V8 powered H120 makes first flight
Airbus Helicopters’ high-compression V8 piston engine demonstrator made its first flight on November 6 from Marignane Airport, France, as part of the European Clean Sky initiative’s Green Rotorcraft Integrated Technology Demonstrator program. Installed on a H120 test bed, the 4.6-litre V8 engine has the two sets of cylinders oriented at a 90-degree angle to each
Robinson to launch two-seat R44 Cadet
Robinson Helicopter is set to unveil a two-seat R44 aimed at the training and utility markets in the first quarter of 2016, adding to speculation the Californian-based helicopter manufacturer is looking to end the production of its R22. Named the “Cadet”, the R44 will retain the same basic airframe, rotor system and Lycoming O-540-F1B5 engine
RAAF operates C-17 proof of concept flights to Antarctica
A RAAF C-17 Globemaster has delivered over 12 tonnes of cargo including a Hägglunds tracked vehicle to Wilkins Aerodrome, Antarctica, in support of the Australian Antarctic program. Saturday’s flight from Hobart was the second in a series of proof of concept flights to Wilkins – which serves the nearby Australian Antarctic base of Casey Station – being operated between early November through to February
RAAF Spartan, Army Chinook in load trials
A Royal Australian Air Force 35 Squadron C-27J Spartan has visited RAAF Base Townsville to conduct loading trials and training with Australian Army personnel and an Army CH-47D Chinook helicopter. “Engineers and aircrew from Air Movements Training and Development Unit (AMTDU) oversaw the trials, which involved the loading of Army personnel from Townsville’s 3rd Brigade in different
Australia-UAE air services agreement expanded
Emirates and Etihad have been granted additional traffic rights to Australia following the signing of a new air services agreement. Under the new arrangements announced on Friday Dubai-based Emirates will be able to operate 105 services to Australia each week to the four major gateways of Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney, an increase of seven
Chinese visitors lift international travellers at Sydney and Melbourne Airports in October
Australia’s two busiest airports have posted healthy gains in international passengers led by a strong rise in the number of Chinese visitors. Melbourne Airport said the number of overseas travellers through Tullamarine in October rose 10.2 per cent to 764,998, compared with the prior corresponding period. Meanwhile, Sydney Airport said international passengers passing through its
