The Army has dispatched two Black Hawk helicopters to assist with flood relief operations in northern New South Wales. The aircraft, normally based at the Australian Army Aviation Training Center in Oakey, Queensland, departed Wednesday and will operate out of Lismore. “The Black Hawks are equipped with winching systems and have been fitted with long-range
A precautionary suspension placed on the Australian Army’s fleet of Black Hawk helicopters has been lifted, with the 34 machines returning to full flying operations. The fleet was grounded on January 19 following the identification of a number of fractured bolts during a routine maintenance check. An engineering investigation indicated that the defective bolts were
The Australian Army has suspended flying operations for its Sikorsky S-70A-9 Black Hawk trooplift helicopters following the identification of a number of fractured bolts during a routine maintenance check. Acting Director General Aviation COL Stephen Evans said the suspension – which took wffect from January 19 – was to ensure safety, and is consistent with
US based Robinson Helicopters more than doubled its production numbers in 2011, turning out 356 helicopters as compared to 162 in 2010. The numbers are a welcome turnaround for the world’s largest maker of civilian helicopters, which saw orders plummet amid the US recession. The company built 893 aircraft at its peak two years ago.
Bell Helicopter has received approval from Transport Canada to increase the weight limit of its twin engine Bell 429 helicopter by 227kg to to 3405kg. The company said it will petition the FAA and European Aviation Safety Agency for concurrence. The weight limit increase will be available to existing users of the aircraft through the
Boeing has announced a $370 million contract to produce 14 CH-47F Chinook helicopters for the US Army, including seven destined for the ADF under a previously announced Foreign Military Sales agreement. Six of the other Chinooks will be sold to the United Arab Emirates while one will be kept by the US. Australia expects to
