Internationale Helicopter ontwikkelingen

[Harald]

US Army to shift aviation force structure back to tailored brigades
(grote veranderingen in de lucht voor de Landmacht eenheden, lichte eenheden met Blackhawks, Zware eenheden met Chinooks. En dan hebben we nog de overgang/ intrede van de V-280.)

 The U.S. Army's aviation force structure will move away from modular Combat Aviation Brigade designs needed during heel-to-toe rotations in Iraq and Afghanistan and return to a model that tailors those units for specific divisions, according to the service's branch chief.

"Today we have modular CABs, so every CAB looks the same on paper," Maj. Gen. Mac McCurry, the Army's Aviation Center of Excellence commander, told reporters April 24 during the Army Aviation Association of America's annual summit in Denver. During heel-to-rotations "it was imperative that we'd be able to replace a [heavy] capability with a light capability and those changes to modular CABs happened in the early 2000s," he said.

The Army is returning to what it did prior to years of operations in the Middle East and will design division-based formations that do not look the same.

For example, McCurry said, "a light infantry division is more reliant on mobility than a heavy division is from the air, those soldiers have to move, rapidly reposition. We're putting more [UH-60] Black Hawk [utility helicopters] into the light divisions and taking some of those Black Hawks out of the heavy divisions and heavy divisions remain focused on lethality."

For the 101st Airborne Division, the Army is building an extra battalion of 32 CH-47F Chinook cargo helicopters to enable air assault. "That helps with the mobility and the ability to do air assault in that division," he said.

The Army decided as part of a recent rebalancing of aviation capability announced earlier this year that it would buy Boeing-made CH-47F Block II helicopters that it was not previously planning to buy for the active component. Utwill also complete its 12th CAB based in Europe, and has been operating as a partial CAB, he said.

"By moving the aircraft around and slightly adjusting the design, we're able to build out that 12th CAB in Europe," McCurry said.

The force structure changes do "a couple of things for us," he added. "As we looked at our gaps years ago, we said, 'Hey, we need more reconnaissance and security capacity and we've got to be able to air assault, in one period of darkness, a brigade,' and so that's where these focuses are."

According to a controlled but unclassified document obtained by Defense News that lays out the force structure change recommendationsm based off of a recent total analysis assessment, the Army is planning eight heavy CABS and four light brigades.

The units dedicated to heavy and theater enabling capability will be the 1st Cavalry Division, the 1st Infantry Division, 2ID, 3ID, 4ID, 16th Combat Aviation Brigade and 12 CAB, according to the document.

The three light CABs will be recapitalized under the 10th Mountain CAB, the 25th Infantry Division CAB, the 82nd Airborne Division and the air assault CAB will be with the 101st Airborne, the document notes.

Conversions are planned to begin this year and won't fully complete until the fall of 2029, the document notes.

The aviation changes are just a part of a wider push to change the Army's overall structure. Army leaders announced the overhaul earlier this year and said the changes would focus on what the service needs as it transitions from counterinsurgency missions to large-scale combat operations against technologically advanced adversaries.

https://www.defensenews.com/land/2024/04/25/us-army-to-shift-aviation-force-structure-back-to-tailored-brigades/?utm_source=sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=dfn-dnr

[Harald]

Sikorsky Pushing X-2 For NATO, Italian Programs

The cancellation of the U.S. Army's Future Attack Reconnaissance Aircraft (FARA) and Sikorsky's loss on the Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA) does not spell the end of its coaxial, X-2 technology, as the company is continuing to pitch it for international customers.

The dual rotor design was the key feature for the company's Raider X and SB-1 Defiant proposals, and Sikorsky President Paul Lemmo says there is still international interest in it.

Sikorsky will soon submit a proposal for NATO's Next Generation Rotorcraft (NRGC)  program based on the X-2 technology, Lemmo told reporters April 25 on the sidelines of the Army Aviation Association of America summit here. Sikorsky's parent Lockheed Martin already has a contract to study open architecture plans for NATO.

The NRGC program, started in 2020, is a multinational project led by France, Germany, Greece, Italy and the UK to field a new fleet of medium multirole helicopters. In February, the organization called on industry to develop concepts for the program with the goal of fielding by 2040. A request for proposals calls for a common airframe for land-based and naval operations, with a minimum cruise speed of 180 kt. (207.1 mph) or more and a maximum takeoff weight of between 10-17 metric tons.

Lemmo says Sikorsky is also in discussions with Italy for a contract for the second phase of a study for a future, high-speed helicopter requirement.

Beyond NATO and Italy, Lemmo says there are other countries that are involved in early discussions. Meanwhile, the company will continue flying its S-97 Raider for engineering tests and demonstrations.

https://aviationweek.com/shows-events/army-aviation-association-america/sikorsky-pushing-x-2-nato-italian-programs

[Benji87]

Is dit interessant voor militaire helikopters? 170 pk klinkt wat karig?

Was ook mijn eerste gedachte maar als techniek is het wel interessant om te zien of ze dit door kunnen ontwikkelen naar een toepasbare technologie. Diesel technologie heb ik als monteur altijd goede ervaringen mee gehad.

[Harald]

Head start: Early '25 may be first flight for Black Hawk with T901 engine

Sikorsky is using remaining FARA dollars to test out the new T901 engine in anticipation of integrating it on a UH-60 M Black Hawk later this year.


GE's prototype of its T901 turbine, selected by the Army for its Improved Turbine Engine Program (ITEP)

The US Army's Future Attack Reconnaissance Aircraft (FARA) program is dead, but Sikorsky is using the remaining dollars for the year testing out a new engine it hopes to fly a UH-60M Black Hawk with early next year.

"You could kind of view this as giving us a head start," the company's president Paul Lemmo told reporters on Wednesday.

After a lengthy delay receiving General Electric's Improved Turbine Engine Program (ITEP), also known as the T901, last year, Sikorsky and Bell began integrating them into their respective FARA prototypes. By February, though, the Army announced that they would halt FARA work at the end of fiscal 2024 and delay T901 production.

Since T901 is also slated to be integrated into the UH-60 Black Hawk and AH-64 Apache fleets and Sikorsky still has FARA money for its Raider X, it is using the last few months focusing on getting that engine ready for its Black Hawk fleet.

On April 10, the company "lit off" the T901 engine and turned rotors at a "low speed" for the first time on its FARA prototype, Lemmo said.

"This is the first time it's under a full load and a real aircraft, you know, turning rotors," he added.

The plan is to continue doing similar ground runs to gather as much data as possible about the engine, while also getting a UH-60M Black Hawk ready for its integration.

"We are burning down risk for the ITEP engine to go on the Black Hawk," he added.

If all goes as planned, Lemmo said the company will receive a new T901 this summer, spend about a month integrating it into the Black Hawk and then spend five months conducting ground runs at various speeds. The goal is to have the helo up in the air shortly thereafter, around the early 2025 timeframe.

https://breakingdefense.com/2024/04/head-start-early-25-may-be-first-flight-for-black-hawk-with-t901-engine/

[Sparkplug]

Is dit interessant voor militaire helikopters? 170 pk klinkt wat karig?

De CD-170 (hiervan is de CD-170R afgeleid) werd al toegepast op kleine civiele éénmotorige vliegtuigen. De CD-170R is gericht op kleine helikopters. Zal hoofdzakelijk voor civiel gebruik zijn, maar met kleine militaire bemande/onbemande helikopters weet je het maar nooit.

[Lynxian]

Continental ontwikkelt dieselmotor voor helikopters

FRIEDRICHSHAFEN – De Chinees-Amerikaanse motorfabrikant Continental Aerospace Technologies heeft tijdens de AERO 2024 in het Duitse Friedrichshafen een dieselmotor voor helikopters geïntroduceerd, de CD-170R.

De turbomotor levert 170 pk en heeft naast Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC) een directe aandrijving, zonder transmissiekast. Dat scheelt volgens de fabrikant 7 kg gewicht. Gemikt wordt op een uurverbruik van dertig liter.

De CD170R moet na 1.200 uur vervangen worden door een nieuwe. Maar deze tijdspanne zal naar verwachting toenemen naarmate het aantal gevlogen bedrijfsuren toeneemt. De verwachting is dat vliegscholen en eigenaar piloten de belangrijkste klanten zullen zijn.

De fabrikant voorziet de Europese certificatie van de dieselmotor in 2025.

https://www.pilootenvliegtuig.nl/2024/04/22/continental-ontwikkelt-dieselmotor-voor-helikopters/

Is dit interessant voor militaire helikopters? 170 pk klinkt wat karig?

[Ace1]

Continental ontwikkelt dieselmotor voor helikopters

FRIEDRICHSHAFEN – De Chinees-Amerikaanse motorfabrikant Continental Aerospace Technologies heeft tijdens de AERO 2024 in het Duitse Friedrichshafen een dieselmotor voor helikopters geïntroduceerd, de CD-170R.

De turbomotor levert 170 pk en heeft naast Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC) een directe aandrijving, zonder transmissiekast. Dat scheelt volgens de fabrikant 7 kg gewicht. Gemikt wordt op een uurverbruik van dertig liter.

De CD170R moet na 1.200 uur vervangen worden door een nieuwe. Maar deze tijdspanne zal naar verwachting toenemen naarmate het aantal gevlogen bedrijfsuren toeneemt. De verwachting is dat vliegscholen en eigenaar piloten de belangrijkste klanten zullen zijn.

De fabrikant voorziet de Europese certificatie van de dieselmotor in 2025.

https://www.pilootenvliegtuig.nl/2024/04/22/continental-ontwikkelt-dieselmotor-voor-helikopters/

[Sparkplug]

Boeing maakt eerste testvlucht met de nieuwe Chinook CH-47F Block II

16 apr 2024 Categorie: Nieuwe toestellen / Tests


Boeing maakt eerste testvlucht met de nieuwe Chinook CH-47F Block II

Boeing Helicopters heeft via een tweet de eerste testvlucht gemeld van de CH-47F Block II Chinook-helikopter. Deze nieuwste versie van de Chinook is een knappe evolutieve verbetering in het lang vervolgverhaal van deze zware transporthelikopter.

De CH-47F Block II kan opstijgen met meer dan anderhalve ton meer laadvermogen dan zijn voorganger en kan met standaard brandstoftanks 712 km ver vliegen. De Boeing CH-47F Block II heeft een hogere kruissnelheid dan zijn voorganger, de CH-47F, wat de transporttijd voor troepen en goederen kan verkorten.

De Chinook zal met deze upgrade zonder discussie de zware helikopter bij uitstek blijven voor de VS. Er zijn trouwens 20 landen buiten de VS die de Chinook in gebruik hebben, waaronder Nederland en de UK.

Het tandemrotorontwerp zorgt voor meer stabiliteit en controle, maximale wendbaarheid, gemak bij laden en lossen en superieure prestaties bij wind. De Chinook kan opereren waar anderen dat niet kunnen. De toegang tot de achterhelling op welk terrein dan ook wordt niet beperkt door de speling van de staartrotor, waardoor tandems op onvoorbereide, bergachtige posities kunnen opereren en de unieke toplandingscapaciteit kunnen uitvoeren. Dankzij het ontwerp kan de Chinook ook tot 20.000 voet vliegen, hoger dan andere helikopters in zijn klasse.

De Chinook heeft een volledig geïntegreerd, digitaal cockpitbeheersysteem – de Common Avionics Architecture System (CAAS) Cockpit - gecombineerd met een Digital Automatic Flight Control System (DAFCS).

Vanaf 2025 zal Boeing de CH-47F Block II Chinooks uitleveren met Honeywell T55-714C turbines (zie video van nieuwe turbine onderaan). Deze hebben 22% meer vermogen dan de huidige T55-714A turbines in de Block I Chinooks waardoor de helikopter 2.000 pond meer nuttige lading zal kunnen vervoeren. Daarnaast zal de nieuwe T55-714C turbinemotor 8% zuiniger zijn, 25% meer betrouwbaar en een compressor hebben die 40% langer kan worden ingezet.

Over de Chinook CH-47F Block II

De CH-47F Block II heeft een aantal upgrades vooral op gebied van de snelheid en het laadvermogen in vergelijking met de huidige Chinook CH-47F maar de nieuwe geavanceerde ACRB, Advanced Chinook Rotor Blades, wil het leger vooralsnog niet hebben. De ACRB's veroorzaakten in de testen te veel trillingen en 'stall' problemen in de achterste rotor.

De Block II uitvoering van de Chinook CH-47F kreeg een versterkt aandrijfsysteem om het extra vermogen van de turbines naar de rotoren te brengen. Dit resulteerde in meer lift en meer vliegvermogen. De Chinook kan nu meer tillen, op hogere hoogte vliegen en dit bij hogere temperaturen. De brandstoftanks werden aangepast en de Chinook kreeg een verbeterde, lichtere romp. 

In cijfers:

• MTOW - Maximum brutogewicht wordt 54.000 lbs is nu 50.000 lbs
• Maximum vlieghoogte: 20.000 voet
• 8% meer vliegafstand
• 10% meer vermogen
• Rotorkop kan meer vermogen verwerken
• Kan 100 gallon meer brandstof meenemen
• En ook een verbeterde avionics.

Foto & news © Boeing Defense | Video © Honeywell

https://helispot.nl/hs/page/detail.asp?oid=f5C5D5D3&sub=logboek

[Harald]

https://www.pilootenvliegtuig.nl/2024/04/05/griekenland-klaar-voor-ondertekenen-black-hawk-order/

 De Griekse regering heeft vrijdag (6 april) bij de Amerikaanse helikopterfabrikant Sikorsky een zogenoemde Letter of Offer and Acceptance (LOA) getekend waarmee de weg wordt vrijgemaakt voor de aankoop van 35 UH-60M Black Hawk-helikopters.

Het groene exportlicht voor de voorgenomen order met een waarde van 1,95 miljard dollar werd eind december al gegeven door de exportcommissie van de Amerikaanse senaat

Fabrikant Sikorsky leverde recent ook drie van zeven voor de Griekse marine bestemde MH-60R Seahawk helikopters af.

[Harald]

Review of New CH-47F ER Extended Range Transport Helicopter for British Army

The introduction of the Chinook CH-47F Extended Range (ER) into the British armed forces marks a significant enhancement over earlier versions of the CH-47, incorporating numerous advancements that elevate its operational capabilities. The CH-47F ER variant is distinguished by its considerable improvements in performance, capacity, and technology, tailored to meet the complex demands of modern military operations.

.../...

https://www.armyrecognition.com/defense_news_march_2024_global_security_army_industry/review_of_new_ch-47f_er_extended_range_transport_helicopter_for_british_army.html

[Harald]

British Armed Forces to Enhance Heavy-Lift Capability with 14 New Chinook Helicopters

The British Armed Forces is set to strengthen its heavy-lift capacity with the acquisition of 14 new Chinook helicopters. The deal, announced on March 14, 2024, by the British Defence Equipment & Support via Twitter, represents a £151 million investment into the economy, highlighting the UK's commitment to enhancing its defense capabilities and supporting economic growth.

The new Chinook helicopters, known for their extended-range capabilities, are poised to substantially enhance the British Army's operational efficiency, particularly in challenging environments. This acquisition underscores a strategic partnership between the UK and the US, with the renegotiated deal ensuring the British Army remains at the forefront of military technology and capability.

The Chinook is a twin-engine, tandem-rotor heavy-lift helicopter. Its primary roles include troop movement, artillery placement, and battlefield resupply. With the ability to operate in various conditions—from arctic climates to desert landscapes—the Chinook is a versatile asset in the British Army's aviation fleet.

This investment not only augments the British Army's heavy-lift capability but also signifies a significant contribution to the UK economy, with the £151 million deal supporting jobs and technological advancement within the defense sector.

As part of the Royal Air Force's (RAF) strategic assets, the Chinook fleet plays a crucial role in supporting the British Army's operations. Before this new acquisition, the RAF maintained an active inventory of sixty Chinooks as of 2015. To further enhance its capabilities, the UK issued a request to the United States in 2018 to purchase an additional sixteen aircraft, indicating a continued commitment to expanding and updating its fleet.

The Chinook helicopter is produced by Boeing Defense, Space & Security, a division of American Company Boeing. It was developed in the early 1960s to meet the United States Army's need for a heavy-lift transport helicopter. The first model, the CH-47 Chinook, made its initial flight on September 21, 1961. It officially entered into service with the U.S. Army in 1962. Since then, the Chinook has undergone several upgrades and modifications, leading to various versions being developed over the years. It remains one of the heaviest-lifting Western helicopters and is known for its tandem rotor configuration, which provides exceptional lift capabilities and stability.

The Chinook helicopter, renowned for its exceptional versatility and capability, is designed to operate in a wide range of environments, from arctic to jungle. It can be armed and is equipped with self-defense systems to safeguard its operations across diverse battle spaces. Primarily used for troop transport, resupply missions, and battlefield casualty evacuation, the Chinook can carry up to 55 troops or approximately 10 tonnes of cargo, underscoring its significant lift capacity.

Furthermore, the Chinook's secondary roles include search and rescue operations and supporting various specialized tasks, such as Military Aid to the Civil Authorities (MACA) commitments. This highlights the aircraft's utility not just in combat or military logistics, but also in humanitarian and domestic crises.

Operated from RAF Odiham and RAF Benson, the Chinook units—7 Squadron, 18 Squadron, 27 Squadron, and 28 Squadron—form the backbone of the UK's heavy-lift and rapid response capabilities. The addition of these 14 new Chinooks is expected to ensure the RAF and the British Army remain well-equipped to meet the challenges of modern military operations, reinforcing the UK's position as a leading global military power.

https://www.armyrecognition.com/defense_news_march_2024_global_security_army_industry/british_armed_forces_to_enhance_heavy-lift_capability_with_14_new_chinook_helicopters.html

[Harald]

US Awards Bell Textron Contract to Deliver 12 AH-1Z Attack Helicopters to Nigeria

On March 12, 2024, the U.S. Department of Defense announced a significant defense contract awarded to Bell Textron, Inc., based in Fort Worth, Texas, marking a pivotal moment in U.S.-Nigeria military cooperation. The contract, valued at $455 million, is set for the production and delivery of 12 AH-1Z helicopters to the Nigerian government, a move that underscores the growing defense ties between the two nations.

Under the terms of this firm-fixed-price, undefinitized contract, Bell Textron will not only manufacture these state-of-the-art helicopters but will also provide comprehensive support services. These services include associated engineering, program management, logistics support, and non-recurring engineering to address parts obsolescence, ensuring that Nigeria receives not just advanced military hardware but also the expertise to maintain and operate the fleet effectively.

The AH-1Z helicopter, known for its advanced attack capabilities, represents a significant upgrade for the Nigerian military, enhancing its ability to conduct various missions ranging from air support to anti-armor operations. This acquisition is a clear indication of Nigeria's efforts to modernize its military capabilities amid growing security challenges within its borders and in the broader West African region.

The AH-1Z Viper is a modern American attack helicopter that represents the pinnacle of rotary-winged military technology, designed and produced by Bell Helicopter Textron. It is the latest variant in the long-standing AH-1 Cobra family, which has served various armed forces around the globe since the 1960s. The AH-1Z Viper was developed to meet the operational needs of the United States Marine Corps, featuring state-of-the-art avionics, weapons systems, and improved performance capabilities. This twin-engine helicopter is designed for advanced attack missions and is equipped with a wide range of weaponry, including Hellfire missiles, a 20 mm cannon, and Hydra 70 rocket pods. Its capabilities are further enhanced by cutting-edge targeting systems and sensors, allowing for precision strikes in multiple combat environments.

The AH-1Z's design focuses on survivability, agility, and lethality. It incorporates advanced flight characteristics and aerodynamics, enabling it to operate in the most demanding conditions, including maritime environments. The Viper's composite materials and robust electronic warfare systems contribute to its stealth and durability on the battlefield. Its integration with the UH-1Y Venom utility helicopter allows for greater operational flexibility and efficiency, creating a formidable air-ground task force capable of executing a wide range of military operations.

The contract specifies that the work will be primarily carried out in Fort Worth, Texas, with 80% of the activities slated for this location. The remaining 20% will take place in Amarillo, Texas. The project is expected to reach completion in July 2028, signaling a long-term commitment from both Bell Textron and the U.S. government in supporting Nigeria's military advancements.

This deal not only strengthens the strategic partnership between the United States and Nigeria but also supports the U.S. defense industry, securing jobs and fostering technological innovation within the sector. As the project progresses towards its completion date in 2028, it will be closely watched by defense analysts and policymakers alike, keen to assess its impact on the regional security landscape and bilateral relations.

https://www.armyrecognition.com/defense_news_march_2024_global_security_army_industry/us_awards_bell_textron_contract_to_deliver_12_ah-1z_attack_helicopters_to_nigeria.html

[Harald]

Bell and Leonardo eye NATO's Next Generation Rotorcraft Capability concept award

NGRC requirements mainly cover a future medium lift helicopter that costs no more than €35 million ($38.2 million) per aircraft and provisionally planned to enter service between 2035 and 2040.

Bell and Leonardo hope to jointly begin concept study work on a future tiltrotor aircraft in the next four months as part of NATO's Next Generation Rotorcraft Capability (NGRC) program.

The American and Italian manufacturers agreed to collaborate on tiltrotor technology "opportunities" last month as part of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), and are currently in the process of responding to a NGRC Request for Proposal (RFP).

"Should Bell and Leonardo be awarded one of the up to three contracts" on offer, "work on a concept study could begin as early as July," a Bell spokesperson told Breaking Defense in a statement.

"Leonardo's work on the AW609 [civil tiltrotor] and its Next Generation Civilian Tilt Rotor (NGCTR) initiative and Bell's long-standing work with tiltrotor technology will factor into the work for NGRC," added the spokesperson. "Leonardo will take the lead on a tiltrotor architecture proposal with Bell in support."

Bell previously partnered with AgustaWestland, since rebranded as Leonardo, on the BA609 tiltrotor program, before leaving the joint venture in 2011. The Italian firm has gone on to develop the AW609 independently.

.../...

https://breakingdefense.com/2024/03/bell-and-leonardo-eye-natos-next-generation-rotorcraft-capability-concept-award/

[Sparkplug]

IMH 2024: UK launches much-delayed second half of NMH procurement process

27 February 2024

by Gareth Jennings


The UK government has formally launched the second half of the NMH procurement process to replace the Puma HC2, with the release to industry of the invitation to negotiate on 27 February. (Janes/Patrick Allen)

The UK government has launched the second half of its New Medium Helicopter (NMH) programme to replace the Airbus SA 330E Puma HC2 in military service.

Speaking at the IQPC International Military Helicopter (IMH) 2024 conference held in London from 27 to 29 February, Minister of State for Defence Procurement at the Ministry of Defence (MoD) James Cartlidge formally kick-started the invitation to negotiate (ITN) phase of the procurement process after several months of delay, saying on 27 February that this would now be released to the competing contenders.

News of the release of the ITN to the industrial bidders came days after Cartlidge told the House of Commons on 13 February that "positive progress" was being made in the NMH effort to replace the Puma HC2s with up to 44 new rotorcraft, and that final cross-government approval was anticipated imminently.

Valued at approximately GBP1–1.2 billion (USD1.26–1.51 billion), the NMH is being contested by the Airbus H175M (for which Airbus has aligned with Boeing as a training partner), the Leonardo AW149, and the Sikorsky S-70M Black Hawk helicopters. While the programme was also supposed to replace Bell 212, Bell 412, and Airbus Dauphin helicopters, the first two types will now be superseded by the Airbus H145, with a contract for six helicopters announced in November 2023. The Dauphins are expected to continue in service for the foreseeable future.

.../...

https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/imh-2024-uk-launches-much-delayed-second-half-of-nmh-procurement-process

[Harald]

Video toont details van de nieuwe AW-249 Fenice aanvalshelikopter

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https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x8tct4k

Uitgerust met twee GE Aerospace CT7-motoren, elk met 2.500 pk (1.860 kW), gebruikt de AW249 ook de dynamische componenten van het AW149-model.

Ontworpen om de huidige vloot van AW129D Mangusta aanvalshelikopters van het Italiaanse leger te vervangen, wordt verwacht dat de AW249 vanaf 2025 in dienst zal treden.

Een initiële ontwikkelingscontract voor vijf eenheden werd in 2017 ondertekend, maar de Italiaanse regering ziet een potentiële behoefte aan 48 helikopters.

De hoofd van de luchtvaart van het Italiaanse leger onthulde dat de AW249 Fenice genoemd zal worden – of Phoenix in het Engels.