HANGAR TALK
system (HTAWS) modes, a Vortex protection has been introduced as well – protecting the rotorcraft against loss of airspeed. Incorporated into the autopilot, this new mode can be integrated in all helicopters flying with Helionix.
New configurations and capabilities
Airbus recently certified a new single-pilot, IFR-compatible cockpit version of Helionix for its H135 rotorcraft – giving customers an option to remove the co-pilot side of the instrument panel to increase the field of view, or retain it in order to install specific equipment.
For the H135, the planned single-pilot IFR cockpit will further boost this helicopter’s capabilities across multiple applications
– including aerial work, utility missions and law enforcement. In addition, a new wireless airborne communications system deployed on the H145 enhances connectivity by securely transmitting helicopter data in real time.
For Airbus Helicopters’ new H160, pilots will be the first to benefit from assisted take-off mode, which will assist them during this phase of flight. The pilots will only have to monitor the flight path as the autopilot takes control during lift-off, hover, acceleration, and climb.
Boeing to Boost U.K. Royal Air Force Chinook Fleet
U.S. Special Operations Command awarded Boeing a $578 million Foreign Military Sales contract approved by the U.S. Department of State to deliver 14 extended-range Chinook helicopters to the U.K. Royal Air Force (RAF).
The extended-range Chinook gives the RAF fleet more versatility to execute the domestic and international heavy- lift missions that only the Chinook can facilitate.
“These Chinooks are the future of heavy-lift, built on an existing foundation
of advanced capability and life cycle affordability,” said Andy Builta, Boeing vice president and H-47 program manager. “This contract for Block II aircraft sets the stage for the next 60 years of Chinook excellence on the battlefield.”
Boeing and the RAF recently celebrated the 40th anniversary of the first Chinook delivery to the U.K. Boeing will also celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Chinook’s first flight later this year.
The United Kingdom will be the first international operator of a Block II Chinook. Deliveries are scheduled to start in 2026.
Boeing has more than 4,600 employees in Pennsylvania supporting the Chinook, the V-22 Osprey, the MH-139A Grey Wolf, and a number of services and engineering efforts. Including suppliers and vendors, Boeing’s activities support an estimated 16,000 jobs in Pennsylvania.
The Chinook fleet for the U.K. Ministry of Defence (MOD) supports more than 450 highly skilled jobs across the U.K. Boeing colleagues provide maintenance and services support at MOD-Gosport, Boscombe Down, and are embedded alongside the military at RAF-Odiham. View more information about the recent 40th anniversary celebration here.
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