’
2 January 2014
safeguard the interests of the government, the said Prakash Javadekar of the opposition
MoD has nominated its arbitrator’. Bharatiya Janata Party.
With three helicopters already delivered and By Neelam Mathews, Delhi and PERU-RUSSIA MI-171
DEAL FINALISED
a 45% advance paid by India, it is not clear how Jonathan Tringham, London
30 December 2013
Libya interested in T129 SWEDEN ACCEPTS FIRST

In a joint press conference with his Turkish MISSION-CAPABLE NH90
23 December 2013
counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Zeidan
highlighted Libya’s requirement for helicopters
and assault boats to strengthen the country’s PAKISTAN TO COLLABORATE
coastal security capabilities. WITH TURKEY ON T129
TAI is also looking to enter other export 20 December 2013
markets with the T129. Jordan and Pakistan have

already made enquiries, and Malaysia, Oman, AGUSTAWESTLAND OPENS
Qatar and Saudi Arabia have reportedly also NEW OFFICE IN SEOUL
Photo: TAI shown interest in the aircraft. 18 December 2013
To pave the way for any future sale of T129s
LIBYA HAS EXPRESSED INTEREST in to Pakistan, TAI signed a workshare agreement
acquiring the T129 attack helicopter, it emerged with the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC)
during Prime Minister Ali Zeidan’s visit to Turkish in 2013 following Islamabad’s decision that all
Aerospace Industries (TAI) on 3 January. future acquisitions should include offset
The T129 performed a flight demonstration, arrangements.
after which the Libyan delegation, accompanied Under the agreement, PAC builds components
by Turkey’s Undersecretary for Defence for TAI’s Anka UAV while looking forward to All these stories can be found at
Industries Murad Bayar, examined the platform collaboration on the T129 programme. www.rotorhub.com
together with the Hürkuş trainer aircraft. By Joyce de Thouars, London

NEWS
Sikorsky retains Canadian

maritime helicopter contract
THE CANADIAN GOVERNMENT HAS OPTED helicopters with operational capability sufficient to replace its 1960s-era Sea King fleet in
to retain Sikorsky as the contractor for the to begin retirement of Canada’s fleet of ageing November 2004, at a total value of $5 billion,
troubled Maritime Helicopter Project (MHP), it CH-124 Sea Kings in 2015. comprising $1.8 billion for the helicopters and
has been revealed. In addition, the company will provide a $3.2 billion for 20 years of in-service support.
On 3 January, Ottawa and Sikorsky programme to enhance those capabilities, No finalised aircraft have been delivered,
announced an agreement to continue the multi- culminating in a fully capable CH-148 by 2018. despite an initial in-service date of 2008,
billion-dollar programme under revised terms, Diane Finley, Canada’s Minister of Public Works leaving Sikorsky facing $88.6 million in
after an independent enquiry determined this and Government Services, said that under the liquidated damages for its failure to meet
would be the most cost-effective way forward. new arrangement Sikorsky would deliver the the contract deadlines.
Hitachi Consulting, the company hired by the required capability at ‘no additional cost’. The new agreement follows a lengthy
Canadian government to assess the viability of ‘In addition, the Government of Canada period of tense negotiations, which saw
Sikorsky’s CH-148 for the MHP, determined the will only issue further payment to Sikorsky Canadian officials meet with executives from
programme could continue with a ‘different upon capability delivery,’ she said in a AgustaWestland, Eurocopter and Sikorsky to
project structure and governance model’. written statement. look at various ways to move the Sea King
Under new principles of agreement signed by Canada had originally contracted Sikorsky for replacement effort forward.
both parties on 31 December, Sikorsky will deliver 28 CH-148s – a militarised variant of the S-92 – By Jonathan Tringham, London
US Army helicopters
DoD helicopter spending get enhanced
to decline by half warning system
There will also be a number of new US ARMY HELICOPTERS ARE RECEIVING
programmes as some aircraft are overdue for a hostile fire indication capability as part of
replacement after continuous deployment upgrades to the AN/AAR-57 Common Missile
and operation in harsh environments in Warning System (CMWS), currently produced
recent years. by BAE Systems, it has been confirmed.
‘New programmes will favour modifying The company announced on 14 January that
commercial off-the-shelf aircraft rather than it had received a $39 million contract for more
developing aircraft from the ground up,’ than 300 third-generation (Gen3) CMWS units,
said Michael Blades, aerospace and defence which provide warning of small arms and RPG
senior industry analyst at Frost & Sullivan, on fire, as well as new data-recording capabilities
17 December. for post-mission analysis.
When selecting new platforms, life cycle The order is the first part of a planned
costs will be increasingly important. ‘In both $500 million procurement that will see Gen3
the civil and military markets, end users will systems fielded to more on 1,000 army
Photo: Boeing stress total life-cycle costs rather than helicopters over the next two years. In-theatre
acquisition costs,’ Blades said. installations have already begun on Apache,
US SPENDING ON MILITARY HELICOPTERS The CH-47 and UH-1 fleets will reach the Kiowa Warrior and Black Hawk aircraft stationed
will fall by almost 50% from $12.4 billion in end of their service lives between 2030 and in Afghanistan.
2012 to $6.7 billion in 2018, Frost & Sullivan 2040 after having been used for combat, Speaking to Defence Helicopter at the AUSA
has predicted. combat support and humanitarian missions exhibition in October, BAE Systems director of
As a result of tightening budgets, the over recent decades. threat management solutions Bill Staib noted
majority of expenditure will be on upgrading In addition, the UH-60 Black Hawk and AH-64 that, in addition to the new software upload,
and remanufacturing existing platforms, with Apache will be replaced after 2030 under the US upgrades to the CMWS sensor and processor
OEMs increasingly focusing on efficiency of Army’s Future Vertical Lift programme. unit also promise a seven-fold increase
maintenance in order to reduce costs. By Joyce de Thouars, London in sensitivity.
By Tony Skinner, London

UK FORCE UPDATE
RAF Puma HC2s line up at Benson.

(Photo: RAF Benson)
The UK is currently carrying out a number of

military helicopter upgrade programmes to meet the
recommendations outlined by the government in 2010.
Patrick Allen visited RAF Benson to see the work in progress.
Home
O ver the past three years, the UK’s Joint
Helicopter Command (JHC) has been
implementing the recommendations outlined
in the government’s 2010 defence review,
alongside conducting operations in
Afghanistan.
One of the recommendations for the Strategic
improvement
Defence and Security Review Future’s Force
2020 was to ensure the country’s helicopter
capability remained up to date, with the
upgrade and purchase of new aircraft.
It includes the retirement of the RAF/Royal
Navy’s (RN’s) fleet of Sea Kings in March 2016
and the transfer of the former service’s [$19.8 billion] to ensure our helicopter capability support helicopter force and is one of the busiest
AgustaWestland AW101 Merlin HC3/HC3A remains up to date.’ stations within the JHC.
fleet to the RN’s Commando Helicopter Force This has also included upgrading the Boeing Over the past four years, the RAF Merlin
(CHF), plus the upgrade of the RAF Puma HC1 Chinook HC4/5s, purchasing new HC6s and the Force has been overseeing the transition of its
fleet to HC2 standard. introduction of the new AgustaWestland AW159 fleet to the RN’s CHF and preparing for the
Wildcat AH1s and HM1s, as well as the upgrades introduction into operational service of the
STAYING CURRENT to Merlins and Pumas. Puma HC2.
Philip Dunne, Minister for Defence, Equipment, Both the Merlins and Pumas are operated by In his role as Merlin Force commander, Puma
Support and Technology, noted: ‘In 2012, the RAF, based at Benson in Oxfordshire, which Force commander and station commander of
we committed to spending £12.1 billion is currently home to two thirds of the service’s RAF Benson, Gp Capt Nigel Colman has been
DH_JanFeb14_p08-10_RAF.indd 8 27/01/2014 14:26:49

UK FORCE UPDATE
responsible for implementing all the changes as range as the HC1, which first entered service
outlined in Future Force 2020. with the RAF in 1971.
‘The key change demanded at RAF Benson The upgrade also includes a digitised glass
has really been the necessity to change our cockpit and upgraded LCD instruments, as well
mindset, from one which was largely based as improved ballistic protection. The HC2 is ‘They also not only
around a fixed routine of providing support to capable of carrying up to 16 fully equipped outperform the engines
Operation Herrick in Afghanistan to one which troops, while twin cargo doors and low rotor they replace in power, but
will see the station on a contingency footing downwash make it ideal for transporting
where we could be asked to deploy anywhere personnel and equipment in and out of also in fuel efficiency.’
at any time,’ explained Colman. confined urban environments.
‘Any such deployments could well be at very
short notice, meaning that our people, and COMPREHENSIVE REWRITE
importantly their families, will need to have a The RAF will eventually operate a fleet of 24
very flexible, responsive and expeditionary Puma HC2s – the remainder will be handed over Further enhancements include a new digital
outlook on life operating support helicopters. during the next two years ahead of entering cockpit and state-of-the-art autopilot. This
‘An example of this is that we can load two operational service in 2015. integrates the aircraft communications, navigation
Puma HC2s and all their supporting personnel ‘Because the Puma HC2 is so different from and flight control systems, which greatly reduces
and equipment very quickly into an RAF C-17 the Mk 1 version – from both engineering and pilot workload, enabling crews to concentrate on
transport aircraft and have the aircraft flying aircrew perspectives – all training packages have managing the mission rather than the aircraft.
within four hours of landing at their destination – been comprehensively rewritten for the Mk 2,’ Additionally, the aircraft complies with all civil
this is a fantastic capability which would be explained Colman. navigation and communication regulations,
extremely valuable, whether in a warfighting ‘Indeed, while the aircraft is still called a Puma, allowing it to self-ferry throughout Europe.
scenario or for humanitarian and disaster relief/ and externally looks almost identical to the ‘Importantly, while the equipment is new it
non-combatant evacuation operation.’ Puma HC1, the HC2 is a fundamentally different is not novel, and this has greatly simplified the
helicopter. The modern, more powerful engines introduction into service as the aircraft has
INTIMATE RELATIONSHIPS provide a step-change in capability and deliver a commonality with existing civil and military
Colman said another key initiative that has been significantly enhanced safety margin. types,’ added Colman. ‘Therefore, with all this
taken is a shift to more ‘intimate relationships’ ‘They also not only outperform those they new capability in mind, we have grasped the
with the force’s key ‘users’ across the British Army replace in power, but also in fuel efficiency – opportunity to review how we have done
and Royal Marines. with the same fuel load, the aircraft has a 35% business in the past and implement new,
‘We are already spending significantly more greater endurance, meaning greater range sometimes innovative, approaches to not
time working alongside them, ensuring that the and more disposable payload. When this is simply replicate but to improve.
skills gained through Iraq/Afghanistan are coupled to an extra fuel tank it gives nearly ‘In so doing, we have consulted widely
maintained and improved,’ he continued. ‘This is three hours endurance.’ with other users of modern glass-cockpit 
being done through better and earlier planning,
a more flexible approach to the user’s requests,
while also trying to think smarter about how the
training needs of our aircrew and those of the
ground units we support can be coordinated to
mutual benefit.’
In November 2013, the first RAF crews
began training on the Puma HC2 at RAF
Benson following a £260 million ($425 million)
upgrade programme.
Crews from No 33 and 230 Squadrons have
already started undertaking training flights from
the base. This has included using a simulator at
RAF Benson and participation in a number of
JHC exercises.
The Puma HC2 improvement programme
The RAF has been busy training
included the upgrade to Turbomeca Makila RN CHF crews to operate the
turboshaft engines, which provide 35% more Merlin HC3/3A at Benson.
power and improved fuel efficiency. This will (Photo: author)
allow the type to fly faster and have twice the

UK FORCE UPDATE
aircraft with advanced autopilots, both within for its contribution to UK defence with the Sea
the rotary- and fixed-wing communities, King HC4.
military and civilian. This has enabled the most ‘Although we will not see the physical
expeditious training route to allow us to return departure of Merlin aircraft, crews and
a greatly enhanced capability to UK defence at engineers even begin until 2015, we are
the earliest safe opportunity.’ now deep in the preparation phase to ensure
that we will be in a strong position to see Merlin
CONVERSION TRAINING depart RAF Benson and indeed leave the RAF
The RAF Merlin Force has also been busy inventory in style, having made a consistently
preparing the RN’s CHF for the transfer of 25 valuable contribution to operations in Bosnia,
Merlin HC3/3As. Iraq and Afghanistan over the last ten years,’
Over the past two years, RAF personnel from Colman said.
No 28(AC) Squadron’s Operational Conversion ‘But looking to the future, the Puma HC2
Flight based at Benson have been undertaking is a truly exciting development of the JHC’s
conversion training for CHF aircrew and capability, and we are already witnessing the
engineers on the AW101. This year will see RAF and RN CHF Merlin crews introduction of a far more capable aircraft than
training in Arctic Norway. (Photo: author)
The Merlin Force is now busy mentoring the Puma HC1. In this regard, the crews now
and training CHF aircrew and engineers on environmental training package not only qualified on the HC2 are reporting even better
the operation and maintenance of the prepares JHC personnel – including aircrew, performance than expected, which will provide
technologically advanced Merlin, while also ground crew and support personnel – for a step-change in the capability offered by the
providing a UK contingency capability. operating in Arctic conditions, but also helps Puma Force.’
‘We have been engaged for some time now provide aircrew with pre-training for a range of RAF Benson is also home to the Medium
in training mainly ex-Sea King crews on Merlin global contingency operations. Support Helicopter Aircrew Training Facility
HC3/3A, while also gradually replacing RAF By early 2014, more than 50% of CHF with Puma, Chinook and Merlin simulators.
engineers with RN maintainers as we work engineers will have completed their conversion ‘One of the lessons that has been reinforced
towards the transition of the Merlin capability course as training is ramped up at RAF Benson over the past few years has been that simulation
to the CHF,’ the group captain explained. before the first fully qualified CHF crews and is best located alongside the aircrew and the
‘While RN crews receive the same training as aircraft depart the base for RNAS Yeovilton in units it supports, and I expect RAF Benson will
RAF crews new to the Merlin, we have ensured early 2015. continue to be home to a number of simulators
that this is done not only through the Merlin In addition, 846 NAS is planning to stand up into the foreseeable future. Hence, we will
Operational Conversion Course, but through the as the first CHF Merlin HC3/3A squadron in late work with JHC HQ to ensure that whatever
delivery of environmental training exercises in 2014 followed by 845 NAS as the second in synthetic solutions we have in the future –
the testing – but controlled – environments of August 2015. they offer best value for money and the best
Jordan and El Centro in the US to ensure the RN By 2016, the CHF will have completed support to our aircrew.’
capability grows rapidly through transition. conversion to the Merlin and the number of its
‘As you would expect, the liaison between the support helicopter crews will have reduced from FUTURE FOCUS
Merlin Force and the CHF is detailed and pretty 43 to 37. Regarding the future of RAF Benson, the group
constant, covering all aspects of the transition, and The next phase of the programme under the captain noted: ’While there are a number of
there are inevitably areas where the RAF takes the Merlin Life Sustainment Programme (MLSP) will outputs on the station, not least 606 Royal
lead and others where the RAF is very much in a address obsolescence issues with the aircraft and Auxiliary Air Force Squadron, which contributes
supporting role. But it is important that after over develop its maritime capabilities. to defence’s growing reliance on reserves, the
ten years of operating Merlin, we don’t lose the MLSP will deliver increasing maritime two key outputs we contribute are the four
corporate experience present in the force and capability from September 2015 through to squadrons of the Puma and Merlin Forces.
instead pass it on to our RN colleagues.’ the delivery of the Merlin HC4 and HC4A, which ‘Right now, we are in the midst of fielding the
will deliver a further increase in embarked Puma HC2, which is a real boost to the JHC’s lift
COLD RESPONSE capability. The latter will begin arriving with the capability and sees an exciting future for RAF
As part of this training and transition, RAF/CHF CHF from September 2017 and the programme Benson, while we also maintain the contingent
Merlin crews will deploy in February/March 2014 is currently due to be completed by March 2022. capability provided by the Merlin Force as we
to the JHC ‘Clockwork’ cold-weather and progress through the transition to the RN.
mountain-warfare training facility based at REPUTATION INCREASE Clearly, as to any future moves, we remain alive
Bardufoss, a Royal Norwegian Air Force base This increase in maritime capability is a to the fact that the geographic lay-down of
260km inside the Arctic Circle. significant advance for the Merlin and will defence is changing and we will accommodate
With the airmen working alongside CHF see the airframe continue and further any additional units we are asked to in due
Sea King crews, this extreme cold weather develop the reputation the CHF has gained course.’ DH

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DH_JanFeb14_p12.indd 12 27/01/2014 14:54:30

COUNTRY FOCUS
The ALH Mk III, shown

here at the 2013
Bangalore air show, is
a development of the
Dhruv and comes with
seating for 14 fully
equipped troops.
(All photos: author)
H
No end in
elicopter procurements continue to
make the news in India, but unfortunately
sight?
often for the wrong reasons.
The forthcoming national elections have
resulted in a policy paralysis, with the falling
rupee and a slowed economy putting the brake
on funds being released by the finance ministry.
Awaiting the delayed decisions is a
military that urgently needs to fulfil its force
requirements, including procurement of an
estimated 1,000 helicopters by 2020 to include
light utility, attack, medium transport, heavy-lift
and multirole types. By comparison, there are
around 600 rotorcraft of various vintages
currently in the military. Shrouded by alleged business wrongdoings and a
While the delivery deadline may be optimistic
given the long gestation periods of contract
history of delayed programmes, India’s acquisition of
decisions, the potential and urgency cannot military helicopters is a hot topic. Neelam Mathews
be waved away. reports on current activity.
NEGOTIATING PHASE fire control systems, with India becoming the control to the army a ‘family problem’.
Commercial negotiations with the Indian MoD second international customer of the AH-64E Retired IAF ACM N A K Browne has since rejected
for 15 CH-47 Chinooks worth around $1 billion (Block III) after Taiwan. the army’s suggestion to operate all the
and 22 AH-64E Apaches are taking place, The Chinooks will replace India’s ageing helicopters. He questioned the ‘duplication of
according to Dennis Swanson, VP of Mi-26 fleet. Given that the clearance process assets’, and noted: ‘We cannot afford to have our
international business development at Boeing will require a few more months, it is unlikely own little air forces.’
Defense, Space & Security, speaking last year. that both deals will be signed by the end of However, a decision was made to allow the
The Chinooks will be a direct commercial this financial year, according to an MoD official. army to operate attack helicopters, with service
sale between the MoD and Boeing, while the The Indian Army operates around 250 light leaders insisting the move would give land
Apache proposal, which was chosen over the helicopters and has, until now, seen its attack forces greater tactical ‘power and reach’.
Mi-28, also includes an FMS component. The and medium-lift types fall under the control of The army has now drawn up plans for
FMS contract for the Apache includes munitions, the Indian Air Force (IAF). its aviation corps that includes a mix of
training and aircraft certification, as well as Last year, Defence Minister A K Anthony reconnaissance, utility, tactical support and
components, such as engines, EO sensors and referred to the IAF’s unwillingness to give up attack platforms. ‘A roadmap is required to 
DH_JanFeb14_p13-16_India.indd 13 27/01/2014 14:27:55

COUNTRY FOCUS
absorb capabilities including logistics and

training,’ said an army official.
By 2022, the service will set up three strike
corps and has set a requirement for an additional
33 Apaches to equip these new units. The
yet-to-be-stood-up mountain strike corps may
also get an aviation brigade.
The in-service Russian Mi-25/Mi-35s, although
army assets, are currently manned, controlled
and operated by the IAF. The NH90 is competing
with the Sikorsky S-70B
A BAD START to replace the Indian
The start of 2014 proved to be bad news for Navy’s ageing Westland
Sea King fleet.
AgustaWestland and the IAF when India
terminated the approximately $750 million
deal for 12 AW101 VVIP helicopters following (Aérospatiale SA 316 Alouette IIIs) and Cheetahs the tender is scrapped this time, it is likely the
allegations of wrongdoings. (SA 315B Lamas) is also now in danger of being OEM will participate.
The three AW101s delivered are now ‘aircraft cancelled. ‘We have completed all the steps and are
on ground’, with supply of rotables halted. An The major reason cited is that an army officer eagerly awaiting the decision,’ said Xavier
IAF maintenance official told Defence Helicopter was allegedly involved in wrongdoings during Hay, CEO of the Indian subsidiary of Airbus
that these examples, which have been flown for the flight trials evaluation process for the finalists Helicopters, formerly Eurocopter. ‘The operators
only 20 minutes since last February when the – the Kamov Ka-226T and Eurocopter AS550 C3. need it as they will face problems to support the
deal was frozen, have now been grounded. The official stance is that the bids have been Chetak and Cheetah fleet.’
The service’s fleet of eight Mi-8s is also due to referred to an oversight committee formed by Airbus Helicopters has been supporting these
start retirement by end of the year, and while the army. ‘The committee will further analyse machines for 50 years, and is concerned that
officially there has been no communication the efficacy of the ultimate analysis… we would many suppliers in the supply chain have
on the future plan for the replacement of the like it to happen [soon],’ Lt Gen Amarjeet Singh switched to more modern technology.
ageing late-1960s vintage rotorcraft, the Chabbewal, Chief of Staff, Western Command, Spares may face limits by the end of this
Mi-17V5, which India already has on order, is one Indian Army, said with some hope. decade, Hay revealed. He said: ‘However,
alternative being considered. ‘Replacement is overdue… the present fleet [the long life] also proves the ruggedness of
The likelihood of a legal battle in the offing inducted in the 1970s has aged and rotables are the helicopter.’ See us at
will likely sour relations further, as India has expensive and not easily available,’ said a senior Defexpo 2014
encashed a $32.5 million bank guarantee army aviation official. DOMESTIC DEVELOPMENT Israel Pavilion, Hall 11
provided by AgustaWestland and is considering ‘We have neglected the sustenance of fleet… Meanwhile, in an attempt to encourage
legal proceedings in Italy for another bank [this is] important as wear and tear of helicopters indigenisation, government-owned defence Singapore Airshow
guarantee of $325.5 million. is extremely high,’ added Chabbewal. manufacturer Hindustan Aeronautics 2014
India had paid around 45% of the contracted In 2007, the AS550 C3 had emerged as the (HAL) has been awarded a contract for an Israel Pavilion, Stand N51
amount in advance. The OEM’s requests made winner against the Bell 407. Complaints from Bell additional 187 Light Utility Helicopters (LUHs),
to India’s MoD invoking the contractual stalled the bid, and subsequently the company still under development.
provision for bilateral discussions went did not participate in the rebid in 2008, citing an HAL’s delayed 3t single-engine LUH –
unanswered last year, according to a inability to honour the 50% offset requirement. If which is heavier than the Fennec, with a
company statement. projected speed of up to 120kt and a service
The country’s frantic attempt to look clean in ceiling of 21,300ft – will likely get its initial
its business dealings – especially with national operational clearance in 2017, a company official
elections to be held in May – is affecting all said. While the manufacturer has selected the
procurements, with decisions in deep-freeze Turbomeca engine for the LUH, the contract has
for fear of reprisals by opposing political parties. ‘The country’s frantic yet to be signed.
SPIKE-E
Multi-Pu
Tactical M
attempt to look clean ‘The LUH will have new features like a glass
COUNTRY CREDIBILITY cockpit and composite airframe, M Vijaya Kumar,
in its business dealings is general manager for rotary-wing research and
India’s credibility in the global market continues
to suffer. For instance, the twice-bid 197-aircraft affecting all procurements.’ design at HAL, told DH. ‘Unlike the Advanced
Reconnaissance and Surveillance Helicopter Light Helicopter, [ALH] for which we had sought
(RSH) requirement for the Indian Army and collaboration with MBB in Germany, the LUH is
Air Force to replace 230 ageing Chetaks our own.’ 

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COUNTRY FOCUS
HAL’s enthusiasm for providing all assets to roles, including patrolling from the Gulf of Aden
the military – despite its obvious shortcomings to the Malacca Straits.
manifested in delays across every project the Expected to serve for 30 years, the MRH needs
services undertake – could prove responsible for to have the capacity for 10% weight growth
the official cancellation of the RSH should it be ‘The expanding role of the throughout its service life without impairing
announced, a private industry official said. Indian Navy has resulted in performance. The helicopters must also be
There is some speculation that due to the the need to augment its able to fit in shipboard hangars with a length
‘misdeeds’ pointed out in the RSH competition – of 15.5m, width of 5.5m and a height of 5.3m.
and the subsequent delays to that project – HAL helicopter capability.’
may be appointed to take over production for FURTHER BIDDING
the complete requirement (ie both the 197 RSHs The Indian Navy is seeking 56 Naval Utility
and the 187 LUHs). Helicopters (NUHs) in the 4.5t class to replace its
The company, which recently signed a $75 ageing fleet of HAL Chetaks. Of the 85 the navy
million deal with the Indian MoD for 20 Cheetal the NH Industries (NHI) NH90 and Sikorsky S-70B, received up to 2002, approximately 60 remain in
helicopters, is also working on the Light Combat to replace the navy’s ageing Sea King fleet. service. In addition, the coast guard operates 17
Helicopter (LCH) – the first indigenous attack The rotorcraft are to meet requirements for – all are unable to undertake ship-borne ASW.
rotorcraft designed and built in India – for use by ASW and anti-surface warfare as well as secondary The NUH bid requires a four-seat, twin-engine
the IAF and army. roles such as SAR, transport and casevac. helicopter (for two pilots and one assistant/
Currently at the second prototype stage, the The delay in opening commercial bids winch operator) with foldable rotor blades
LCH is expected to be in service in 2015, with 65 was due to complaints by NHI, alleging non- and an MTOW that does not exceed 4.5t.
aircraft scheduled for delivery. The LCH uses ALH compliance and pointing out irregularities in It calls for a range of 370km with a maximum
technology, barring a fuselage modified for the field evaluation trials. payload of 500kg – offensive capability for ASW
tandem seating. ‘Whenever a company is about to get a should include a light torpedo or depth charge
contract, the competitor raises an alarm,’ then and a mount for 12.7mm machine guns or two
AERIAL AUGMENTATION Chief of Naval Staff Nirmal Verma stated at rocket launchers on either side, to be supplied
Meanwhile, the expanding role of the Indian the time. by the lead integrator.
Navy (IN) and an ageing fleet has resulted in An RfI for 123 navy MRHs in the 9-12.5t class AgustaWestland, Airbus Helicopters,
the need to augment its helicopter capability. – the largest requirement for naval helicopters Bell, Boeing, HAL, Kamov and Sikorsky are
Looking to replace its legacy aircraft, the – has yet to be released, possibly due to lack of contenders for the bid. The navy’s hopes that the
IN has been assessing new utility and multirole funds. The request had indicated that the helicopters would enter service in 2016 will
helicopters. helicopter could be assigned to missions probably be dashed, as the project is already
A decision is pending on the much-delayed related to anti-surface warfare, logistics, SAR, running a year late.
16-aircraft Multi-Role Helicopter (MRH) amphibious and commando operations. The The coast guard, meanwhile, has a
programme, with the final bidders comprising navy also needs the MRH for an expansion of requirement for 14 Twin-Engined Heavy
Helicopters (TEHHs) that will be optimised for
The ALH-WSI Rudra is an both SAR and combat operations.
armed version of the Dhruv The navy has been on the lookout for an
equipped with a FLIR, a 20mm upgrade partner for its existing fleet of Sea
gun, rockets and missiles. Kings since 2008, when a proposal to use Israeli
companies was opposed by AgustaWestland.
The IN is also viewing upgrades for six Kamov
Ka-25s being equipped with the indigenous
SV-2000 radar.
Sustained terror-related homeland security
threats are also creating a requirement for
surveillance and SAR helicopters.
Around 40% of India’s large, diverse
landmass faces regular violent threats by
Naxalite or Maoist radical groups, controlling
large portions of remote and densely forested
areas known as the ‘Red Corridor’. External
security threats from neighbouring countries,
has also accentuated the need for helicopters
by state police departments. DH

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PORTUGUESE SAR
L ocated at three bases and covering one of

the largest rescue regions in the world, the
Portuguese Air Force’s (FAP’s) 751 Esquadra (751
Esq) was formed in 1978 with radar-equipped
SA 330 Pumas.
Tasked with providing SAR coverage over
almost a third of the North Atlantic, 751 Esq has
saved almost 3,000 lives over the past 35 years,
having adopted the nickname ‘Puma’ and the
motto ‘para que outros vivam’ (so that others
may live).
The collection of life preservers and flotation
aids that fills the Pumas’ crew room at Montijo
Air Base, near Lisbon, attests to the many
successful missions. Notable rescues include
15 crewmen from the Angel del Mar, and 17
from the Bolman III in 1994.
On 24 December 2000, 22 were saved from
the Coral Bulker, which ran aground in northern
Portugal – the biggest single rescue to date.
The Portuguese Air Force’s 751 Esquadra has a
long and rich history of successful SAR operations.
SEA CHANGE Jim Winchester visited Montijo Air Base to see
The unit transitioned to the EH101 (now AW101)
Lives
Merlin in February 2005, retaining the Puma
the unit in action.
nickname and continuing the tradition of daring
maritime exploits, including the rescue of five
crew from the MV Kea off Galicia, Spain, in
March 2010, which resulted in the crew being
decorated by the Spanish authorities. Another
included six fishermen from the Virgem do
Sameiro rescued in December 2011, who had
spent 57 hours in a life raft.
on the line
In February 2013, 751 Esq saved capsized
Portuguese Vendée Globe race yachtsman
Javier Sansó at a record distance of 670km from
the Azores. To achieve this extreme range, the
Merlin was filled with 5,000kg of fuel and
stripped of all unnecessary equipment.
With the six standard aircraft – manufacturer’s
designation AW101 Mk 514 – the squadron’s
primary missions are SAR, emergency medevac
and tactical air transport. In the latter role,
the Merlin can carry up to 35 troops or
16 stretchers.
The Portuguese Army has a requirement for
The unit transitioned to the
NH90s, but until an order is signed, the Merlin is
EH101 Merlin in February
the country’s only tactical transport helicopter, 2005. (All photos: author)
supporting ground forces as well as undertaking
government tasks such as VIP transport – the
type carried Pope John Paul II on his three visits
to Portugal.
Two Mk 515 aircraft are assigned to the
fisheries protection (Sistema de Fiscalizacion
de Pescas (SIFICAP)) mission and are fitted 
DH_JanFeb14_p19-21_Portugal.indd 19 27/01/2014 14:31:56

PORTUGUESE SAR
with external loudspeakers. In the cabin, there and Lajes in the Azores, maritime RCCs at Lisbon The dummy and buoy are recovered aboard
are modular stations for a radar operator and a and Ponta Delgado and a maritime rescue by the swimmer and winchman onto a tray lined
loudspeaker operator in this role. sub-centre at Funchal. with absorbent material to protect the structure
One Merlin crew is on 24-hour, 365-day from the effects of salt water. When the Merlin
IN COMBAT standby at Montijo and at Porto Santo in returns to Montijo, it is hosed down to remove
Four Mk 516 Merlins are dedicated to CSAR, with Madeira, with two crews at Lajes. At Montijo and salt picked up from the rotor wash. The
tail folding and extra countermeasures including Lajes, the stated response time is 30 minutes by manufacturer has modified the Portuguese
chaff and flare dispensers. Up to three general- day and 45 minutes by night, and 45 minutes examples with extra drains in the tail area to
purpose machine guns can be fitted, as can and 60 minutes respectively at Porto Santo. reduce salt water pooling. The same training
ceramic armour plates. Both the CSAR and The crew on SAR missions usually consists mission is also flown at night using NVGs.
SIFICAP aircraft can be used on SAR missions, of a pilot, who is the aircraft commander, a first Budget difficulties in Portugal, one of the
while the SAR rotorcraft can be re-roled for CSAR, officer/co-pilot, a systems operator/winchman, countries hardest hit by the Eurozone financial
albeit without tail folding. a rescue swimmer and a flight nurse. A civilian crisis, led to a reduction in annual flying hours
The intent had been to deploy the CSAR medical team can be embarked if needed. across all FAP fleets by about 500 hours
Merlins on a planned Portuguese Navy on average.
amphibious ship, but this fell foul of budget cuts. UP TO THE CHALLENGE? The SAR helicopter fleet was less savagely hit,
Probes were acquired for inflight refuelling, but A typical SAR training mission, as observed by with hours reduced from 2,000 to 1,730, mostly
are seldom if ever fitted, not least because the Defence Helicopter on a recent visit, lasts up to in training time – about 55% of hours flown are
FAP has no tankers. three hours and tests the crew across a number still spent on training. The reductions have not
Hover inflight refuelling can be employed to of challenging scenarios. The first is to go out lowered the required crew qualifications for SAR
allow a long-range CSAR mission to be staged over the Atlantic and hail merchant ships for or the missions themselves.
via a navy ship. Normal range is 570km, but with winch training.
ferry tanks this can be stretched to 730km. The Although not every captain wants to take part, FLIGHT TIME
Merlin has more than twice the mission radius there is plenty of traffic in this busy shipping lane In 2011, 608 hours were flown on SAR missions,
of the Puma. that heads northwards towards the English with 173 people rescued. In 2012, 157 lives were
All the Merlins are fitted with Nightsun Channel, and a cooperative tanker or freighter saved across 430 flight hours, and a further 116
searchlights, which restrict their maximum speed can usually be found. The ship maintains its hours were flown on SIFICAP missions.
to 150kt. Further limits include 100kt with the speed and course as the Merlin keeps pace, Initial Merlin operations from 2004 were
doors open and 120 with the ramp partly down. lowering the rescue swimmer and a stretcher hampered by a lack of trained crews and poor
Other mission equipment includes the FLIR for several simulated rescues. aircraft availability, requiring the FAP to briefly
Systems Star Safire II EO/IR sensor and Selex ES The next stop is Cabo Espichel, south of Lisbon re-introduce the SA 330. A support agreement
radar with a maximum range of around 300km. on the Atlantic coast, for cliff rescue practice with AgustaWestland was signed in 2008 and
The squadron’s area of responsibility is about before heading back out to sea where the rescue this full in-service support scheme (FISS) has
six million square kilometres. Missions are tasked training dummy is lowered into the water, then a since greatly improved availability.
by rescue coordination centres (RCCs) at Lisbon buoy is dropped to mark its position. Required serviceability is now approximately
97% for the single Porto Santo aircraft, 96% for
the two in the Azores, and 70% across the five
at Montijo.
FISS looks to accomplish the operator’s aims
of ensuring airworthiness, achieving the required
flying programme and guaranteeing the desired
When a Merlin returns to outputs of the fleet for the Portuguese MoD
Montijo, it is hosed down through an integrated team of customer,
to remove salt picked up
operator and industry, including
from the rotor wash.
AgustaWestland and local suppliers.
To this end, the Joint Aircraft Availability
Management Office (JAAMO) located in 751
Esq’s hangar at Montijo employs 23 technicians
and eight managers and office staff, a mixture of
FAP, AgustaWestland and OGMA (Portuguese
MRO) personnel.
The JAAMO is the local version of
AgustaWestland’s fleet operations centre at
Yeovil in the UK. It lacks the ‘mission control’

PORTUGUESE SAR Visit us
in Singapore:
February 11-16 2014
German Pavillon
START TOWING
THE EASY WAY!
TWIN
for all
wheeled Helicopters
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The CSAR and fisheries protection aircraft can be used on SAR missions, while the SAR aircraft
(pictured) can also be re-roled for CSAR.
layout of that facility, but works in the same way, on by the JAAMO, but two were handed back to
constantly monitoring aircraft usage, overhauls the unit the same day.
and technical support requirements and Another two were unserviceable and awaiting
coordinating all the information about the their turn, at least one of them for engines, the
No strap – no winch – no crawling under the
aircraft with AgustaWestland in the UK and Italy, availability of which has been a problem for the
Helicopter for mounting a towbar. Just drive
as well as the FAP, according to the company’s Montijo operation. the mototok towards the nose gear and push a
full in-service support manager Nick Green. The FISS excludes the Merlin’s RTM322 button on the remote control. That’s it.
With this information, the JAAMO implements engines, which are repaired in France • Fully automatic engagement of the
the fleet plans agreed by all parties to achieve by Turbomeca. nose wheel in seconds
the required operational outputs. The FISS contract guarantees a date for each • Up to a week operating time
before recharging
The squadron conducts first-level aircraft’s in-depth servicing to be completed, but
• Circumferential visibility
maintenance and clears the aircraft for flight. delays in completing and returning overhauled due to the remote control
AgustaWestland and OGMA conduct second- engines have left the JAAMO with otherwise • One device for all helicopters and
level or in-depth maintenance, which on an FAP serviceable aircraft that cannot be test flown. aircraft with wheels
• Ready for operating on aircraft carriers
Merlin is scheduled every six months or 150 In early September 2013, Turbomeca’s joint
flying hours. As of September 2013, the fleet had venture with Rolls-Royce was ended with the
flown between 802 and 1,595 hours for a total former’s acquisition of the UK company’s 50% Want to know more? Visit
www.mototok.com/military
of 16,291 hours. stake in the RTM322, and Turbomeca has
and watch the video.
Both types of maintenance source spare promised to improve customer service and
parts from the FISS warehouse at Montijo. The turnaround time for the FAP.
Portuguese Navy’s Lynx squadron, which is As of the end of 2013, 751 Esq had saved
based just over the road, but is not under a full- 2,933 lives, approximately 1,100 of them with
service contract, is known to call up the JAAMO the Merlin.
requesting common spares. ‘We [the JAAMO] go beyond the FISS
Mototok International GmbH Mototok America LLC
boundaries very often to help the squadron Hohenzollernstr. 47 3028 Peacekeeper Way
AVAILABLE AIRCRAFT achieve what it needs to,’ said Green. ‘We are D-47799 Krefeld / Germany McClellan, CA 95652 / USA
Phone: +49-2151-65083-82 Phone: +1-916-580-4977
At the time of DH’s visit, six Merlins were very much an integrated part of the squadron, Fax: +49-2151-624-673 Fax: +1-916-641-8969
available across the three bases – one was under so when we see the successful missions that the info@mototok.com rs
unit maintenance and three were being worked air force achieve,we feel the same satisfaction.’ DH www.mototok.com 10+ ofYea
n
Germearing
Enginueality.
www.rotorhub.com Volume 33 Number 1 | January/February 2014 | Defence Helicopter 21 and Q
2537-AZ-Defence.indd 1 23.01.14 18:21

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DH_JanFeb14_p22.indd 22 27/01/2014 14:59:27

ITALIAN SAR
O n 23 October 2008, while flying over

France to join a tactical leadership exercise,
an Italian Air Force (Aeronautica Militare Italiana
The Italian Air Force has been actively updating its SAR
helicopter inventory following the fatal crash of an
(AMI)) HH-3F helicopter (MM80981/15-10) HH-3F in 2008. Mauro Finati and Paolo Rollino
suffered a devastating inflight failure of the provide an overview of the upcoming changes.
main rotor, resulting in a crash with the loss
Waiting
of eight lives.
The episode dramatically brought the state of
the air force’s rotary-wing fleet – in particular the
HH-3F Pelican, which had been in service with
in the
the 15th SAR/CSAR Wing for almost 30 years –
to the attention of the Italian government.
wings
The helicopter was introduced into service in
two separate batches, all produced in Italy by
Agusta at Vergiate. The first series of 20 aircraft
was delivered between 1977 and 1982, with a
second of 15 between 1991 and 1992. The latter
batch was directly produced to ‘Bravo’ standard,
optimised for the CSAR role, and the former
were gradually updated to the same standard
during major overhauls. 
The HH-3F Pelican has been in service with the

15th SAR/CSAR Wing for almost 30 years.
(All photos: authors)
DH_JanFeb14_p23-26_Italy_SAR.indd 23 28/01/2014 10:47:35

ITALIAN SAR
ADOPTION ROUTE
As a result of the tragic accident, some
modifications were introduced during the
servicing of the machines. However, the
progressive withdrawal of the type from the
fleet was also planned, with the adoption of The AW139 (HH-139A) and
new helicopters and a reorganisation of the AW101 (HH-101) were chosen
AMI’s entire CSAR/SAR structure. as replacement aircraft.
The AgustaWestland AW139 (HH-139A)
and AW101 (HH-101) were chosen as are located here, together with the rotary-wing SAR CENTRES
the replacement aircraft, and at the end fleet’s major overhaul centre. The other flying units subordinate to the
of 2010 a contract was signed for the Among the flying units is the 81st Crew wing include: the 82nd SAR Centre at
purchase of ten of the former, with three Training Centre (81° Centro Addestramento Trapani-Birgi with three HH-139As; the 84th
more on option. A total of 12 AW101s are Equipaggi (CAE)), currently equipped with a SAR Centre at Gioia del Colle, also with three
also being acquired, with a potential option single TH-500B (NH-500E), two HH-212As (AB AW139As; and the 85th SAR Centre at Pratica
for three more. 212Es) and four HH-139As. It is in charge of di Mare, which operates the remaining HH-3F
The 15th Wing has a complex structure, with training personnel, pilots, onboard operators and Pelicans, although it is awaiting new
flying units spread across Italy, covering most of air rescuemen. machines under option.
its territory. The operational unit at Cervia is the 83° Each SAR centre will then operate a fleet
From October 2010, the control unit was Gruppo CSAR (83rd CSAR Group), which has of three HH-139As, while only one will
transferred from Pratica di Mare (Rome) to Cervia three HH-3Fs. It is in the transition phase to the remain with the CAE for training duties.
(Ravenna). The 15th Wing’s command HH-139A and, by year-end, will start receiving the Each SAR centre also has a single TH-500B
and the main support and logistic structures new helicopter from the CAE. available for liaison tasks, except for the

ITALIAN SAR
84th at Gioia del Colle AB, which has two contributes to such public benefit activities as over 600 examples produced to date. As such,
examples. emergency medical transportation. it is not a machine specifically developed for
The HH-101 Caesar, meanwhile, will be a From its inception to the present day, the military use, but represents an adaptation. In fact,
specially equipped version for CSAR and special crews of the 15th Wing have saved around 7,000 it was acquired by the air force as an ‘interim’
operations missions, with advanced avionics, people. In addition, its helicopters often respond solution because the final platform is intended
active and passive self-protection systems, to natural disasters under the control of Italy’s to be a mission-specific version of the new
onboard armament, more powerful engines civil protection agency. multirole AW149, currently under development.
and an inflight refuelling probe. Regarding military activities, the wing has The AW149 programme was launched
The HH-101s will be optimised for high- deployed machines and crews abroad many in 2006 and there are four prototypes and two
precision, long-range and low-level navigation in times, most of these as part international machines in pre-production configuration, with
close contact with the ground to take advantage missions, such as the detachment of four HH-3Fs a total of 2,000 flight hours performed to date.
of the terrain. to Cyprus during the hijacking of the ship Achille The multipurpose helicopter is capable of
The first of 12 machines on order is expected Lauro, Operations Restore Hope and Albatross in performing transport missions, tactical SAR/
to be assigned to a unit at the end of 2014 – Somalia as well as Antica Babilonia in Iraq. CSAR, special operations and close air support. It
or beginning of 2015 – and the last one three can carry 18 equipped soldiers (or six stretchers
years later. NEW COURSE in standard NATO configuration) with a payload
It is not yet clear which unit will be assigned The arrival of the first HH-139A at Cervia in of 3t.
these machines first. However, it is likely that January 2012 marked the beginning of a new The AW149 is currently being offered by
some will equip the 21st Gruppo at Grazzanise, chapter for the 15th Wing and the start of the Polish company PZL-Swidnik against a Polish
which is still flying HH-212s in the CSAR role. modernisation of the AMI’s helicopter fleet. MoD requirement, which also foresees
The 15th Wing provides SAR missions for The HH-139A is based on the AW139M, which CSAR missions.
flight crews in distress 24 hours a day, 365 is the ‘militarised’ version of the now ubiquitous The Italian Army is interested in this model
days a year, over land and sea. The unit also medium-size AgustaWestland helicopter, with for the replacement of its of AB 212s and 
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ITALIAN SAR
The cockpit also features a four-axis digital for terrain control and target monitoring and
automatic flight control system with SAR modes allows night-time recording.
and flight management system SAR patterns, These helicopters also have a ventral
weather/search radar, TCAS II, a nose-mounted cargo hook for payloads of up to 2,200kg,
advanced FLIR, health and usage monitoring and are equipped with an external winch
system, digital video recorder, video downlink, capable of lifting loads of up to 270kg using an
moving map on flat display, auto-deployable 80m-long cable.
emergency locator transmitter and enhanced The introduction into service of the HH-139A
ground proximity warning system, was carried out with the full assistance of
The HH-139A is based on the AW139M, as well as a secure communications suite. AgustaWestland, which initially made a standard
the militarised version of the ubiquitous The aircraft also features an integrated AW139 available at Cervia for a period of 1,000
medium-sized helicopter.
defensive aids suite, hoist, searchlight, wire flight hours, ensuring a fast transition for a
cutters, loudspeaker system and emergency number of crews.
AB 412s. However, the acquisition schedule for flotation gear. The theoretical training of personnel is carried
the SAR variants will depend on available For the CSAR role, the HH-139A can be out at the company’s academy in Sesto Calende,
economic resources. equipped with an external stores system for where pilots also perform flying activities with
70mm unguided rocket pods. the simulator.
PROVEN PERFORMANCE Navigation information can now be viewed
In any case, the AW139 is a highly regarded on the five screens within the MFD cockpit, TRAINING RESPONSIBILITIES
solution for SAR activities due to its proven rather than dispersed across a multitude of Operational training is carried out by the 81st
reliability and flight performance. In a typical panels. A central monitor is connected to the CAE. Specific procedures for SAR HH-139A
configuration, the helicopter has a crew of two GPS data to complete navigation and directly were developed by the 15th Wing with the
pilots, an onboard operator and a single air shows the location on a map. assistance of the Reparto Sperimentale Volo
rescueman, and can accommodate a maximum In addition, full night operations are possible staff at Pratica di Mare. The CAE is also
of three passengers. through a latest generation Star Safire III from responsible for SAR training of aircrew within
In transport configuration, the helicopter has FLIR Systems equipped with HD camcorder and other Italian parapublic units, such as the Coast
a maximum capacity of 14 passengers, or for tracking function, a searchlight from six million Guard, State Police and Carabinieri.
medevac missions can be equipped with four candles and full compatibility with NVGs. The 15th Wing was founded in 1931 on the
stretchers. The HH-139A can support a The AMI aircraft have also been fitted with new eve of a troubled and dramatic period for Italy
maximum cruise speed of 160kt, with low heavy-duty reinforced raised landing gear to and the whole world. The unit therefore
vibration levels. Endurance is around 2.5 hours, allow landings on rough and steep terrain. prides itself on its warrior traditions, but also its
which can be extended by 30 minutes using an Unlike the HH-3F, the HH-139 does not humanitarian missions.
internal auxiliary tank. possess amphibious characteristics, but can In the words of one 15th Wing SAR pilot: ‘Air
With an MTOW of 6.4t (4.5t empty weight), operate in the hover at a minimum altitude of rescue is an extraordinary discipline that pays only
the helicopter has a power/weight ratio that 15ft above water. with the grateful and pleased look of people who,
allows safe use even in operations at high The FLIR camera, controlled by the second having believed to have come to an end, thanks
altitude in mountainous terrain. The HH-139A is pilot and the operator in the cabin, can be used to our work can have a second chance.’ DH
powered by a reliable pair of Pratt & Whitney
Canada PT6C-67C turboshafts, rated The HH-3F offers a
at 1,679shp each. spacious interior
In comparison, the Pelican’s T58-GE-5 engines and an endurance
of up to 5 hours.
can offer only 1,521shp against an MTOW of 10t
(6.2t empty). On the other hand, the HH-3F can
offer greater internal space and an endurance of
up to 5 hours, albeit with a lower cruising speed.
The standard crew of the Pelican consists of two
pilots, two operators and one air rescueman.
The new HH-139 helicopter represents
the transition from an analogue technology
to a fully digital machine. The new aircraft is
equipped with an integrated NVG-compatible
glass cockpit featuring 8×10in displays, with
advanced graphics capabilities and cursor
control devices.

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DH_JanFeb14_p27.indd 27 27/01/2014 15:01:07

COMMUNICATIONS
Transmission
control
Voice and data communications are a vital aspect of plugging helicopters into the
modern networked battlespace. Jonathan Tringham looks at the latest technologies
for connecting airborne assets to other force elements.
I n order to gain air and ground superiority,

armed forces must have the ability to
simultaneously deploy a range of fixed- and
communications between command centres
and aircraft in the theatre of operations.
‘Our CNI suites include communications,
ground, we can guarantee interoperability
between air, navy and land forces, especially in
the form of communication and identification.’
rotary-wing platforms in coordination with covering plain and secure voice, tactical data According to the company, its CNI equipment
land-based assets. links – for example Link 16 or LX16 which is our and systems are designed to meet current
Such coordination requires these assets export equivalent – and a new SATCOM terminal civil and military standards, including those for
to be equipped with high-quality, reliable, specifically developed for helicopters,’ he told NATO and national tactical data links or high-rate
interoperable and integrated communications, Defence Helicopter. data links for reconnaissance, SATCOM and
navigation and identification (CNI) systems. ‘Because we manufacture all the equipment, communications intelligence, and are currently
Richard Gascoin, radio communications functions and system infrastructure for the installed on the NH90, Tiger, Apache, Dauphin/
products marketing manager for Thales, Panther, Cougar and Fennec military helicopters.
explained that the company had spent
years focusing on the development NEW WAVE
of fully integrated CNI systems for Thales has also developed NextW@ve, the
fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters, as latest evolution of its V/UHF radio family utilised
well as ground-to-air networks for on board the Apache, NH90, Panther, Lynx
and Caracal.
Effective communication
between ground forces and
helicopters is key to success in the
21st century battlespace.
(Photos: US DoD)
DH_JanFeb14_p28-31_Comms.indd 28 27/01/2014 14:37:05

COMMUNICATIONS
‘We have extended the frequency range and

included a high-data-rate capacity inside the Integrated comms/nav packages can
significantly reduce crew workload
radio, and with that we can support tactical data
in forward landing zones.
links or specific data links to transfer video or
images. Throughput is now around 250kb/s,
and we are working towards achieving a
throughput rate of 750kb/s,’ said Gascoin.
TopLink is another new system, designed
in-house specifically for helicopters, which
provides a small aircraft with a light tactical data
link system in the form of Link 16, supported by
NextW@ve radio.
‘It’s a very compact solution with a processor,
and a very simple and light man-machine
interface. The interface is like a pad that could
be fitted in the cockpit, but it could also be fitted
on the leg of the pilot, so it’s small with all the
indicators for a tactical situation – reports, orders
and so on,’ Gascoin explained. Tiger aircrews use an all-digital secure tactical communications across the MoD’s
‘The multi-mode receiver is packed in a intercom system called TopSIS, which manages combat helicopter fleet, was originally awarded
single box, and has several navigation functions and integrates audio signals, internal and to General Dynamics UK (GDUK) for £1.9 billion
for en-route navigation and landing. The external data and voice on board for secure ($3.1 billion) in 2001.
components were previously housed in communications. The system is installed on all UK military
separate boxes, however they have now been The platform utilises a Thales TACAN helicopters tasked with supporting land
integrated into a single unit.’ transponder and multi-mode receiver for operations, including the Apache, Chinook,
in-flight navigation and landing, and a Merlin and Lynx, as well as the entire RN fleet
TIGER TALES BlueGate IFF transponder compliant with civil, and more than 15,000 land vehicles.
Thales furnishes the CNI system used on board NATO or national secure modes for in-theatre Despite some inherent limitations of the
the Eurocopter Tiger attack helicopter fielded identification. The IFF is upgradable and will system due to ageing components, resulting in a
by the French, German, Spanish and Australian soon integrate Mode 5, the new NATO comparatively limited bandwidth capability by
armed forces. secure mode. current standards, Bowman is expected to have
‘For each customer of the Tiger, there is a an operational lifespan extending to 2026.
specific configuration, so the German, French, AGE CONCERN Under the provisions of the original
Australian and Spanish Tigers will all have Meanwhile in the UK, one challenge presented contract, GDUK was required to provide British
different installations tailored to their by the advancements made in communications forces with secure voice communications, secure
requirements,’ said Gascoin. technology is to ensure older helicopters can be messaging, local area subsystems, user data
CNI components and systems from different effectively integrated and deployed with newer terminals, automatic position location,
manufacturers can be incorporated onto the platforms. To achieve this, legacy aircraft are navigation and reporting facilities, battle
platform, but as the main customers of the Tiger being fitted with glass cockpits and integrated management functions, system communication
are from NATO environments, they generally CNI suites. and cryptographic management, as well as
need to have the same functionality. The AW159 Wildcat is due to enter service conversion and training.
The radio systems on board the Tiger are all with the British Army in 2014, and the RN by The resulting network utilised an array of HF,
encrypted to NATO (COMSEC) standards, and 2015. Slated for use as a battlefield utility, SAR VHF and UHF radio sets and ancillaries to provide
incorporate the entire relevant V/UHF spectrum and ASW helicopter, it is also equipped with the secure integrated voice and data services to
(tactical VHF, air traffic control VHF, maritime Bowman tactical communication system, giving dismounted soldiers, individual vehicles and
VHF and military UHF), including voice and it targeting and secure voice communications command headquarters, up to the divisional
data services. capabilities. The RAF’s 24 Mk 2 Pumas are being level in the battlefield.
According to the company, two tactical VHF fitted with a new secure communications and At the time, Bowman was set to be installed
channels of the communications suite are fully navigation suite developed by Rockwell Collins on an estimated 22,000 ground vehicles of
integrated into the Tiger’s mission system ‘to as part of a fleet-wide upgrade (see also p8). 181 different types, 133 naval vessels of 20
provide the data and voice services specifically The UK MoD coordinates its rotary- and types and 230 aircraft of four types. This number
needed inside the patrol, and for integration into fixed-wing aircraft with land and naval assets was subsequently revised down to 15,500
voice/data communications networks deployed via the Bowman system. The contract for the vehicles plus fixed HQ buildings, and 70
on the battlefield’. programme, which currently provides secure aircraft of two types, with an in-service date 

COMMUNICATIONS
of December 2004, and an operational readiness The SCIDM hosts VMF and AFAPD message hampered efforts to effectively utilise this
date of mid-2005. protocols, so it can receive data reports technology.
transmitted from the Apache via its modem and In March 2013, Washington-based Hughes
APACHE CAPABILITY secure ARC-201D SINCGARS radio, operating in Network Systems cracked this particular puzzle,
In 2003, the contract parameters were extended ‘non-hopping’ mode. and demonstrated the loss-free transmission of
to include the Apache Bowman Connectivity The messages are transmitted to an ABC high-throughput data and video over a SATCOM
(ABC) programme, at an additional cost of gateway vehicle – within a 25km radius – terminal installed under the main rotor blades of
£29 million. fitted with KY-99 appliqué crypto and a a helicopter.
According to GDUK, ABC was designed to Bowman VHF radio (also set to ‘non-hopping’ According to the company, during a series of
provide ‘secure voice and data communications mode) and an SCIDM-equipped BNAU. The tests with military and commercial helicopters,
between the British Army’s attack helicopter and Apache message is then re-transmitted via a its new communications-on-the-move (COTM)
its related land-based operational units’, without second Bowman radio into the system’s system ‘consistently transmitted full-motion
the need for cockpit or mission system tactical internet. video beyond line of sight through the aircraft’s
modifications. rotors in both static and in-flight environments’.
This was achieved by ‘adapting some of the CUTTING BLADES The COTM microstat system utilises an
Bowman network access units to provide an Elsewhere, with the increasing availability of advanced waveform technology developed
integrated communications network with advanced satellite constellations offering internally to ‘achieve zero packet loss on
previously under-utilised facilities within the ubiquitous coverage and reliably high data rates, transmission and reception through rotor blades,
airborne weapons platform’. manufacturers of communications systems are over both Ka- and Ku-band satellite channels’, a
ABC utilised a modified Bowman Network seeing an uptick in demand for SATCOM Hughes representative said in a written statement.
Access Unit (BNAU), incorporating a single-card solutions for helicopters. Meanwhile in Europe, Pascal Augier, SATCOM
improved data modem (SCIDM), developed by However, until recently the disruptive effect segment manager for Thales, told DH his
GDUK in partnership with Innovative Concepts. of the main rotor blades on satellite signals has company had developed a new offering for

COMMUNICATIONS
SATCOM, called Antares-H, which was also It’s an anti-jam modem that is also able to
capable of transmitting high rates of data transmit and receive through the blade very
through a helicopter’s rotors. easily, and basically at full capacity.’
‘The way some of our competitors are doing According to Augier, Antares-H was
this is with some kind of synchronisation of burst developed to take advantage of the new satellite
transmission, but we don’t do that,’ said Augier. resources that are becoming available in the
He explained that Antares-H was a derivative Ka-band, offering worldwide coverage with
of the Antares terminal that has been dedicated very high data rates.
to helicopters, UAVs and large mission aircraft. ‘This is a pretty new offer – the reason for this
According to Augier, the anti-jamming is that [until now] there was no real market
Thales’ Antares-H uses a side-effect of its anti-
capabilities built into the modem of the for this kind of system in Europe. Most of the
jamming capability to transmit data through
system had the unintended but useful side- turning main rotor blades. (Photo: Thales) market was in the United States, and not really
effect of conferring an inherent ability to accessible to us,’ he said. ‘This data capability is of
transmit data through the rotors of a ‘Antares-H uses a frequency-hopping modem, more interest now because you have the ability
helicopter without interruption. and so from time to time during jamming you to achieve data rates in the realms of megabytes
‘It is quite unusual to have the possibility will have some elementary “outs” that will be per second over very long distances.
to install the [SATCOM] terminal on the top of jammed, but this will have no impact on the ‘Basically, we felt the need for some countries
the main rotor, which means it must be placed [transmission] overall. What we found was to maybe own for themselves the satellite
more or less below the main rotor. [In this that when the blades of the helicopter’s rotor resources, but available more as a commercial
configuration] the blades will obstruct the blocked the signal to the satellite, the modem business. An analogy would be mobile
availability to the satellite and it has a huge treated it as though it were a jamming, and was telephone networks, where you pay for the
impact in terms of the data rate that is inherently capable of overcoming the signal communication, but the terminals themselves
achievable,’ he said. block by virtue of its anti-jamming capabilities. are not expensive.’ DH

MARKET FOCUS
Stock
Japan is set to be the first country
in Asia-Pacific to order the V-22.
(Photo: US DoD)
in trade
As Western defence budgets continue to stagnate,
helicopter OEMs are looking to other regions to
keep their order books in a healthy condition.
Tony Skinner and Joyce de Thouars examine
the sales prospects in Asia-Pacific.
T he US defence industry was provided with

some Christmas cheer when President
Obama signed a budget deal on 26 December
still accounts for around 40% globally, gaining a
foothold in emerging markets around the Asia-
Pacific region is seen as essential to weathering
which eased automatic spending cuts. the downturn in North America and Europe.
Although this softens the short-term impact Asia’s rapidly increasing geo-strategic
of sequestration – allowing expenditure to rise importance is demonstrated by the US ‘pivot’ units by 2020. Airbus Helicopters, for example,
by $63 billion over scheduled levels in FY2014 to the region, as outlined in the strategic expects that tenders there should produce sales
and 2015 – the long-term outlook remains guidance released by the DoD in January 2012. worth around $10 billion over this period.
uncertain for contractors that are solely reliant Asian defence spending overtook Europe in The largest single market in the region is India,
on Pentagon expenditure. 2012 according to the International Institute for which has a number of large outstanding rotary-
While the prime aerospace and defence Strategic Studies, and long-term growth of wing requirements as the military moves to
companies were able to record positive financial military budgets there may be driven further by improve the mobility of its ground forces, which
results for 2013 through ongoing cost-cutting various political and economic conditions, with requires the acquisition of large numbers of
measures and reorganisations, executives continuing or increasing regional tensions tactical transport helicopters.
continue to look for export growth in areas such fuelling additional procurement. Forecasts suggest that India will comprise
as the Middle East, Asia and South America. On the rotorcraft front, Asia is forecast to be 10% of the global market for military helicopters,
While this will not be enough to immediately the fastest growing military helicopter market, peaking at 1,000 aircraft for its military and
offset the decline in US defence spending, which with expected orders amounting to up to 1,000 paramilitary forces in the coming decade.
However, recent history has shown that doing
business with the Indian MoD is not always
straightforward and several procurements have
become bogged down in complex bureaucracy
(for more detail, see pp13-16).
CONCERTED EFFORTS
With an eye on such regional needs, aerospace/
defence primes, as well as several second-tier
suppliers, have been vocal about their efforts
to capture more business across Asia-Pacific –
with varying degrees of conviction.
Nearly 300 Surions have been ordered
by the Korean armed forces, and KAI is Boeing, for example, has now set itself a
also targeting export sales. (Photo: DH) target of generating around 30% of its defence
revenue outside the US in the near term.
DH_JanFeb14_p32-34_Asia-Pacific.indd 32 27/01/2014 14:38:52

MARKET FOCUS
The head of the company’s defence division, Yusgiantoro, Hagel underscored the importance Sikorsky announced the sale of two S-300C
Dennis Muilenburg, revealed last year that in of military cooperation between Washington and helicopters with an option for four to IPTN North
2012 the company closed at 24% international Jakarta in order to promote regional stability. America, a subsidiary of PT Dirgantara Indonesia
revenue – up from 7% five years earlier. ‘Progress on security includes increasingly in 2012. The helicopters will support the
‘And in the first quarter [of 2013] we were complex exercises between the two militaries, Indonesian Army’s requirement to train more
at about 28% so you can see that progress and growing defence, trade and high-level than 100 new pilots over the next few years.
continuing,’ he told reporters in June. policy engagement,’ he said.
In recent years, Boeing has doubled the size Hagel explained the two militaries had NORTH-SOUTH DIVIDE
of its operations in Australia, where it has been recently launched an initiative to share best Meanwhile, on 23 August last year, the Pentagon
shortlisted for the government’s Helicopter practices in defence planning and management announced the award of a contract to Boeing
Aircrew Training System programme to increase Indonesian military capability. for the 36 Apaches for South Korea, with the
to meet the future rotary-wing training needs Senior defence officials have indicated the US complete package, including airframes, support,
of the Australian Defence Force (ADF). will train Indonesian pilots to deploy the newly training, spares and additional materials, worth
Media reports suggest that Boeing acquired Apache in defence of the country’s some $1.6 billion to various US suppliers.
Defence Australia and partner Thales Australia borders, conduct counter-terrorism and counter- Competing against Bell’s AH-1Z Cobra and
have been selected as preferred tenderers for piracy operations, and control the flow of TAI’s T129B, the AH-64 was selected as the
the programme, but this had not been officially shipping through the Strait of Malacca. winner in April and the helicopters are all
confirmed at the time of writing. Previously, the US had refused to sell military scheduled for delivery by 2018.
Boeing has also had some recent regional hardware to Indonesia due to reports of human Seoul has previously harboured plans
successes with its AH-64E Apache, with a contract rights abuses in the country. This stance was for an indigenous attack helicopter, for which
awarded for 36 by South Korea and its selection revised under President George W Bush, whose Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) has proposed
by Indonesia, which plans to buy eight aircraft. administration lifted most of the restrictions on a modified version of the Surion platform
US Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel trading with the Indonesian military, and by developed under the Korean Utility Helicopter
announced in Jakarta on 26 August an 2010 full rights had been reinstated. (KUH) programme. However, these plans now
agreement for the $500 million sale of eight The Indonesian MoD confirmed the seem to have stalled.
AH-64Es with Longbow radars country’s intention to double its military Han Nack Hoon, senior analyst at the Institute
Speaking at a joint press conference with helicopter strength in March 2012, which of Defence and Strategic Studies at Nanyang
Indonesian Defence Minister Purnomo also increases the need for training. Technological University in Singapore, told 

MARKET FOCUS
Defence Helicopter: ‘The Apache has been

selected for now and any potential indigenous
programme will be after that, but that is not
going to be in the near future.’
South Korea’s long-term Basic Defence
Reform Plan 2012-30, released in August 2012,
calls for the enhancement of its deterrence,
warfighting and intelligence capabilities to
address the threat of North Korea, the rising
power of China, and military modernisation of Many countries in the region have
key regional powers in general. requirements for new training helicopters.
Modernisation efforts are aimed at reducing (Photo: Airbus Helicopters)
the size of the armed forces while enhancing
capabilities. The national defence budget for 2014 In January 2013, it was announced that the Taiwan is also undergoing a comprehensive
has been set at $33 billion. Despite an increase of navy had awarded a contract to AgustaWestland helicopter fleet renewal and will be the first
4% on last year, it is actually the lowest rise since for the procurement of eight AW159 Wildcat export customer to receive the latest version
2010, when the budget was raised by just 2% helicopters as an interim solution. of the Apache.
following the 2008 financial crisis. The deal is valued at $560 million including The $2 billion deal for a total of 30 AH-64Es
aircrew and maintenance training, spares was closed in 2008, and Boeing received the
JOINT EFFORT and support, with a stake of $358 million for final contract to build the helicopters in October
KAI is jointly developing the Surion with AgustaWestland. Deliveries will start in 2015 2010. July 2014 will see the delivery of the last
Airbus Helicopters (formerly Eurocopter), in and be completed in 2016. batch. The Apaches will add a third squadron to
a programme illustrative of the European Taiwan’s attack helicopter fleet, currently made
manufacturer’s approach to working in NEW PRIORITIES up of AH-1W Super Cobras.
the region. Elsewhere, with Japan openly acknowledging In February 2010, Taipei signed a $111 million
As a sub-contractor, Airbus provides main concerns about an increasingly expansive China, contract with Eurocopter for three EC225 SAR
rotor components, the main gearbox, boom and the Japan Air Self-Defence Force (JASDF) has laid helicopters with an option to acquire 17 more,
tail gearbox, the automatic flight control system out plans for a range of platforms, including the while the Obama administration announced
and rotor mast. However, the two companies V-22 Osprey tiltrotor, under a $239 billion five- plans to deliver some 60 Black Hawk utility
will jointly market the aircraft for export under a year programme. helicopters as part of a package valued at
joint venture established in 2011. In January 2013, amid tensions in the East $3.1 billion the same year.
KAI believes that the partnership will give the China Sea, the government announced that The UH-60Ms will supplement ageing Bell
aircraft the best opportunity of gaining entry Japan will increase defence spending for the first UH-1H utility helicopters, which will operate until
into the market, which it says has ‘high barriers time in 13 years with a request from the MoD for their planned retirement in 2020. Deliveries of
to entry’, while the JV will also take advantage an additional $1.3 billion to $51.7 billion, which is the Black Hawks will start in March 2014 and
of Airbus Helicopters’ significant marketing an increase of 0.8%. continue through 2018.
infrastructure and expertise. The JASDF plans to acquire 17 V-22s – in what
South Korean defence exports increased to will be the second export sale of the tiltrotor after LANDS OF OPPORTUNITY
$3.4 billion in 2013, bringing it closer to its target Israel – as well as Global Hawk UAVs, F-35 fighters Further opportunities for growth exist in the
of $4 billion by 2020. KAI sees additional export and support aircraft, a procurement endorsed rapidly expanding helicopter markets of
potential in the Black Hawk upgrade market. by the government at the end of December. Malaysia and Singapore as well as to a lesser
However, the company is currently focusing The Osprey purchase could prove extent in the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand
its energies on pushing forward with the KUH controversial – in 2012, the US was and Vietnam.
programme and as of 31 October 2013 had confronted with local opposition to the In Sri Lanka, Russian Helicopters – which
already delivered 19 production aircraft. planned deployment of 24 MV-22 Ospreys historically has had a strong foothold in many
In total, 245 Surion helicopters have been at the USMC’s Futenma Air Station in Okinawa countries across the region – secured an order
ordered to replace the ageing UH-1H and MD 500 Prefecture, as Japanese officials voiced concern for 14 additional Mi-171 helicopters.
fleets of the Republic of Korea Army and Air Force. over noise and safety issues associated with The Sri Lanka Air Force started operating
In addition, KAI received a contract in June the aircraft. Mi-17s in 1993, and the current fleet of 13-18
2013 to produce 40 aircraft for the Republic In January 2013, Eurocopter Japan delivered machines equips No 6 Helicopter Squadron at
of Korea Marine Corps, with first deliveries the tenth EC135 training helicopter to the Anuradhapura, in north-central Sri Lanka. The
expected in 2017. An further variant is being Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force under a order is part of a $300 million ten-year loan to
proposed by KAI to fulfil the Republic of Korea contract awarded in 2009 to replace its single- buy military equipment, which was signed
Navy’s long-term ASW needs. engine training helicopter fleet. during a 2012 state visit to Russia. DH

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DH_JanFeb14_p35.indd 35 27/01/2014 15:02:20

MRO
Centres of
attention
As the drawdown gathers pace in Afghanistan, the shape of the helicopter MRO industry
is changing to reflect new and emerging operational requirements. Peter Donaldson
explores how service providers are adapting to meet them.
T he slowdown in operational tempo that

will likely follow the planned end of NATO
combat operations in Afghanistan this year
AW189 and AW169 alongside continuing work
on older types.
With Norway signing on the dotted line on
equipment from specialists such as Mustang
Advanced Engineering, Renk or the Southwest
Research Institute (SwRI).
should take the pressure off the military 19 December for 16 AW101s to replace its SAR However, the technology is moving towards
helicopter operators involved and the MRO Sea Kings, AgustaWestland and Kongsberg can generic rigs. Leading the charge is RedViking,
organisations that support them. implement their 26 September agreement to whose flexible transmission testing system
However, the shift in posture to smaller expand the latter’s development work on reportedly enabled the US Army to replace
home-based forces poised for rapid maintenance and testing for AW101 rotor 20 type-specific rigs with five reconfigurable
deployment at short notice presents its own heads and gearboxes. equivalents. The company is the new identity
set of challenges that financial constraints According to Kongsberg, the agreement of the business formerly known as Superior
magnify. Managing this, while adapting to covers the transfer of advanced equipment for Controls – the name change becoming official
and exploiting changes in helicopter and full functional testing of gearboxes and other on 1 February 2014.
maintenance technologies as well as best new maintenance technologies. This new Using transportable test fixtures, MRO
business practices, is the name of the game equipment will provide opportunities to personnel can prepare a main gearbox
in this complex transitional period. work on other aircraft, including the 52 NH90s outside the test rig, roll it in and couple it up
Airframe manufacturers, their associated MRO delivered or on order for the Nordic countries. for testing, saving a lot of time. RedViking’s
organisations and independents are variously Transmission test rigs are usually dedicated new rigs also feature ‘ultra-efficient’ power
opening new facilities internationally, merging to individual helicopter types, with OEMs either regeneration to save money and provide
supply chains, gaining leverage from cloud building their own or commissioning bespoke some green credentials.
computing and exploiting innovations in tools,
both physical and virtual.
The shift back to home-based forces
Mixing military with civil MRO has long been ready for rapid deployment by
normal practice, and a healthy civil helicopter countries like the UK is posing MRO
industry driving investment in new facilities challenges. (Photo: Crown Copyright)
provides synergistic opportunities.
EXISTING EXPANSION
Agusta Aerospace Services’ new repair and
overhaul centre in Zaventem, near Brussels
airport in Belgium, is a case in point. It represents
an expansion of an existing facility and of
AgustaWestland’s support in Europe for civil and
military customers, such as the Belgian Army
and the Dubai Air Wing. Plans for the 2,016m²
plant, which opened on 23 September, hinge on
turning it into a centre of excellence for AW109
transmissions, while preparing to support the
DH_JanFeb14_p36-38_MRO.indd 36 27/01/2014 14:41:13

MRO
New technologies could reduce

the amount of time spent on
gearbox maintenance and testing.
(Photo: USN)
ENERGY RECOVERY the power drawn from the grid need only be with a new regional MRO centre set to open in
Based in San Antonio, Texas, SwRI has built enough to overcome parasitic losses. the first quarter of 2016 and be capable of ‘major
many test rigs for US military aircraft and Russian Helicopters continues to extend its operations’ by 2018.
has variously incorporated mechanical and international MRO presence through joint
electrical energy recovery. ventures (JVs), opening a new service centre in BUSINESS MODEL
In mechanical systems, four gearboxes – test Johannesburg in March, in partnership with Boeing Sikorsky International Services (BSIS),
rig components, not items under test – form the Denel Aviation, to offer services for Africa’s 600 the JV formed to compete for support work on
corners of a square, coupled to form a closed-loop or so Russian-built helicopters. The facility’s Saudi Arabia’s AH-64E Apaches and UH-60M
and driven by an electric motor. This spins all the initial focus is on civil aircraft, but in June the Black Hawks, could become a model for other
gearboxes without applying a load to the test companies agreed to extend their services to operators of both companies’ machines,
article. Connected between separate pairs of MRO and upgrade Mi-8s and Mi-17s, both according to David Adler, Sikorsky’s VP of
gearboxes are the test item and a pre-load device, military and civil. strategic partnerships.
which applies the required torque loading. The Closer to home, the company extended ‘Both our companies have significant
power circulates around the loop so the drive its cooperation with Turbomeca through an experience in the full spectrum of rotorcraft
motor only needs to overcome frictional losses. agreement signed on 27 October to establish a training and support, so the JV really does
In an electrically regenerative rig, the four new maintenance centre in Russia. Plans call provide a best-of-industry solution that offers
corners are occupied by an AC electric motor, for the facility to look after Arrius 2G1 and our customers streamlined, affordable services,’
a generator and two variable-frequency drives Ardiden 3G engines that power Kamov Ka-226Ts he said. ‘Drawing on our joint expertise, BSIS will
(VFDs), which can act as rectifiers to turn AC and Ka-62s respectively. exemplify a single-source provider of local and
into DC, as regulators to control voltage and as Kamov aircraft were also the subject of an comprehensive sustainment for rotorcraft
inverters to turn DC into AC. agreement signed on 23 October between platforms worldwide.’
The AC motor drives the gearbox being Russian Helicopters and Aircraft Repair Plant Also competing for integrated helicopter
tested, which in turn drives a generator as the No 405 (ARP 405) in Kazakhstan, which already maintenance in Saudi Arabia is a team led
load. Generator output goes into the first VFD, services Russian-built helicopters operated in by Northrop Grumman. On 6 December, the
which turns it to DC and onto a common DC Central Asia. company announced its own JV with Vinnell
bus, and then feeds it to the second VFD. This in Peru’s purchase of 24 Mi-171s for its armed Arabia and Northrop Grumman Aviation Arabia,
turn feeds AC back to the electric motor. Again, forces, announced on 18 December, is to come plus AAR, DS2 and Qinetiq North America. 

MRO
Vinnell Arabia began supporting Saudi Arabian with software provider Ramco Systems has acquired rights to distribute a technology
National Guard aviation with the introduction, and deliver MRO applications to PCs, tablets that is making a concerted assault on the
integration and operational support of and smartphones. problem.
helicopters in late 2012. Meanwhile, Sikorsky’s new phase-maintenance The Intermittent Fault Detection and Isolation
Streamlining support for aircraft is the focus kits for the Black Hawk, including the UH-60A, L System (IFDIS) from Universal Synaptics, for
of a ground-breaking deal signed in June by and M plus the S-70i, are proving popular. The kits example, combines patented intermittent fault
the Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF) under are intended to provide all the parts to the latest detection circuitry with an environmental
which the OEM will integrate spares and standard and in the right quantities for the 360- chamber that can shake, freeze and bake suspect
maintenance for the service’s Chinooks and and 720-hour preventative maintenance modules and LRUs to make them misbehave.
Apaches. Supply chains for the two types inspections. Feedback from field service personnel IFDIS simultaneously monitors every electrical
will merge under the $60 million integrated has informed the contents of the kits, grouping path in the unit under test while exposing it to a
contractor logistics support contract. components required for specific maintenance simulated operational environment.
Delivered in the Netherlands and Fort operations. Sikorsky’s aftermarket team has built up
Hood, Texas, support will be based on the ‘Sikorsky has received very favourable experience with IFDIS in general line
expected number of flight hours. RNLAF responses from its international-based maintenance of several helicopter types,
commanding officer Lt Gen Alexander customers who were instrumental in prompting including the RAF’s Chinook fleet on which the
Schnitger characterised the deal as more the development of these kits,’ Adler told portable Ncompass version has diagnosed and
than a support contract – he described it as Defence Helicopter. ‘These kits have streamlined pinpointed previously elusive faults with the
a long-term partnership that will increase their inventory and maintenance inspections.’ wiring and circuit breakers in both mission-
aircraft availability at lower costs. critical and safety-critical systems, some of
which have led to fleet-wide modifications
ON A ROLL and further testing contracts.
While the Boeing deal with the RNLAF
consolidates support for two types from the BREAK WITH TRADITION
same airframe manufacturer, the six-year ‘Traditionally, aircraft maintainers have scrapped
contract between the UK MoD and Turbomeca electrical components where the source of
signed in September covers the RTM322 intermittent faults could not be identified,’ said
engines on RAF and Royal Navy Merlins and Brian Holt, president of Derco Aerospace.
British Army Apaches. Claimed to be worth ‘IFDIS’s capability to easily detect faulty
£367 million ($602 million), the deal is designed wiring, inter-connections and aircraft electrical
to provide a guaranteed level of availability components offers our commercial and military
while reducing repair costs. customers a savings in both time and money
Eurocopter – or Airbus Helicopters as it has while improving aircraft availability. Defective
Sikorsky’s phase maintenance kits for the Black
been re-branded as of 1 January – has also Hawk family group together the components components can be repaired and expedited
launched new MRO-related offerings over the required for specific tasks. (Photo: Sikorsky) back into reliable service – at a fraction of
past year, announcing cloud-based maintenance replacement cost.’
information services and the Eurocopter – The future evolution of kits may be While feedback from IFDIS tests can lead to
Helicopter on Theatre Services (E-HOTS) ‘total influenced by the company’s integrated vehicle more reliable designs, it raises the question
support solution’ at the Paris Air Show. health management systems (IVHMS), Adler of whether the capability could be built in,
E-HOTS offers modular packaged services noted. ‘Sikorsky is deeply invested in IVHMS Sikorsky’s view is that, in the short term,
in partnership with logistics expert Daher, technology, a pathway forward to condition- incorporating this feedback is the best way
specialist support and training provider DCI, based monitoring. Future plans may include to improve the aircraft without committing
consultancy firm Eurotradia International and tailoring the kits accordingly.’ extra space and weight to an onboard system.
in-house MRO provider Vector Aerospace. However, ‘additional R&D capabilities are being
Operators can choose among modules covering RELIABLE DIAGNOSIS examined to consider the feasibility of directly
scheduled and unscheduled maintenance and If replacing exactly the right parts during integrating IFDIS technology into the aircraft’.
even battle damage repair. There is also a range of each phase of maintenance is a major driver Holt noted: ‘This revolutionary new
logistics packages supplying transport, spares, of efficiency in MRO operations, so is the technology gives us a capability above and
tooling, consumables and maintenance facilities – ability to diagnose faults reliably. The most beyond any of our competitors. In just two
operations packages encompass dry and wet difficult and frustrating are intermittent years, the USAF repaired more than $50 million
leasing, including crews and specialised faults in electrical systems – glitches that of avionics components that had been taken
equipment. show up in flight, but result in no-fault-found out of service due to their high NFF rates. This
The cloud-based maintenance information (NFF) reports in subsequent testing. is an exciting new opportunity for us in this
systems will be delivered in partnership Sikorsky’s subsidiary company Derco Aerospace niche market.’ DH

SAME AIRCRAFT
DIFFERENT UNIFORM
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maintenance.
As an operator, mission availability is as important to us as it is to you.
Our people are the best - many with military experience - and they
take great pride in the quality of their work and keeping the helicop-
ters ready to fly.
Talk with us. Find out why Chinook operators provide the best Chi-
nook maintenance. www.colheli.com 503-678-1222
DH_JanFeb14_p39.indd
full_pg.indd 1 39 27/01/2014 15:03:092:28 PM
21/09/11
TAIL SPIN
Theatre
experience
Lt Col Ulf Landgren has been acting head of Sweden’s
Helicopter Battalion since June 2013. Alan Warnes spoke to
him about the challenges facing the force as well the nature
of its current mission in Afghanistan.
T here is no doubt 2013 was a hectic year for

the Swedish Helicopter Battalion, arguably
one of the most active military rotorcraft forces
The four helicopters will stay at Mazar-e-
Sharif until mid-May 2014 when the mission
is expected to end – one always remains on
in Europe. maintenance, and another acts as a standby for
According to Landgren, who has flown 1,100 the two that are on alert. nights on alert then standing down for two –
hours on military helicopters in Sweden, it was when rest and training takes place.
a ‘very busy year’ for the force. A DIFFERENT BALL GAME ‘Being on full alert at the command post for
‘The A109s [HKP 15] fulfilled anti-piracy ‘Our helicopters provide tactical medevac a lengthy time, wearing all the required flying
operations in the Gulf of Aden for four with a doctor and anaesthetic nurse on board. gear, can be quite tiring and even going to
months, NH90 [HKP 14] training was ramped Whereas the Pumas landed in prepared landing the toilet can be difficult,’ Landgren noted,
up to around 800 hours flying time, and we zones, under the control of allied troops to adding that when the Swedes are off, the
received our fifth helicopter in December,’ he medevac soldiers, civilians and Afghan police, German NH90 or US Army UH-60 units take
explained. ‘However, it was the deployment of it is a different ball-game for the UH-60Ms. For over the rotation.
our UH-60Ms [HKP 16] to Afghanistan and the example, if there has been a roadside bomb, it The nature of the missions means they
redeployment of our Super Pumas [HKP 10] will land as close to the road as possible. should be swift, so enemy combatants
which took up most of our time.’ ‘A two-ship UH-60 formation, which we know cannot prepare for a strike at the vulnerable
The acquisition of the UH-60M was a model as a chase formation, will go forward during the helicopters.
of Swedish efficiency. As the acting chief mission. One will secure the area ensuring there ‘We try to pack the sorties into the golden
pointed out, the Super Pumas operating are no enemies, while the other will land on the hour in which the Black Hawk lifts off, heads to
at Mazar-e-Sharif needed to be replaced unprepared area to pick up the wounded. On the destination, picks up casualties and then
by 1 April 2013, which fuelled many of the board the first helicopter, there are usually two flies back to the German field hospital at Mazar-
decisions taken. For example, the UH-60Ms pilots, a gunner and one technician doubling up e-Sharif. The mission usually takes around
were delivered to Sweden in basic US Army as a gunner. On the second helicopter, there is 20-40 minutes.’
configuration. the nurse and doctor along with two gunners, He concluded by summing up the working
with the ability to pick up to two wounded.’ conditions the Swedish troops face supporting
MEETING DEADLINES Landgren continued: ‘The Black Hawk has their allies.
‘In order to meet the April 1 deadline for done a lot more flying than the Puma because ‘It can be 40°[C] in the helicopters, perhaps
Afghanistan, everything was kept as per the it is a “missionised” helicopter designed for even a stifling 70° on the ramp, and with life-
FMS package, which included Common Missile the type of outlying missions in a tough saving equipment strapped on, you have to be
Warning Systems, radar signalling detection environment like Afghanistan. Tougher-built, in good shape.
sets and laser warning sets. The only changes with superior self-protection systems and ‘While there are ten people on alert, there are
were the Swedish Armed Forces logo on the better Kevlar protection, it has several different another 25 staff, including the unit commander,
tail and a new crash device.’ types of dual systems backing one another up working in the plans, ops, intelligence
This saw four UH-60Ms being air freighted to in case of failure. Thus, it has more combat time departments to ensure everything is running
Afghanistan in mid-March 2013, and by the end than the Puma, [which is] designed for calmer smoothly. Rotation is eight weeks on and then
of the year they had flown nearly 700 hours – conditions and landing zones.’ eight weeks off. There are two deployable units
quite a feat for a force that did not receive its first A 15-minute alert is maintained, with the – one is in Sweden keeping currency ready to
aircraft until December 2012. Swedish personnel spending two days/two replace the other in Afghanistan.’ DH
DH_JanFeb14_p40_Tailspin.indd 40 27/01/2014 14:42:58

Exhibitor registration and information: Mr. Jocelyn de VIREL
jdevirel@euronaval.fr - tel.: + 33 (0)1 56 59 15 05
www.euronaval.fr
DH_JanFeb14_IBC.indd 3 27/01/2014 15:03:43

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S:182 mm
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Volume 33 Number 1

NO END IN LIVES ON STOCK IN

Subs_Portfolio.indd 1 20/01/2014 11:22:16

www.rotorhub.com Volume 33 Number 1 | January/February 2014 | Defence Helicopter 1

DH_JanFeb14_p01_Contents.indd 1 27/01/2014 14:24:20

IAI’s integrated modular

DH_JanFeb14_p02.indd 2 27/01/2014 14:50:27

www.rotorhub.com Volume 33 Number 1 | January/February 2014 | Defence Helicopter 3

DH_JanFeb14_p03_Comment.indd 3 27/01/2014 14:24:58

Israel, Japan move ahead

Spending THE USAF IS SLATED TO RECEIVE FUNDING

USAF CSAR CRH, intended to replace the air force’s fleet

helicopter been designated a ‘Congressional special

4 Defence Helicopter | January/February 2014 | Volume 33 Number 1 www.rotorhub.com

DH_JanFeb14_p04-06_News.indd 4 27/01/2014 14:25:47

AgustaWestland attempts NEWS ON THE WEB

Libya interested in T129 SWEDEN ACCEPTS FIRST

markets with the T129. Jordan and Pakistan have

www.rotorhub.com Volume 33 Number 1 | January/February 2014 | Defence Helicopter 5

DH_JanFeb14_p04-06_News.indd 5 27/01/2014 14:25:48

Sikorsky retains Canadian

6 Defence Helicopter | January/February 2014 | Volume 33 Number 1 www.rotorhub.com

DH_JanFeb14_p04-06_News.indd 6 27/01/2014 14:25:48

RAF Puma HC2s line up at Benson.

The UK is currently carrying out a number of

8 Defence Helicopter | January/February 2014 | Volume 33 Number 1 www.rotorhub.com

DH_JanFeb14_p08-10_RAF.indd 8 27/01/2014 14:26:49

www.rotorhub.com Volume 33 Number 1 | January/February 2014 | Defence Helicopter 9

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10 Defence Helicopter | January/February 2014 | Volume 33 Number 1 www.rotorhub.com

DH_JanFeb14_p08-10_RAF.indd 10 27/01/2014 14:26:50

Airbus Military, Astrium and Cassidian join

DH_JanFeb14_p11.indd 11 27/01/2014 14:53:40

DH_JanFeb14_p12.indd 12 27/01/2014 14:54:30

The ALH Mk III, shown

www.rotorhub.com Volume 33 Number 1 | January/February 2014 | Defence Helicopter 13

DH_JanFeb14_p13-16_India.indd 13 27/01/2014 14:27:55

absorb capabilities including logistics and

14 Defence Helicopter | January/February 2014 | Volume 33 Number 1 www.rotorhub.com

DH_JanFeb14_p13-16_India.indd 14 28/01/2014 10:34:53

With RAFAEL’s combat proven

DH_JanFeb14_p13-16_India.indd 15 27/01/2014 14:27:56

16 Defence Helicopter | January/February 2014 | Volume 33 Number 1 www.rotorhub.com

DH_JanFeb14_p13-16_India.indd 16 27/01/2014 14:27:56

BRINGING MORE POWER TO THEIR MISSION.

DH_JanFeb14_p17.indd 17 27/01/2014 14:55:35

NAVY ARMY AIR FORCE PUBLIC CORPORATE

Association Support Official Publication Media Partner Associated with

DH_JanFeb14_p18.indd 18 27/01/2014 14:57:00

Anuncio_LAAD_2015_20,5x27,3cm_defense_helicotper_EN copy.indd 1 21/01/2014 17:18:13

L ocated at three bases and covering one of

www.rotorhub.com Volume 33 Number 1 | January/February 2014 | Defence Helicopter 19

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20 Defence Helicopter | January/February 2014 | Volume 33 Number 1 www.rotorhub.com

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2537-AZ-Defence.indd 1 23.01.14 18:21

DH_JanFeb14_p22.indd 22 27/01/2014 14:59:27

O n 23 October 2008, while flying over