Vertical Lift

Russian Helicopters has developed fully composite rotor blades which the company says will increase the performance of its Mil Mi-28 and Mi-35 attack helicopters.

Airbus Helicopters said it has completed the first tether-free flight of its VSR700 vertical takeoff and landing rotary-wing unmanned air system.

The British Army and U.S. Army are to align modernization efforts to enable them to operate more seamlessly. The plans include creating what officials call a “closer affiliation” on the U.S. Army’s Future Vertical Lift rotorcraft modernization initiative.

Aviation Week Network forecasts that over the next ten years, 677 new, Western-designed helicopters performing maritime missions will be built, 114 will be re-engined/remanufactured, and 355 will be retired.

Airbus has secured long-awaited certification for its H160 twin-engine medium helicopter from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency.

Airbus’ hybrid-electric technology and hydrogen power could pave the way for a greener replacement to its bestselling Ecureuil platform.

The U.S. Army has awarded Sikorsky $97 million and Bell $84 million for Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft competitive demonstration and risk reduction (CD&RR), the service’s project manager said.

Key helicopter programs to protect new UK carriers are behind schedule, so race is on to get them ready for the first deployment.