Rotorcraft

News and issues regarding all manner of civil and military rotorcraft and their powerplants, including helicopters, tiltrotors and unmanned air vehicles.

Eurocopter Closing In On Gearbox Issue Solution
April 4, 2013 - 1:35pm

Eurocopter says it has made significant progress in solving the main gearbox issue that has blighted the EC225 medium twin since last May, reporting that a third test campaign at its headquarters in Marignane, France “is establishing” the cause of crack initiation.

Eurocopter attributes the issue to “a combination of factors” leading to a degradation of the vertical shaft’s fatigue resistance. The helicopter manufacturer has excluded any “abnormal dynamic overload.” Failure of the bevel gear shaft causes a loss of lubrication.
Texas DPS Will No Longer Shoot from Helicopters
April 4, 2013 - 3:25am

Texas state Department of Public Safety director Steve McCraw said the agency will no longer shoot suspects from the air unless the suspects fire first, either at the helicopter or another target on the ground. Last October a DPS helicopter opened fire on a fleeing pickup truck, killing two illegal aliens hiding inside.

Bond SAR Crew Honored
April 4, 2013 - 3:10am

Two Bond Offshore Helicopters search-and-rescue crewmen, winch operators Paul Walters and Andrew Cowx, have been awarded the 2012 Billy Deacon SAR Memorial Trophy, in recognition of their role in a dramatic North Sea rescue last December. Their Eurocopter AS332L2 Super Puma was first to reach the rig standby vessel Vos Sailor, which had lost power in darkness and poor sea conditions. Despite an injured foot, Cowx volunteered to remain on the deck of the stricken vessel for an hour. There, he managed the rescue of three remaining members of the ship’s crew.
Andrew Winch Designs Creates AW189 Exec Interior
April 4, 2013 - 2:40am

London-based Andrew Winch Designs has created an interior for super-yacht owners who want their AW189 to have the same “level of detail and entertainment technology” as their ships. The cabin features six full seats enhanced with built-in “whisper-dish” noise-cancellation systems. A glass dividing bulkhead, situated between the cabin and cockpit, displays flight information and entertainment.
Heli-One Adds MRO Facility in Poland
April 4, 2013 - 2:20am

CHC maintenance, repair and overhaul subsidiary Heli-One has opened a facility in Rzeszow, Poland. Work has begun on Heli-One Poland’s first project: the major overhaul (G-Check), repaint and modification of a CHC AS322L Super Puma. By year-end “a new, customized hangar” will replace the current temporary facility. The company plans to invest “more than $15 million in building costs, purchasing, training and other expenses related to the operation.” Heli-One’s fourth major workshop location, the new site is expected to employ more than 100 people by 2015.
Bell Boot Camp Grows Next Crop of Engineers
April 3, 2013 - 5:40am

Bell Helicopter is growing its own. The Textron subsidiary is using its innovative “boot camp” for college engineering majors to keep its talent pipeline full and to promote aerospace careers.

UK Police Reorganization Promises Efficiency, Savings
April 2, 2013 - 5:30am
In England and Wales, the police are reorganizing their helicopter bases and operations to save money and provide swifter service to citizens.

Reorganization of Great Britain’s police helicopter bases is well under way, in a campaign to provide “more efficient and accessible” air support to police forces in England and Wales. Although the number of bases is being cut, the improved efficiency of the system should eventually ensure that 98 percent of the population is within 20 minutes’ flight time of a base.

Bell Broadens Worldwide Support, Sales Efforts
April 2, 2013 - 2:35am

Bell Helicopter is moving rapidly to expand its U.S. and international product support, modifications and sales capabilities. That’s the message from company executives Danny Maldonado, senior vice president of commercial sales and marketing, and Eric Cardinali, senior vice president of customer support and services.

Heli-Expo ’13: Big Orders Dominate
April 1, 2013 - 12:55am
Announcements of new helicopter models drew Heli-Expo showgoers like Justin Bieber draws teenage girls. Eurocopter played to the crowd with its new EC175 (shown flying in Bristow livery), EC145T2, EC225 and AS350B3e. As outgoing CEO Lutz Bertling put it, “The best is yet to come.” (Photo: Mariano Rosales)

This year’s Heli-Expo continued the show’s record run, exceeding the number of attendees at the Helicopter Association International’s annual convention for the sixth year in a row. The final numbers included 20,393 attendees, 60 helicopters and 736 exhibitors, according to HAI president Matt Zuccaro.
DLR Researchers target blade dynamic stall
April 1, 2013 - 12:30am
Air blown through small holes in the blade makes dynamic stall less severe in demanding maneuvers, according to researchers at DLR.

Researchers at the German Aerospace Center (DLR) in Göttingen may have discovered a way to make helicopters more maneuverable, by reducing the dynamic load on the rotor head control rods.

During rapid forward flight or maneuvering, airflow stalls on the main rotor blade as it retreats (moves backwards), giving rise to a “dynamic stall” and subjecting the rotor head control rods to formidable dynamic loads.

Pages

Related Channels

Rotorcraft Aircraft
Rotorcraft Engines