Category: Police (Page 1 of 2)

French Ministry of Interior orders 42 Airbus H145 helicopters

January 24, 2024 / WIL BALDWIN

Marignane, France, January 24, 2023 – The French Armament General Directorate (DGA) ordered 42 new Airbus Group SE (Paris: AIR) H145 helicopters at the end of 2023, on behalf of the Ministry of Interior, with deliveries set to start in 2024. Of these 42 helicopters, 36 are destined for the French rescue and emergency response agency, Securite Civile, while the French law enforcement agency, Gendarmerie Nationale, will use six. The contract includes an option for a further 22 H145’s for the Gendarmerie Nationale and a range of support and service solutions from training to spare parts, as well as a complete initial support package for the aircraft.

The Securite Civile currently operates four five-bladed H145’s that were ordered in 2020 and 2021. The 36 H145’s will progressively replace the 33 EC145’s currently in operation for rescue and air medical transport services throughout France.

The six H145’s will initiate the renewal of the Gendarmerie’s fleet, composed of Ecureuils, EC135’s and EC145’s. They will be equipped with an electro-optical system and a mission computer to perform the most demanding law enforcement missions.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release may contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including expected delivery dates. Such statements are based on current expectations and projections about our future results, prospects and opportunities and are not guarantees of future performance. Such statements will not be updated unless required by law. Actual results and performance may differ materially from those expressed or forecasted in forward-looking statements due to a number of factors, including those discussed in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

MD Helicopters announce record orders for 2023

January 18, 2024 / WIL BALDWIN

Mesa, Arizona, January, 2024 – MD Helicopters, LLC (MDH) proudly announces record orders for the fiscal year 2023. The company experienced an increase in demand, resulting in the highest number of annual orders since 2008. MD Helicopters credits this accomplishment to its renewed commitment to customer satisfaction, enhancing aftermarket services, and striving for excellence in both the military and commercial sectors. The company’s focus and unwavering dedication to providing top-tier products and services have resonated with customers worldwide and across various markets, resulting in the substantial growth observed in 2023.

Among the key contributing factors to this success are significantly improving customer support, increased investment in direct communications with customers, enhancing manufacturing efficiencies, ensuring in-stock spares availability, and maintaining healthy supplier relationships. This strategic approach has not only strengthened MDH’s market position but has solidified its reputation as a rotorcraft industry leader.

In addition to the Nigerian Federal Government (12 aircraft) announced earlier this year, recent commercial transactions involved MD 530Fs designated for multi-use missions. These additions include VIP aircraft sales, featuring an expansion to the Clemens Aviation fleet, procurement by the United States Department of Agriculture for agricultural missions, and fulfilling various utility needs, such as those of WCF Aerospace, representing Skydance Helicopters that specializes in power and utility services, amongst others. MDH is actively pursuing a well-rounded approach, emphasizing both military and commercial sales and showcasing the positive impacts of the company’s recent changes.

Bell announces delivery of third 429 to Swiss helicopter rescue company Air Zermatt

December 1, 2023 / WIL BALDWIN

Madrid, Spain – Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, announced at European Rotors 2023, the delivery of its third Bell 429 to Swiss-based helicopter rescue company, Air Zermatt.

With its 75-person medical personnel and flight crew, Air Zermatt provides transport, tourist flights, and rescue operations in the Swiss Alps and surrounding communities. Each year, Air Zermatt carries out around 2,000 rescue missions, the majority of which are with the Bell 429.

In addition to the delivery of their Bell 429, Air Zermatt has opted to add their entire Bell 429 fleet under Bell’s Customer Advantage Plan (CAP) that protects direct maintenance costs and aircraft value over time and helps to keep aircraft in service longer.

Forward-Looking Statements

Lithuanian State Border Guard Service orders three Airbus H145 helicopters

November 29, 2023 / WIL BALDWIN

Madrid, Spain -Airbus Group SE (Paris: AIR) Helicopters and the Lithuanian State Border Guard Service have announced a contract for three five-bladed H145 multi-mission helicopters at the 2023 European Rotors trade show, expanding the service’s fleet. These three additional H145’s bring the total number of Airbus helicopters in service with the Lithuanian government to eleven, further strengthening Airbus Helicopters’ position in this mission segment. The helicopters will be operated for a wide range of missions including search and rescue, disaster relief and medevac, border patrol, firefighting, transport of donor organs, and operational deployment of the Lithuanian Special Forces.

The new version of Airbus’ best-selling H145 adds a new, innovative five-bladed rotor to the multi-mission H145, increasing the useful load of the helicopter by 150 kg. The simplicity of the new bearingless main rotor design will also ease maintenance operations, further improving the benchmark serviceability and reliability of the H145, while improving ride comfort for both passengers and crew.

In total, there are more than 1,650 H145 family helicopters in service, logging a total of more than 7.5 million flight hours. Powered by two Safran Arriel 2E engines, the H145 is equipped with full authority digital engine control (FADEC) and the Helionix digital avionics suite. It includes a high performance 4-axis autopilot, increasing safety and reducing pilot workload. Its particularly low acoustic footprint makes the H145 the quietest helicopter in its class, while its CO2 emissions are the lowest amongst its competitors.

Forward-Looking Statements

Leonardo AW169 capabilities to grow with increased Gross Weight and 11 seat configuration

October 30, 2023 / WIL BALDWIN

Rome, Italy, October 30, 2023 – The Leonardo S.p.A. (OTC: FINMY) AW169 light intermediate twin engine helicopter’s operational capabilities and range of options will grow further with the launch of a 5,100 kg (11,243 lb) IGW kit and an 11-seater configuration fully compliant with the IOGP (International Association of Oil & Gas Producers) Report 690. Both will be made available for the aircraft version with skid landing gear.

Compared to the standard 4,800 kg (10582 lb) Maximum Take-off Weight, the extra 300 kg (661 lb) available with the 5,100 kg IGW kit allows the embarkation of three more passengers or the addition of fuel for approximately one hour of operations. Existing operators of the type’s version with skids will be able to retrofit the 5,100 kg IGW kit to enhance their aircraft’s capabilities.

As an additional option, the 11-seater configuration, fully compliant with the IOGP Report 690 (Offshore Helicopter Recommended Practices), will introduce a new modular fuel tank system and two additional Type IV emergency exits in the cabin, increasing the total number from four to six. The 11 seats configuration will be available for the skid-fitted version in combination with the 5,100 kg IGW kit. This solution will allow the type to satisfy even more demanding offshore transport requirements in terms of payload, range, and compliance with IOGP latest standards.

This configuration will allow a radius of action of up to 75 nm with 11 passengers, therefore offering capabilities typically achievable with types with a MTOW exceeding 5.5 tons (intermediate class) at a light intermediate class cost of operations as well as granting latest safety standards compared with legacy helicopters. It will also deliver greater sustainability versus ageing types in the relevant weight category thanks to a more efficient powerplant, advanced navigation, modern support and maintenance approach, among other solutions. The Certification of the IGW increase is expected in 2024 while the 11-seater configuration with new modular fuel tank is planned for certification in 2026.

These latest operational capabilities will add to the EASA (European Aviation Safety Agency) certifications of the skid undercarriage and unique IFR, single pilot, Advanced Search and Rescue (SAR) Modes, both achieved in late 2022. With the skid configuration certification, the AW169 became the only modern CS29-certified aircraft able to offer all undercarriage solutions, further demonstrating the versatility by design of the type. The AW169 is also the only helicopter in its weight category that features Advanced SAR Modes. The performance increase packages previously developed had already enhanced engine performance and capabilities, transmission ratings and available payload through engine software updates and aircraft aerodynamics modifications, making the type the helicopter with the best power-to-weight ratio in its class.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including expected delivery dates. Such statements are based on current expectations and projections about our future results, prospects and opportunities and are not guarantees of future performance. Such statements will not be updated unless required by law. Actual results and performance may differ materially from those expressed or forecasted in forward-looking statements due to a number of factors, including those discussed in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Mt. Hutt Aviation and 369 Ltd partner to become latest MD helicopters authorized service center

July 15, 2023 / WIL BALDWIN

MESA, Arizona, July 14, 2023 – MD Helicopters, LLC, is pleased to announce that Mt Hutt Aviation and 369 Ltd have teamed together to join MDH’s network of Authorized Service Centers (ASC). Together these organizations will increase the level of service and support to MDH aircraft in New Zealand and the surrounding Australasia region. Currently their combined maintenance services include over 40% of the MDH aircraft operating in this region.

With a combined 50+ years of experience maintaining helicopters between each organization, MHA and 369 capabilities include maintenance, avionics, refurbishment, and specialty paint services.

About Mt Hutt Aviation

Established in 2013, Mt Hutt Aviation delivers fleet management support and maintenance between two purpose-built facilities in Canterbury. In addition to maintenance capabilities, MHA offers 24/7 support on time-critical projects as well as on-site engineering and avionics services.

About 369 Ltd

Based in Tauranga in the North Island, 369 is a family operated business with decades of experience working exclusively with the MDH airframe. Their services include maintenance and repair on the full line of civilian single-engine MD Helicopters models.

About MD Helicopters

MD Helicopters, LLC (MDH) manufactures high-performance rotorcraft solutions that support operators flying military, commercial, law enforcement, utility, and VIP mission profiles. With thousands of aircraft in service worldwide, MDH has been designing and building aircraft known for their safety, versatility, responsiveness, speed, and reliability since 1947. Our commitment to product sustainment and customer success allows MDH to deliver aircraft unmatched in their performance and reliability. MD Helicopters, LLC is owned by an investment consortium comprised of MBIA Insurance, Bardin Hill Investment Partners LP, and MB Global Partners.

Spanish Ministry of Defense Signs Deal for 36 Airbus H135 Helicopters

December 27, 2021 / WIL BALDWIN

Marignane, France – The Spanish Ministries of Defense and Interior have ordered 36 Airbus (OTC: EADSY) H135 helicopters. This signature takes place in the context of the stimulus plan activated by the Spanish government to support the industry. The Ministry of Defence will receive 18 helicopters to be operated by the air force and the navy while the Ministry of Interior will also take delivery of 18 helicopters to be operated by the National Police and the Guardia Civil. The deliveries will start next year.

The Spanish Army already operates a fleet of 16 H135 helicopters. With this acquisition, these will be the Spanish Air Force’s first H135’s and the Spanish Navy’s first Airbus Helicopters product. As was the case for the H135’s acquired some time ago by the army, the new aircraft for the air force and navy will replace older helicopter models currently used for advanced pilot training. The standardisation of training fleets across the three armed forces will create synergies and lead to the implementation of new and more efficient training and support activities.

The Ministry of Interior currently has a fleet of 31 helicopters from the H135 family in operation with the National Police, the Guardia Civil, and Tráfico. The new helicopters will enable the Policía and Guardia Civil to replace the BO105 helicopters in a wide range of missions including law enforcement, surveillance, and rescue activities.

Bavaria Orders 8 Five-Bladed Airbus H145 Helicopters for Police Force

December 16, 2021 / WIL BALDWIN

Donauwörth, Germany December 2021 – The Ministry of Interior of Bavaria has ordered eight five-bladed Airbus (OTC: EADSY) H145 helicopter’s for its police force, following a European tender launched earlier this year. The aircraft will replace the state’s current H135 fleet and will be operated by the two bases of the Bavarian helicopters squadron at the airport in Munich and in Roth, close to Nuremberg. The first delivery is planned for 2023.

The new version of Airbus’ best-selling H145 light twin-engine helicopter was unveiled at Heli-Expo 2019 in Atlanta. This latest upgrade adds a new, innovative five-bladed rotor to the multi-mission H145, increasing the useful load of the helicopter by 150 kg. The simplicity of the new bearingless main rotor design will also ease maintenance operations, further improving the benchmark serviceability and reliability of the H145, while improving ride comfort for both passengers and crew.

In total, there are more than 1,500 H145 family helicopters in service, logging a total of more than six million flight hours. Powered by two Safran Arriel 2E engines, the H145 is equipped with full authority digital engine control (FADEC) and the Helionix digital avionics suite. It includes a high performance 4-axis autopilot, increasing safety and reducing pilot workload. Its particularly low acoustic footprint makes the H145 the quietest helicopter in its class.

Phoenix Police Department to Upgrade Fleet with New Airbus H125 Helicopters

September 16, 2021 / WIL BALDWIN

Grand Prairie, Texas, 16 September 2021 – The Phoenix Police Department has signed a new order to upgrade its airborne law enforcement helicopter fleet with five new H125 helicopters. Deliveries are expected to begin next year.

Known for its power, versatility and excellent performance in hot and high conditions, the H125 features dual hydraulics, dual channel FADEC, a crash resistant fuel system, and advanced glass-panel cockpit displays. The H125 accounts for nearly half of all intermediate single engine helicopters delivered for airborne law enforcement missions in North America over the last decade. It is built at Airbus Helicopters, Inc.’s production and completion facility in Columbus, Mississippi, by a team made up of 40% U.S. veterans.

Airbus Helicopters Inc. is the leading supplier of helicopters in the United States, with a presence dating back more than 50 years. A team of more than 700 employees operates local production and completion facilities for the H125 and UH-72 Lakota aircraft in Columbus, Mississippi, and provides world-class training, aftermarket support, and technical assistance from Grand Prairie, Texas, for the North American regional in-service fleet of nearly 3,100 helicopters.

Outrage Grows as Ryanair plane Hijacked by Belarus to Arrest Dissident Journalist – BBC

May 25, 2021 / WIL BALDWIN

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