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February 24, 2009

Becker introduces 406-MHz personal locator

ew 406-MHz personal locator beacon (PLB) aimed at military and public-service users. It is to be available in the second half of this year. Designed for the professional market, the MR 510 is housed in a rugged metal casing. It features manual or automatic actuation via water immersion or lanyard connected to the ejection seat.
 In addition to automatic broadcast of position on several more

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Erickson reveals plans to bring back the S-64

By Jennifer Harrington

Erickson Air-Crane (Booth No. 2634), the holder of the S-64 Air-Crane’s type and production certificates, announced yesterday that it will be rebranding itself and expanding its OEM capabilities in the hopes of producing a new heavy-lift version of the iconic helicopter within two to three years.
“The timing is right for the next generation S-64,” said Erickson president and CEO Udo more

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P&WC’s plan is to match engine supply with demand

By Ian Goold

Engine manufacturer Pratt & Whitney Canada (Booth No. 624) remains committed to developing new engine products whatever the impact of the global downturn on a changing industry, according to president John Saabas. He told HAI Convention News that last year had been “a peak year” for the Canadian manufacturer.

Saabas said P&WC is keeping one eye just beyond t more

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Heli-Expo’09 Attendance Could Set Record, HAI Says

By Jennifer Harrington

First-day attendance at Heli-Expo’09 broke another record and continued to defy gloomy pre-show predictions. Attendance on day one increased from 15,552 last year to 15,728 this year, and show organizers are speculating that the number might exceed last year’s record total of 17,373. The number of exhibitors totals 585, a nearly 12-percent increase over last year’s 523. Net exhibit space inc more

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Rolls-Royce unveils turboshaft derivative of its RR500 engine

One of Heli-Expo’09’s worst-kept secrets, the Rolls-Royce RR500 turboshaft engine, was unveiled Monday afternoon in a brief but hearing-impairment-inducing ceremony at the engine maker’s booth. The RR500 turboshaft, a 475-shp derivative of the RR300 that powers the in-development Robinson R66, is scheduled for certification in late 2011. A turboprop version of the RR500 was first announced l more

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MD on track to deliver 70 helos this year

By Mark Huber

The OEM forum yesterday was drawing to a close when MD Helicopters CEO Lynn Tilton strode into the room, late but exuding charm. Near the end of what had been a rather somber gathering, she managed to elicit a wave of laughter as she looked around for Robinson Helicopter president and CEO Frank Robinson. Frank may be a rock star in the helicopter industry, she allowed, adding, “But I’ve just f more

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