Helicopters and Rotorcraft: Latest News
Helicopters do the flying that fixed-wing aircraft cannot: offshore energy, emergency medical services, search and rescue, firefighting, utility and police work, corporate transport, and the bulk of military tactical airlift.
The market is dominated by four civil manufacturers — Airbus Helicopters, Leonardo, Bell and Sikorsky — with Robinson in the light segment, and by the same names plus Boeing on the military side. This page gathers every AirPro News story on rotorcraft, newest first.
What we watch
- Civil programmes and orders. The Airbus H125, H145, H160 and H175; Leonardo’s AW139, AW169 and AW189; Bell’s 407, 429 and 525; Sikorsky’s S-92 and S-76 — and the offshore, EMS and VIP operators who order them.
- Military rotorcraft. The US Army’s future vertical lift programmes, Apache, Black Hawk and Chinook production and upgrades, NH90 and Tiger fleets in Europe, and the export campaigns for each.
- Certification and safety. New type and variant certifications, airworthiness directives and the safety programmes run by operators and regulators.
- MRO and support. Engine and dynamic-component support, PBH contracts, and the independent maintainers that keep offshore and utility fleets flying.
- What replaces the helicopter. Tiltrotors, compound designs and the eVTOL aircraft that aim at helicopter missions in cities and offshore.
Latest helicopter coverage
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Boeing and Leonardo Partner for US Army Flight School Next Contract
Boeing and Leonardo propose the AW119T helicopter for the US Army Flight School Next program to modernize rotary-wing pilot training.
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Sikorsky U-Hawk Transforms Black Hawk into Autonomous UAS
Sikorsky converts UH-60L Black Hawk into fully autonomous U-Hawk UAS with enhanced cargo and mission capabilities for military use.
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OHSU Warns of Dangerous Laser Attacks on Portland Helicopters
OHSU alerts on hazardous laser strikes targeting helicopters in Portland, causing emergency flight diversions and risking patient safety.
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GKN Aerospace and Airbus Helicopters Sign MoU to Boost European Defense
GKN Aerospace and Airbus Helicopters formalize partnership for H225M helicopters, enhancing European aerospace collaboration and defense capabilities.
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UK CMA Investigates Sumitomo Acquisition of Macquarie Helicopter Business
UK Competition Authority investigates Sumitomo’s $1B acquisition of Macquarie Rotorcraft, assessing impact on helicopter leasing competition.
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Boeing Expands MH-139A Grey Wolf Helicopter Program with New Contract
Boeing wins $173M contract for eight MH-139A helicopters, advancing U.S. Air Force modernization and highlighting defense sector strength.
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Airbus and Tata Launch India’s First Private Helicopter Assembly Line
Airbus and Tata Advanced Systems start India’s first private H125 helicopter assembly line, boosting aerospace manufacturing and exports.
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Australia Acquires 29 Boeing AH64E Apaches to Modernize Defense
Australia invests $4.5B in 29 Boeing AH-64E Apache helicopters, enhancing military capability, industry jobs, and regional security.
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FAA Updates Helicopter Routes in Washington Area to Enhance Safety
FAA revises helicopter routes at Washington airports following a deadly midair collision, introducing new safety measures and technology mandates.
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Airbus H145 Enhances West African Offshore Aviation and Sustainability
Airbus Helicopters’ five-bladed H145 supports ENI’s offshore operations in Côte d’Ivoire with advanced technology and sustainable aviation fuel compatibility.
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Lockheed Martin Secures 10.855 Billion Contract for CH-53K Helicopters
Lockheed Martin Sikorsky awarded $10.855B contract to build 99 CH-53K King Stallion helicopters for the US Marine Corps, enhancing heavy lift capabilities.
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Royal Thai Air Force Expands H225 Fleet for Search and Rescue Missions
Thailand acquires two Airbus H225 helicopters to enhance search and rescue and emergency medical services capabilities, supporting national and regional security.
Related topics
Airbus · eVTOL & AAM · Military aircraft · Air forces · MRO · Certification · Engines
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