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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Airbus H145 Achieves First Autonomous Military Flight with Shield AI
Airbus and Shield AI complete first autonomous H145 helicopter flight, advancing military logistics and AI integration in rotorcraft aviation.
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Lockheed Martin Delivers More Black Hawk Helicopters to Philippine Air Force
Lockheed Martin delivers 5 additional Black Hawk helicopters to the Philippines, enhancing defense and disaster response capabilities amid regional challenges.
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Boeing MH139A Grey Wolf Completes Testing Enhancing US Nuclear Security
The MH-139A Grey Wolf helicopter completes initial operational testing, advancing US Air Force nuclear security with improved speed, range, and defense.
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China Achieves First Flight of Manned Tiltrotor Prototype
China successfully flies its first manned tiltrotor prototype, advancing military and civilian VTOL aviation capabilities.
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US Army’s V-280 Valor Tiltrotor Doubles Speed and Range of Black Hawk
The Bell V-280 Valor tiltrotor offers twice the speed and range of the UH-60 Black Hawk, enhancing US Army tactical mobility by…
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Oregon and Yamaha Partner to Test Unmanned Helicopters for Wildfire Control
Oregon partners with Yamaha to explore unmanned helicopter technology for wildfire suppression after record 2024 fire season costs and acreage burned.
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Philippines Expands S-70i Black Hawk Fleet to Strengthen Military
Philippines receives 5 more S-70i Black Hawks, enhancing defense and disaster response as part of a PHP 32 billion modernization program.
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China Receives First Airbus H160 Helicopter in Major Aviation Deal
GDAT takes delivery of China’s first Airbus H160, marking a $700-900M order and strengthening Sino-French aviation cooperation.
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Ghana Military Helicopter Crash Claims Eight Lives Including Senior Ministers
A military helicopter crash in Ghana kills eight, including Defense and Environment Ministers, raising concerns on aviation safety and government risk.
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Pakistan Inducts Chinese Z10ME Helicopters to Modernize Fleet
Pakistan upgrades its attack helicopter fleet with Chinese Z-10ME, enhancing capabilities amid South Asia’s evolving security landscape.
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UK to Trial Schiebel CAMCOPTER S100 for Police Surveillance in 2025
The UK will trial the Schiebel CAMCOPTER S-100 unmanned helicopter to support police operations with enhanced surveillance and cost efficiency.
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Airbus Helicopters Expands Blade Repair Hub in Grand Prairie Texas
Airbus Helicopters grows its Grand Prairie hub to double rotor blade repair capacity and reduce turnaround times for North America.
Related topics
Airbus · eVTOL & AAM · Military aircraft · Air forces · MRO · Certification · Engines
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