Internationale Helicopter ontwikkelingen

[Harald]

https://www.facebook.com/mhkj86helikopterdandar/posts/pfbid02VkuN9dWHPrUhdKyRwarVASwDFpdzKiYbfQSV8T1NvvAruFqWguXNxmtkpadK5bDul

Caracals H225M geleverd aan Hongarije

[Harald]

Israeli AH-64D Apaches destroy Hamas bunkers with special Hellfire missiles

The appearance of a mysterious AGM-114 Hellfire missile on an Israeli AH-64D Apache attack helicopter in promotional material released by the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) has left observers puzzled, as reported by Parth Satam in EurAsian Times. Based on the color of the 'bands' and the missile's overall color scheme, it could either be equipped with a thermobaric warhead designed to destroy Hamas's underground infrastructure or an incendiary explosive.



Depending on the warhead mode selected by the Apache's gunner, the AGM-114 Hellfire missile can either explode in the air or upon impact. Both the incendiary and thermobaric missiles, if used to target Hamas tunnels, can result in significant devastation to the underground infrastructure and anyone inside.

On November 4, the Israeli Air Force posted a photo on its official Twitter (X) account, showing an AH-64D presumably flying toward Gaza. However, one of the Hellfire missiles on the inner pylon of the right-side wing stub had a red-colored band, which stood out from the three other Hellfire missiles with yellow bands, typically seen on live Hellfires and this Israeli Apache in particular. The missile's overall color was also grayish, unlike the dark olive color. The Israeli Air Force later removed the photo and replaced it with an image of an Apache carrying four Hellfires with only yellow bands. Puzzling, isn't it?

Parth Satam reports that military analysts on social media pointed to other open-source pictures of Hellfire missiles with yellow bands. Official U.S. military weapons classification manuals suggest that a red band could represent an incendiary warhead or an AGM-114N with a thermobaric warhead. The latter option appears to be more suited to the IDF's needs in Gaza for targeting bunkers and underground structures.

A thermobaric warhead, also known as a vacuum bomb, consists of two separate explosive charges: one charge is mostly fuel, which mixes with atmospheric oxygen to create an aerosol-like cloud, while the second charge detonates it, generating a massive blast wave. The high temperature and destructive shockwave make thermobaric weapons particularly effective in enclosed spaces such as tunnels, bunkers, and caves, which are prevalent in Gaza.

There's also a possibility that the AGM-114N with a thermobaric warhead does not always feature a red band, as suggested by leading military analyst Guy Plopsky, Parth Satam writes. This raises the possibility that the markings could be specific to Israel, as the country is known to customize the performance specifications of weapons it procures from the U.S.

One conceivable scenario where Apaches and Hellfires could be utilized is when the helicopter fires the missile into an exposed tunnel or bunker captured by IDF soldiers. The resulting explosion and shockwave could potentially destroy several kilometers of the tunnel, rendering it permanently unusable.

https://www.airrecognition.com/index.php/news/defense-aviation-news/2023-news-aviation-aerospace/november/9350-israeli-ah-64d-apaches-destroy-hamas-bunkers-with-special-hellfire-missiles.html

[Sparkplug]

First Polish Army Aviation AW149s delivered

Published: 31 October 2023 Last Updated: 31 October 2023


Credit photo: Polish Ministry of Defence (MoD)

On 30 October 2023, the first two Leonardo AW149 medium-lift multi-role military helicopters were officially handed over to the Lotnictwo Wojsk Ladowych (LWL, Polish Army Aviation).

The two helicopters, serials 6701 (c/n 49104, ex CSX82112) and 6702 (c/n 49105, ex CSX82113), were accepted at Tomaszów Mazowiecki/Nowy Glinnik air base and will be operated by the 25 Brygada Kawalerii Powietrznej (25th Air Cavalry Brigade).

In July 2022, Scramble Magazine first wrote on the approval of a contract for acquiring 32 AW149 medium-lift multi-role military helicopters together with a package of logistic services, spare parts and equipment for ground handling of the helicopters.

The contract, valued at €1,8 billion Euros (8,25 billion PLN), was approved on 1 July 2022 by the Deputy Prime minister and the head of the National Defence Department. On 30 May 2023, the Armament Agency ordered 800 Lockheed Martin AGM-114R2 Hellfire guided missiles for the AW149s.

https://www.scramble.nl/military-news/first-polish-army-aviation-aw149s-delivered

[Huzaar1]

Zo indrukwekkend om te lezen dat en een vermogenstoename en een brandstofbesparing kan worden bereikt.

[Benji87]

Jesus, 3000hp uit zo'n kleine turbine is echt te ziek voor woorden

[Sparkplug]

NEXT-GEN: ITEP turbine gaat de FARA-prototypes laten vliegen

26 okt 2023  Categorie: Militair, Nieuwe toestellen / Tests, Nieuws

Het Amerikaans leger heeft op 13 oktober 2023 officieel de twee eerste ITEP-helikopterturbines van de nieuwste generatie geaccepteerd. Het ITEP-project (Improved Turbine Engine Program) is in bedoeld om de toekomstige FARA-helikopter aan te drijven en om de bestaande GE T700 turbines van de Black Hawk en Apache helikopters te vervangen. Met haar T901 ontwerp werd General Electric Aviation in 2019 winnaar van het project.



De ITEP-turbine moest aan een groot aantal verbeteringen voldoen in vergelijking met de bestaande GE T700 turbine:

• 3.000 hp vermogen = 50% meer vermogen dan de T700-701D, de huidige turbine
• 25% minder verbruik per vermogen
• 65% verbetering in het vermogen / gewicht ratio
• 20% langere levensduur: 6.000 uur en 15.000 cycles
• Starten zonder APU (auxiliary power unit) maar gewoon op de ingebouwde batterij
• 35% lagere productie ($ 650.000 p/stuk) en onderhoudskosten

Deze verbeteringen worden noodzakelijk omdat zowel de Black Hawks als de Apaches door allerlei extra uitrusting in de afgelopen jaren zwaarder zijn geworden en inboeten aan radius en snelheid; de ITEP-turbine lost dit probleem op. De bestaande GE T700-turbine heeft in verschillende variantes gedurende 40 jaar de Black Hawks en de Apaches aangedreven, in het totaal meer dan 100 miljoen vlieguren.

Het ontwerp van de GE T901 is gebaseerd op een indrukwekkende reeks commerciële technologieën, waaronder 3D-modellering, het gebruik van keramische matrixcomposieten (CMC's) en 3D-geprinte (additieve) onderdelen. Door het gebruik van CMC's en additive manufacturing kan de turbine meer vermogen produceren met minder gewicht. Het modulaire ontwerp is een sleutel tot de lage kosten, groei, betrouwbaarheid, onderhoudbaarheid en lagere levenscycluskosten van de T901.

FARA, het Future Attack Reconnaissance helikopter programma



De eerste twee GE T901 turbines werden vorige week door het Amerikaans leger geleverd aan respectievelijk Bell Helicopters en Sikorsky.

Beide helikopterbedrijven zijn door het leger geselecteerd om een prototype van de FARA, de toekomstige verkennings- en aanvalshelikopter, te bouwen.

Met 18 maand vertraging kunnen deze nu de nieuwe turbines in hun prototypes, de Bell 360 Invictus (zie foto) en de Sikorsky Raider-X, inbouwen. De uiteindelijke keuze door de Amerikaanse Defensie wordt niet verwacht voor einde 2025. De FARA-helikopter zal de eerste zijn die exclusief met de ITEP-turbines zal vliegen.

In een persbericht bevestigde Sikorsky dat de ITEP-turbine is aangekomen en dat men verwacht dat het Sikorsky Raider-X prototype voor het eerst met deze nieuwe turbine zal vliegen tegen het einde van 2024. Sikorsky vermelde ook dat het Amerikaans leger de ITEP ook zal inbouwen in de nieuwe BlackHawk helikopters. Vanaf wanneer dat zal gebeuren is wel niet bekend omdat de GE T901 turbine nog niet klaar is voor productie.

Ook Bell bevestigde inmiddels dat ze de ITEP GE T901 turbine hebben ontvangen voor de inbouw in de Bell Invictus 360. De maidenvlucht van de Invictus 360 is ook voorzien voor 2024. Bell stelde eerder dat het Invictus 360 prototype voor 95% is afgewerkt en dat de grondrun met de nieuwe GE T901 turbine de volgende stap is in het vliegklaar maken van de FARA-helikopter.

https://helispot.nl/hs/page/detail.asp?oid=f8e7c6D3&sub=logboek

[Sparkplug]

Boeing's Enhanced AH-64E Apache Completes First Flight

- Version 6.5 offers upgraded connectivity, lethality, navigation and survivability capabilities.
- Boeing will next integrate the U.S. Army's Improved Turbine Engine onto the fleet.

MESA, Ariz., Oct. 11, 2023 – The newest version of the AH-64E Apache has successfully flown with an upgraded capabilities suite as Boeing [NYSE: BA] continues to modernize the platform. The upgraded E-model Apache, known as Version 6.5, or V6.5, is the next configuration of the world's premier attack helicopter.

"We saw our hard work come to life with this first flight," said Christina Upah, vice president of Attack Helicopter Programs and senior Boeing Mesa site executive. "These enhancements will take the E-model Apache to the next level in terms of capabilities, ensuring Apaches continue to dominate future battlefields."

V6.5, awarded by the U.S. Department of Defense in December 2021, includes software updates enhancing capabilities and improving the pilot interface. Some of those enhancements include:

• Optimized route and attack planning
• Enhanced Link 16 features
• Integration of an Open Systems Interface, setting the stage for Modular Open Systems Approach for maximum interoperability, faster integration and advanced capabilities fielding.

"We're very excited about the ongoing development of the V6.5 software as it paves the way for Apache modernization," Col. John (Jay) Maher, U.S. Army Apache project manager, said. "V6.5 aligns the entire E model fleet under the same software, streamlining training and maintenance while providing a pathway for sensor/capability parity, and enables the Army to address mandates and critical technologies. Ensuring relevance into the future is a top priority."

Building onto V6.5, the company is working with the U.S. Army to integrate the Improved Turbine Engine (ITE). The engine, a General Electric Aerospace T901, will offer improvements in reach, available power, time on station and fuel efficiency, as well as sustainment improvements like health and usage monitoring, maintenance and engine lifespan.


Boeing's Enhanced AH-64E Apache Completes First Flight (Boeing photo).

https://boeing.mediaroom.com/news-releases-statements?item=131338#assets_all

[Harald]

Sikorsky Unveils RAIDER X Prototype For US Army FARA Program



The RAIDER X prototype was unveiled at the annual AUSA 2023 conference.
The annual Association of the United States Army (AUSA) 2023 conference became the venue where Sikorsky finally released photos of its entry to the U.S. Army Future Attack Reconnaissance Aircraft (FARA) project. The FARA program is set to acquire the next generation of scout helicopters, which fills the role of the now retired OH-58D Kiowa Warrior. Sikorsky's RAIDER X is scheduled to compete in a fly-off with the Bell 360 Invictus. With Boeing, AVX/L3 Harris, and Karem having stepped off the program, Bell and Sikorsky remains the last two contenders for the next generation of US Army scout helicopters.

Sikorsky aims for a 2024 first flight of the RAIDER X
Currently the RAIDER X prototype is said to be 98% complete, as the aircraft awaits completion of the GE T901 Improved Engine Turbine Program (ITEP). With the new engine set to be finished later this month, the first flight is scheduled to be before the fourth quarter of 2024. At the moment the RAIDER X team is waiting for the delivery of the new T901 engine and plans on immediately starting the installation process upon arrival. After integration and a successful ground testing phase, RAIDER X should soon take to the skies within a year.

Through the extensive testing program of the S-97 and X2, the RAIDER X utilises a pusher prop along with its coaxial main rotors to provide a fast cruise speed and enhanced manoeuvrability compared to conventional rotary wing platforms. According to the company, RAIDER X will be capable of low and high-speed manoeuvres exceeding 70° bank angle. An emphasis on the US Army's Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA) was made during the development process to allow room for easy upgrades in system architecture in the future. Sikorsky has stated that it plans on delivering a leap-ahead capability and enable rapid upgrades by utilising MOSA.

https://theaviationist.com/2023/10/12/sikorsky-unveils-raider-x/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=sikorsky-unveils-raider-x

[Sparkplug]

Greece to acquire up to 49 UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters

https://www.airrecognition.com/index.php/news/defense-aviation-news/2023-news-aviation-aerospace/october/9284-greece-to-acquire-up-to-49-uh-60m-black-hawk-helicopters.html

Dit wordt een nog grotere UH-60M FMS order dan de Australische FMS order met 40 stuks.

[Harald]

Greece to acquire up to 49 UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters

https://www.airrecognition.com/index.php/news/defense-aviation-news/2023-news-aviation-aerospace/october/9284-greece-to-acquire-up-to-49-uh-60m-black-hawk-helicopters.html

[Harald]

Sikorsky gets US Air Force contract to upgrade HH-60W Jolly Green II combat rescue helicopters

Sikorsky Aircraft, a subsidiary of Lockheed Martin, has secured a substantial contract valued at $650 million aimed at advancing the long-term capabilities of the HH-60W Jolly Green II combat rescue helicopter, according to a report by Harry McNeil in Air Force Technology. This project is set to be headquartered in Stratford, Connecticut, which is the hometown of Sikorsky Aircraft, and it is scheduled for completion by September 20, 2030.

The project's inaugural delivery order, worth $91.2 million, signifies the launch of this endeavor. Sikorsky's primary objective entails the development and seamless integration of various systems into the HH-60W air vehicle and its associated training systems. Noteworthy among these enhancements are the global positioning system anti-jam, mobile user objective system, and degraded visual environment systems. These integrated systems are poised to revolutionize the operational capabilities of the HH-60W, enabling it to navigate intricate environments and challenging conditions with precision. The HH-60W boasts an array of capabilities, including an advanced ARC-210 V/UHF communication system, Rockwell Collins' avionics and mission equipment, and a state-of-the-art glass cockpit. The advancement of these technologies represents a significant step forward in the evolution of search and rescue operations, aligning with the requirements of the US Air Force.

The US Air Force has intentions to procure up to 113 HH-60W helicopters, which will replace the aging HH-60G Pave Hawk medium-lift combat search-and-rescue (CSAR) helicopters that have been in service since 1982.



As the exclusive dedicated combat rescue platform within the Department of Defense, the Jolly Green II Combat Rescue Helicopter builds upon the extensive legacy of US Air Force combat rescue operations and revitalizes the crucial combat search and rescue fleet, equipping US Air Force combat rescue personnel with the most advanced capabilities for their life-saving mission. The HH-60W Jolly Green II, replacing the aging HH-60G Pavehawk, was purpose-built for the Air Force's combat rescue mission, taking into account meticulously evaluated operational requirements.

This next-generation helicopter offers enhanced survivability while retrieving isolated individuals from hostile territories, day or night, in adverse weather conditions, and across a wide range of threat environments. It empowers Air Force Combat Rescue Teams to fulfill their mission of "That Others May Live" and "Leave No One Behind."

The HH-60W Jolly Green II boasts a range of key features and capabilities that enhance its performance and effectiveness:
• Enhanced aerodynamic and hover performance enables the helicopter to operate more efficiently in various conditions.
• An increased main fuel tank capacity, upgraded from 360 gallons to 644 gallons, along with air refueling capabilities, significantly extends its operational range.
• The helicopter is equipped with advanced and seamlessly integrated survivability and defensive systems, ensuring enhanced protection for both the crew and the mission.
• Expanded communications capabilities include the incorporation of two Tactical Datalinks and Intel Receivers, enabling seamless net-centric connectivity, particularly in the joint-all domain environment.
• Higher resolution sensors provide improved situational awareness and targeting precision.
• A larger main cabin offers greater space for personnel and equipment, enhancing its versatility in various mission scenarios.
• Additionally, the HH-60W Jolly Green II features upgraded armor and ballistic protection, further enhancing its survivability in challenging and hostile environments. These combined capabilities make it a formidable asset for combat rescue and search operations.

https://www.airrecognition.com/index.php/news/defense-aviation-news/2023-news-aviation-aerospace/october/9276-sikorsky-gets-us-air-force-contract-to-upgrade-hh-60w-jolly-green-ii-combat-rescue-helicopters.html

[Ace1]

Argentina seeks helicopters

Both the Fuerza Aérea Argentina (FAA, Argentinian Air Force) and the Comando de Aviación Naval Argentina (COAN, Argentinian Naval Aviation Command) are looking for options. To begin with the latter, the Defense minister signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) to acquire eight Leonardo AW109 helicopters. COAN is looking for a replacement for its ship bourne AS555-fleet. They require a helicopter that can carry more passengers, yet is still compact.

The Air Force is struggling with their Mi-171. They are crucial to the Antarctic mission and a replacement is being studied. To this end, a Letter of Request (LoR) was sent to the USA to possibly acquire some surplus CH-46 Sea Knight helicopters. You may recall that they originally requested the CH-47F. Another LoR was posted to get some redundant UH-1Ns to boost their existing fleet.

With the recent LoI for twelve H215s, there will be a significant boost in the helicopter fleets of the armed forces. Obviously, there are a lot of intentions to buy military equipment recently. We have to wait and see if all programmes will go ahead and come to fruition.


https://www.scramble.nl/military-news/argentine-seeks-helicopters

[Ace1]

Argentina eyes surplus CH-46 helicopters as Mi-17 replacement

https://www.defensenews.com/global/the-americas/2023/09/21/argentina-eyes-surplus-ch-46-helicopters-as-mi-17-replacement/

[Harald]

Czech Air Force receives second batch of AH-1Z Viper and UH-1Y Venom helicopters

On October 2, 2023, the Czech Air Force received its second batch of American AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters and UH-1Y Venom multipurpose helicopters. This delivery marks another step in the modernization of the Czech Armed Forces and is part of a series of planned deliveries aimed at transitioning from Russian to modern Western equipment.

The most recent delivery on October 2, 2023, follows the initial arrival of two AH-1Z Vipers on July 26, 2023. According to a tweet by the Czech Ministry of Defense, the first two helicopters were delivered to the 22nd Helicopter Base of the Czech Air Force aboard a C-17 Globemaster III cargo plane. With this second delivery, the base is now expected to receive one more batch in the coming weeks, which will include additional Vipers and Venoms.

Accompanying the helicopters, a team of American specialists had arrived in the Czech Republic to work with Czech counterparts on assembling and commissioning the helicopters. Over a two-week period, they conducted test flights and completed the certification process. A Mobile Training Team from the USA arrived in August, and training for the personnel of the 22nd Helicopter Base commenced on September 1, 2023. An official presentation of the helicopters took place on August 17 in Náměšť, featuring senior defense officials and military representatives.

The Czech Republic had previously agreed in 2019 to purchase twelve new H-1 helicopters. Additionally, as a token of appreciation for providing assistance to Ukraine, the Czech Republic will receive eight upgraded helicopters from the USA. This will bring the total number of UH-1Y Venom and AH-1Z Viper helicopters in the Czech Armed Forces to ten each.

https://www.airrecognition.com/index.php/news/defense-aviation-news/2023-news-aviation-aerospace/october/9274-czech-air-force-receives-second-batch-of-ah-1z-viper-and-uh-1y-venom-helicop-from-usaters.html

[Harald]

First T901 Engine Accepted by the Army for Future Attack Reconnaissance Aircraft



On 28 September the Army's Improved Turbine Engine Program (ITEP) achieved a significant milestone. The Government has accepted the first General Electric (GE) Aerospace T901 flight test (FT) engine, with the second T901 engine currently going through the acceptance process. Both engines are on-track to be delivered by the Government to the Future Attack Reconnaissance Aircraft (FARA) competitive prototype vendors by the end of October 2023.

The Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA) accepted the engine at GE Aerospace's Lynn, MA facility, marking the first step in the Government delivering flight test engines for the two FARA Competitive Prototype (FARA-CP) aircraft – Bell's 360 Invictus and Sikorsky's Raider X. The engine handover highlights the longstanding partnership between DCMA, the Army, and GE.

"DCMA is pleased to accept this first General Electric T901 flight test engine," said Air Force Lt. Col. Paul Hrad, the DCMA Aircraft Propulsion – GE Commander. "This engine represents the culmination of several years of working closely with the Improved Turbine Engine Program and GE Aerospace to ensure our soldiers are equipped with the best achievable equipment they need to safely fight and win."

Engine Verifications for Flight Test

GE Aerospace initiated testing of the first T901 Flight Test Engines in the spring/summer of 2023. Both test engines completed a series of rigorous functional, safety, and performance tests to substantiate U.S. Government acceptance for use as the FARA-CP powerplants.

Why ITEP: Solving Present and Future Power Needs

The T901 will power FARA and replace the T700 engine currently used on all AH-64 Apache and UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters. The T901's fuel efficiency will improve the Army's enduring aircraft fleet's range, loiter time, and fuel consumption and restore high hot 6k/95-degree operational capability. The engine's reliability and increased life expectancy also reduces maintenance and sustainment costs.

The T901 combines additive manufacturing, ceramic matrix composites, and traditionally manufactured components to generate the added power (1,000 shp increase; 3,000 shp total) at roughly the same size and weight of its predecessor, the GE T700.

Additionally, the T901 engine will introduce predictive logistics that drive increased time on wing and improved reliability. The T901 engine incorporates an onboard Engine Health Management System that supports Army Predictive and Prognostic Maintenance goals by using health monitoring sensors, and embedded component health models and algorithms. These technologies provide data analysis and advanced component life calculations that enable longer component usage, reduce demand for spare and replacement parts, and reduce soldier workload per system.

The T901 delivers significantly increased reach and lethality for the enduring and future fleet. The increased power, performance, and reliability is a combat multiplier and critical to Multi-Domain Operations for the Army of 2030.

https://www.dvidshub.net/news/455110/first-t901-engine-accepted-army-future-attack-reconnaissance-aircraft