MXP Aerospace LLC

via Another Baby Step For Army Aviation’s ‘Top Priority’ « Breaking Defense – Defense industry news, analysis and commentary

One more interesting competition for the helicopter industry. Although not as popular as FVL, I am expecting ITEC to impulse breakthrough innovation in propulsion technology.

via Israeli air force seeks new training helicopter

When talking high-tech, Israel is renowned for groundbreaking innovation, with an astonishing number of start-ups being constantly launched, fueled by a thriving entrepreneurship and nurtured by an innovation-prone government strategy.
It is less known however that this Country applies innovation and a great deal of imagination to government contracting procedures too, in order to make asset acquisitions more affordable to the shrinking procurement budgets.
Israel is leading the crowd of a selected number of Countries, such as Australia and the UK to list just a couple, which are applying innovative mechanisms of financial engineering and private sector participation to acquire, operate and support defense and homeland security assets. As much as private sector can safely participate in non-combat operations.
Another significant contract worth adding to this article’s list is the one involving the 2012 joint venture between Elbit and IAI (TOR) to finance the acquisition and provide services related to the selection by the IAF of the M346 advanced jet trainer.
Back to the specifics of the article, it will be interesting to watch the outcome of IAF’s tender to acquire the next rotorcraft for its training academy, also in view of the forthcoming U.S. Navy RFP for an Advanced Helicopter Training System to replace its TH-57- based program. Possible contenders are likely to be the same for both contests.

via Helicopter market – seeking opportunities amid hardships: the military to the rescue? | defenceWeb

A quite comprehensive, interesting picture of today’s helicopter market.

via Marines’ Future Helicopter Will Be Optionally Manned: General | DoD Buzz

Refreshing news for helicopter OEMs.
So far, Navies have been utilizing very small platforms mainly for ISR and SAR support operations, such as the Italian Navy with the Schiebel Camcopter S-100, or the Spanish Navy using Saab’s Skeldar V-200.
Although some developments provided also for limited aerial fire support and precision targeting, such as Northrop Grumman’s MQ-8 Fire Scout (A and B models), rather than helicopter OEMs, these programs are led by system integrators.
Recently, the US Navy launched the development and test of a more capable Fire Scout version – the MQ-8 C, based on a Bell 407 platform, aiming at performing also ASV and MCM missions more effectively. Again, this program is led by Northrop Grumman as system integrator, with Bell Helicopter acting as mere supplier of a green platform.
A more platform-led program based on Boeing’s Unmanned Little Bird H-6U, was promoted by the French Navy with Thales and DCNS playing a primary role.
Nevertheless, nothing compares with the new perspective opened by the US Marine Corps, with a clear-cut requirement for a more capable OPV (Optionally Manned Vehicle) to deliver cargo as an UAV, or to perform complex naval operations as a “normal” manned helicopter.
Naval helicopter OEMs better be prepared to grasp the opportunity and take the challenge of this new FVL requirement!

via Embraer, Boeing Hope KC-390 Will Have Long Payout

Although this agreement does not come completely as a surprise, it is welcomed as a refreshing news for those of us who strongly believe in broader international cooperation in aerospace.

Embraer is steadily pursuing and attaining a strong military identity, and recognition, adding to the company’s established leading role in commercial and business aviation. Following their recent market successes with the Super Tucano and the industrial collaboration with Saab for FAB’s Grippen purchase, this teaming agreement with Boeing underlines the maturity of Embraer Defense capabilities and products.

Through this reinforced agreement, Boeing is making an important step forward in their strategy to pursue value through the delivery of  Global Services, Support & Training. Boeing’s capabilities – already proven internationally delivering support and maintenance for its own airframes, such as the KC-767 Tanker – are now projected into a wider “platform-agnostic” stance.

I’m sure we’ll soon witness good news out of this bold partnership.

My deepest condolences to the families of the two crew members that lost their life in this terrible accident and to the many friends and colleagues in Bell Helicopter.

via Bell 525 Flight Test Vehicle Crashes; Two Crewmembers Dead | Business Aviation News: Aviation International News

Congratulations to Susan Griffin for this important nomination

via Susan Griffin, Executive Vice President, Commercial Programs – Bell Helicopter

via Preparing for What’s Next | Jeff Immelt | Pulse | LinkedIn

A very interesting and compelling speech, to which I feel very much aligned. My recent endeavors and business achievements have been driven by same goals and thought processes..

via Polish Armament Group signs agreement with Boeing for helicopter programmes | IHS Jane’s 360

The next big European helicopter program is heating up, with all four players reinforcing their strategic positioning through localization and/or collaboration with Polish partners.