Based in London, Tony covers European defense programs. Prior to joining Aviation Week in November 2012, Tony was at Shephard Media Group where he was deputy editor for Rotorhub and Defence Helicopter magazines. Tony has covered avionics, unmanned vehicles, the supply chain and cyberwarfare.
Launching the X6 program at the Paris air show, Airbus Helicopters CEO, Guillaume Faury has also stated that the X6 will be the company’s first commercial product to adopt a fly-by-wire control system. The NH90 is currently the only helicopter in the Airbus stable to use such a system. The aircraft will also feature a full de-icing system.
Airbus’s new development philosophy, seen in the H175 and the H160 has seen the company delivering an aircraft with the typical maximum takeoff weight of other helicopters in that category, but with a empty weight of one metric ton or more less than that of the competition.
During the last five years, a resurgent Russia has increased its defense spending by 50% and plans to modernize its conventional air, sea and land force.
