EH101 vs NH90, Who's the KING?

Both are new. Both are advanced. Both are excellent. But who is better?

Iama

"OWEGO, N.Y. --- Team US101 has demonstrated through its risk reduction activities over the past several months that it can deliver enhanced capabilities for the Presidential Helicopter Replacement Program four years ahead of schedule.
"We have a proven, battle-tested aircraft, ready to be the new Oval Office in the Sky," said Stephen D. Ramsey, Lockheed Martin's US101 vice president and general manager. "Our off-the-shelf aircraft allows Team US101 to deliver a product -- not a promise -- compared to the competitor's 'development' program."
United Technologies' Sikorsky Aircraft now admits that it is proposing a "development" program with an entirely new airframe design and engines that have not yet been fully tested.
"Redesigning an airframe and developing new engines introduces significant schedule, cost and technical risk and raises questions about the competitor's ability to deliver helicopters when the White House needs them," Ramsey asserted.
As an example of program requirements already attained, Team US101 demonstrated the final production FAA-certified 2,500 shaft horsepower GE engines on the 101 helicopter in October, Ramsey explained.
In November, Team US101 also successfully demonstrated the Oval Office in the Sky capabilities, including secure and non-secure communications. During this demonstration, all systems operated flawlessly. Other requirements that have been attained years ahead of schedule include navigation, radar and mission planning systems.
Another capability already achieved includes an operational folding tail that facilitates airborne transportation. In contrast, the competitor has not yet developed a folding tail for its aircraft. The 101 helicopter has been successfully loaded, flown and unloaded from the C-17 transport.
The US101's larger cabin also accommodates wider seats and a wider aisle to provide a more productive work environment. And the proven platform meets vibration, stability and acoustic goals as well.
"Our President deserves the safety and security that only a proven helicopter can provide," said Ramsey. "The US101 is mission proven and ready now while our competitor is asking American taxpayers to pay to redesign a commercial helicopter with only a single operational customer into a military helicopter for the Commander-in-Chief."
Team US101 is led by Lockheed Martin Systems Integration - Owego, which serves as the prime contractor and systems integrator for the American-built US101 aircraft, an American variant of AgustaWestland's successful EH101 multimission helicopter. The US101 team collectively brings unmatched rotorcraft expertise and experience to this program: Lockheed Martin (prime contractor and systems integration), AgustaWestland (aircraft design) and Bell Helicopter (aircraft production), while General Electric will supply each helicopter's three CT7-8E engines."
Source: Lockheed Martin

For the Presidential Helicopter Replacement Program, Lockheed Martin, propose american version of the EH-101, under the US-101 designation. If i understand better, may be another competitor - Sikorsky with H-92, a derivate from H-60 BlackHawk. Or, not, if my english was not enough to understand well.
Marines ONE is the Presidential Helicopter? Because:

"Sikorsky has assembled six US-based companies on the All American Team to provide the H-92 for presidential service. All seven companies have presidential flight mission experience either with Marine One or Air Force One. This means that the All American Team already has personnel with the high level government security clearances required to work on presidential aircraft."

Source: Sikorsky

Iama

Turkey Signs for Head-of-State Sikorsky S-92!

STRATFORD, Conn. --- The Turkish government has signed a contract for a Sikorsky S-92 helicopter to serve head-of-state missions.

Turkey joins Turkmenistan in selecting the S-92 as its head-of-state helicopter. Turkmenistan is buying two aircraft. To date, Sikorsky has orders, including options, for more than 60 S-92 helicopters, making it the most successful commercial launch in the company's history.

Sikorsky has been contracted by the Government of Canada to provide 28 military H-92 derivatives. The S-92 is also becoming popular candidate for head-of-state aircraft, with a version of the H-92 under consideration for the next-generation helicopter to serve the White House mission.

"This further solidifies Turkey's relationship with our company," said Joseph Gigantelli, regional vice president for Sikorsky. "We are pleased with the confidence Turkey has shown in our products." Turkey operates S-70 Black Hawk and Seahawk helicopters.

The S-92 provides unprecedented levels of safety and reliability, including Enhanced Ground Proximity Warning Systems (EGPWS) in all civil aircraft configurations.

It is the first and remains the only helicopter in the world certified by the FAA to FAR Part 29 Transport Rotorcraft, Amendment 47, the latest U.S. safety regulations. The Joint Aviation Requirements (JAR) are the European counterpart of the USA-based FAR, with similar safety regulations.

The type certification and safety capabilities place the S-92 firmly ahead of other medium helicopters in the marketplace.

Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, based in Stratford, Conn., is a world leader in helicopter design, manufacturing and service. Sikorsky is a subsidiary of United Technologies Corporation, of Hartford, Conn.

Sikorsky Aircraft Corp

Iama

First EH101 Merlin Handed Over to the Portuguese Air Force

"In a ceremony today at AgustaWestland’s Vergiate facility, the first of twelve AgustaWestland EH101 Merlin helicopters was handed over to Mr. Paulo Portas, Defence Minister of Portugal, by Giuseppe Orsi, CEO of AgustaWestland.

The Portuguese Government decided to procure 12 EH101’s for Search and Rescue, Combat SAR role and fishery protection in December. The selection followed the announcement by Denmark of its decision to purchase 14 EH101’s for SAR and Utility roles. The selection of the EH101 comes in both cases at the end of a thorough and extensive evaluation and as a result of flight evaluation of the EH101 against the Sikorsky S-92.
The comprehensive range of tests carried out by the Evaluation Committees demonstrated the unrivalled capability of the EH101, and its ability to carry out the most demanding of SAR requirements. This achievement underlines the superior ability of the EH101 to satisfy the extremely demanding requirements of Combat SAR missions as well as its already well-proven performance in the maritime, transport/utility and SAR roles.
As part of the Portuguese contract, AgustaWestland has built a series of partnerships with Portuguese Industry, in both aerospace and non-aerospace sectors, to satisfy Portuguese Government Industrial compensation and collaboration requirements. "

Agusta Westland

Iama

Edit: Ruy, can post a picture with this helicopter under the colours of Portugal?

This post has been edited by Iamandi on December 27, 2004 12:27 pm

EH101 HEAT Programme Reaches Major Milestone


Source: Agusta Westland;


"YEOVIL, England --- John Howarth, Merlin Programme Manager and Deputy Team Leader at the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD), today officially switched on the EH101 Helicopter Electro-Mechanical Actuation Technology (HEAT) Integration Rig at AgustaWestland’s Yeovil facility in the UK.

The event marked a major milestone in the development of this technology, which will lead to a flying demonstration programme on a Royal Navy EH101 Merlin helicopter.

The HEAT system provides, for the first time on a helicopter, an all-electric primary flight control system including electro-mechanical actuators. It also enables the primary and secondary hydraulic systems, accessory gearbox and much of the mechanical flight control system to be deleted from the helicopter, thereby simplifying the aircraft configuration. The benefits of the system include reduced weight and cost of ownership while increasing reliability, survivability and safety.

HEAT will also facilitate embodiment of Advanced Control Technology capabilities, including use of active side-stick controllers, and represents a major step towards an “all-electric” rotorcraft.

At the rig switch-on, John Howarth said “This is a good example of industrial partners and the MoD working together to develop and demonstrate a world-leading technology to advance the capability of existing and future rotorcraft.”

Adrian Board, Engineering Director, Westland Helicopters, went on to say “The EH101 will be the first helicopter to demonstrate and put into service this technology, maintaining it as the most advanced helicopter in its class. The use of electrical actuators in-place of hydraulic actuators in a helicopter flight control system is the next major technological step for fly-by-wire systems on helicopters and AgustaWestland is leading the way.”

The HEAT system is being developed by an industrial consortium comprising AgustaWestland, BAE Systems and Claverham Ltd in partnership with the UK MoD Merlin Integrated Project Team. AgustaWestland are responsible for carrying out the overall definition, design, testing and integration of the HEAT system on the EH101 helicopter, while BAE Systems are responsible for providing the fly-by-wire system and Claverham, a division of Hamilton Sunstrand, the electrical actuators.

The key technology challenge associated with the project is electro-mechanical actuation, now made possible by the use of powerful DC brushless motors, high speed motor control and a quadruplex fly-by-wire primary flight control system. The application of a novel, flight-critical, technology in this challenging project demands particularly rigorous design and qualification processes. The system Integration Rig will undertake an extensive qualification and test programme of the HEAT system prior to it commencing its flight test programme.

The integration rig replicates an existing EH101 in order to fully validate and verify the HEAT system. The rig can be ‘flown’ from a replica cockpit, powered by a representative electrical & generation system and loaded to replicate flight loads based on flight test data.

AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, is one of the largest helicopter companies in the world. The company offers an unrivaled range of helicopters to satisfy the requirements of civil and military customers. AgustaWestland has its primary operations in Cascina Costa, Italy, and Yeovil, United Kingdom. AgustaWestland has two subsidiaries in the USA: AgustaWestland Inc located in Arlington, Virginia and Agusta Aerospace Corporation located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where helicopters are assembled and customized for the US market. "

Iama

German Government Signs 488 Million euro Private Finance Initiative Program for NH90 Helicopter Training


Source: HFTS Consortium


" KOBLENZ, Germany --- The German government has approved a major private finance initiative (PFI) program for the German Armed Forces by awarding a contract to Helicopter Flight Training Services GmbH (HFTS) to provide NH90 helicopter training in industry-owned training centres. HFTS, based in Hallbergmoos, Germany, was founded by an industrial consortium consisting of CAE, Eurocopter, Rheinmetall Defence Electronics and Thales, each owning a 25 percent share. The industry consortium will design, build, and operate three NH90 training centres.

The contract is valued at a total of (euro) 488 million. An initial phase, which will begin this month, covers the design, development and manufacturing of four NH90 full-mission simulators and three training centres located in Buckeburg, Fassberg and Holzdorf. This will be followed by a 14.5- year operational phase beginning in mid-2008 once the first training centre is 'ready for training' and extending through 2022. During the operational phase, HFTS will deliver turnkey training services to NH90 aircrews and the German government will pay an hourly rate.

This PFI program for simulator-based pilot training will ensure the German Armed Forces the quickest and most cost-effective availability of training for the NH90 helicopter, which the German Army begins receiving in 2005. The NH90 is the largest helicopter program ever launched in Europe. Program partners are France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and Portugal. In addition, Finland, Sweden, Norway, Greece, Oman and Australia have chosen the NH90. The training centres developed for Germany will be the first for the NH90 and will give HFTS the ability to market training services to the other nations procuring the NH90 helicopter.

Through the PFI program, the German Armed Forces will save operating and finance costs by eliminating the need for procurement and ongoing maintenance of an expensive infrastructure. The German Ministry of Defence will pay for a turnkey training service, since the responsibility for delivering the service and all the necessary equipment supporting the service lies with HFTS. Simulator-based training has been proven efficient by the German Armed Forces for basic and recurrent training. Germany will be able to reduce the number of flight hours on the actual NH90 helicopter, thus providing significant savings while reducing wear and tear as well as better protecting the environment.

Dr. Arnd Helmetag, managing director of HFTS GmbH, stated: "The decision by the German government to proceed with privately financed training for the NH90 is consistent with the trend for governments to consider this approach for military training requirements. The services provided by HFTS also fit perfectly to the requirements of other NH90 customers and will serve as a launch project for further NH90 training programs worldwide. First discussions with potential customers have already started."

CAE's share of the project

As a 25 percent owner of HFTS GmbH, CAE's share of the revenue will be (euro) 122 million during the 14.5-year operational phase of the program, which begins in mid-2008 and extends through 2022. CAE will recognize additional revenues of approximately (euro) 30 million through subcontracts to be executed between now and mid-2008 for the design, manufacture and delivery of NH90 training systems.

CAE and Thales have partnered to form NH Training Systems (NHTS) GmbH to serve as the prime contractor and design authority for producing the NH90 training systems.

"The overall NH90 program is one of the largest and most important helicopter programs in the world and CAE is excited to be at the forefront of developing the first training systems for this helicopter," said Donald W. Campbell, group president, military simulation and training, CAE. "Our NHTS partnership with Thales will serve as the vehicle for addressing many other NH90 training opportunities in Europe and around the world. This puts us in a strong position to win future NH90 training programs."

CAE is a leading provider of simulation and modeling technologies and integrated training services for commercial and business aviation, and defence customers worldwide. The company has annual revenues of approximately C$1 billion, with operations and training facilities in 17 countries on five continents.

Eurocopter is a wholly-owned subsidiary of EADS and world market leader in the helicopter industry with a market share of 45% and a turnover of (euro) 2.6 billion in 2003. More than 9,100 Eurocopter helicopters are in service with approx. 2,300 customers in 134 countries.

A subsidiary of Dusseldorf-based Rheinmetall DeTec AG, Rheinmetall Defence Electronics GmbH is among the world's foremost suppliers of defence electronics technology. In the market for simulation systems, the Company supplies a complete line-up for the army, navy, and air force, as well as for non-military requirements worldwide.

With global revenues of (euro) 10.6 billion, and 61,500 people, Thales is an international electronics and systems group, serving defence, aerospace, services, and security markets. Thales is leading services provider, with a tailored approach, for defense, civil administration, finance, and enterprise. Through the services division, Thales is a global leader in simulation, modelling, and training, for civil and military markets. "


Iama

Hello Iama,

Here's one shot of a brand new Portuguese SAR EH 101, taken before the official delivery of the helicopter, which took place in late December. This and other photos can be found at the Portuguese Air Force website.
Amazing machine, but veeeeery expensive. Some important components will be manufactured at O.G.M.A.
Ruy

Attached Image

Sorry, forgot to add the link: http://www.emfa.pt/
You can also find a video of the official delivery ceremony, which occurred at Vergiate on late 21 December, just upon opening the site. Here's a shortcut for the video http://www.emfa.pt/destaques/eh101/eh101.htm and some photos taken in Italy, like the one below (I must say that the Portuguese scheme is the most colourful of all military EH 101 I've seen - the Danish and R.A.F. machines look too drab... ):

Attached Image

Thank you Ruy! It is a beautifull helicopter, and had a nice colour scheme.

Now, another press release. Upper, i posted messages with helicopter in VIP/Presidential configuration, and one of them was S-92. I have some other news related to this helo:

Qatar’s Gulf Helicopter Selects S-92 for VVIP Mission


Source: Sikorsky Aircraft Corp.


" STRATFORD, Conn. --- Gulf Helicopters of Doha, Qatar has signed a contract to purchase an S-92 aircraft to serve VVIP missions. Delivery is scheduled for 2006.

"We are excited to add Gulf Helicopters to the growing list of S-92 customers across the world," said Joseph Gigantelli, Regional Vice President for Sikorsky.

Previously, Turkey and Turkmenistan selected the S-92 for head-of-state missions. Turkey has contracted for one and Turkmenistan for two S-92s.

In November 2004 Canada signed a contract to purchase 28 H-92s, the military variant of the S-92, for its Maritime Helicopter Program. The H-92 is also under consideration as the next helicopter for the President of the United States. Sikorsky has 89 orders to date, including options, for the S-92 and H-92.

The S-92 was the first helicopter in the world certified by the FAA to FAR Part 29 Transport Rotorcraft, Amendment 47, the latest US safety regulations, as well as the equivalent European Aviation Safety Agency/Joint Aviation Authorities (EASA/JAA) standards.

Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, based in Stratford, Conn., is a world leader in helicopter design, manufacturing and service. Sikorsky is a subsidiary of United Technologies Corporation, of Hartford, Conn., which provides a broad range of high-technology products and support services to the aerospace and building systems industries. "


Iama

Lockheed Martin to Build New Presidential Helicopter


Source: US Department of the Navy


" WASHINGTON --- The Department of Defense announced Jan. 28 that the team led by Lockheed Martin Systems Integration, Oswego, N.Y., has been selected to build the new Presidential helicopter (VXX) based on its U.S. 101 medium lift helicopter.

This $1.7 billion, cost plus award fee contract will launch the VXX program’s system development and demonstration phase, during which the program will integrate a “system of systems” with a modern, in-production aircraft to provide the President with safe and reliable helicopter transportation.

“Today’s announcement is a significant milestone that caps an exhaustive and deliberative source selection process that carefully followed the Federal Acquisition Regulations,” said John Young, Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Research, Development and Acquisition. “The determined effort, long hours and hard work by both the VXX Government team and the two industry teams, will ensure a high level of quality and safety for future presidents, as well as a timely, efficient and effective program execution.”

“This decision truly reflects the best value and capability for the American taxpayer who is funding it, the Marines who will operate it and the future Presidents who will fly in it,” Young added.

The fleet of helicopters (VH-3 and VH-60) that currently supports the Presidential mission includes 30-year old aircraft that were designed in the 1960s, fielded in the 1970s and no longer have the growth capability to incorporate the equipment necessary to provide suitable Presidential support in the post 9-11 environment.

“Under this replacement program, with its technology and performance improvements, a single platform will provide better savings in total ownership costs, engineering, maintenance and logistical support over the lifetime of the program,” Young said. “The president needs a more survivable helicopter while the nation engages in the global war on terrorism, and we are committed to providing it as soon as possible.”

The original Presidential Helicopter Replacement Program of record proposed an Initial Operating Capability (IOC) in 2013. The VXX program was accelerated in 2003 with a currently planned IOC in FY09. "





Pentagon Contract Announcement


Source: US Department of Defense


"Lockheed Martin Systems Integration, Owego, N.Y., is being awarded a cost-plus-award-fee contract with a total estimated value of $1,788,697,873 for the system development and demonstration of the Presidential helicopter replacement (VXX).

The SDD phase will consist of engineering design and integration activities for the various communications, navigation, and mission systems required for the Presidential Helicopter support mission.

It also includes a comprehensive test and evaluation program, as well as production of the five aircraft that will introduce the initial operational capability in fiscal year 2009.

Work will be performed in Owego, N.Y. (31 percent); Amarillo, Texas (27 percent); Yeovil, United Kingdom (21 percent); Agusta, Cascina Costa, Italy (15 percent); Lynn, Mass (3 percent); Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif. (1 percent); Grand Rapids, Mich. (1 percent); and Denton, Texas (1 percent), and is expected to be completed in September 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured by a request for proposals; two firms were solicited and two offers were received.

The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity (N00019-05-C-0030).


Iama

AVIO Engine to Power Marine One Helicopters


Source: Avio Group


"The Italian company produces 40% of the engine for the Agusta Westland helicopter

Avio is responsible for a 40% share of the engine powering the US101, the Agusta Westland helicopter that has been selected for use by the President of the United States. The US101 will be a higher-power version of the EH101 helicopter.

The presidential helicopter is a three-engine model using a more powerful version of the CT7-8 engine, referred to as CT78-E, developed and produced jointly by Avio S.p.A. and General Electric Aircraft Engines (GE).

Avio manufactures the accessory gearbox and part of the low-pressure turbine at its plants in Rivalta di Torino, Pomigliano d’Arco and Acerra (Naples).

To Avio this contract is worth over 20 million dollars. "


Iama

Bell Helicopter Part of Winning Team to Build U.S. Presidential Helicopters - Team US101 Selected to Provide New Aircraft for Marine One Fleet


Source: Textron Inc.


"PROVIDENCE, R.I. --- Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company, today announced that it will build new helicopters for the President of the United States' Marine One fleet, as part of Lockheed-led "Team US101" which was recently awarded the contract in a competition led by the U.S. Navy. The current contract schedule calls for 23 US101 medium-lift helicopters to replace the aging Presidential fleet, with expected deliveries to the Marine One squadron commencing in 2009 with a 2014 completion.

"This is a great win for Team US101 -- and a very proud moment for Bell Helicopter," said Textron Chairman, President and CEO, Lewis B. Campbell. "This truly validates the strength of Textron's aircraft business and manufacturing capabilities as we have worked to redefine and advance market-leading technologies that bring unsurpassed product offerings to our customers."

"In addition to being an important milestone in the advancement of our government and military programs, this win is a true honor for Bell. We are excited and proud to be part of the team selected to build the new helicopter fleet for the President of the United States," said Bell CEO Mike Redenbaugh. "In addition, it's especially fitting that Bell is a part of this win, since the very first U.S. Presidential helicopter -- nearly fifty years ago -- was a Bell OH-13 for President Dwight Eisenhower."

AgustaWestland and Bell Helicopter formed the joint venture, AgustaWestlandBell, in 2003 to manufacture the US101 helicopter in America. AgustaWestlandBell will act as a subcontractor to Lockheed Martin, which, as prime contractor and systems integrator, will have overall responsibility for the program and delivery of the US101 helicopter to the customer. AgustaWestlandBell, as licensee of the US 101's intellectual property, will have overall responsibility for the US101 air vehicle design, configuration management and support. The joint venture will also have responsibility for transfer of production and procurement operations for the US101 from the current supply base in Europe to the United States, as well as responsibility for expanding the already large American supply base.

The US101 solution is based on AgustaWestland's successful multi-mission EH101 helicopter. Bell will assemble the aircraft at its Assembly & Integration Center in Amarillo, Texas, and expects to hire an additional 300 workers in its Amarillo and Fort Worth facilities to support the program.

Bell Helicopter, a subsidiary of Textron Inc., is a $1.6 billion leading producer of commercial and military helicopters, and the pioneer of the revolutionary tiltrotor aircraft. Globally recognized for customer service, innovation and superior quality, Bell's global workforce of over 8,300 employees services customers flying Bell aircraft in over 120 countries.

Textron Inc. is a $10 billion multi-industry company with 44,000 employees in 40 countries. The company leverages its global network of aircraft, industrial and finance businesses to provide customers with innovative solutions and services. "

Iama

First Japanese EH101 Completes Maiden Flight


Source: Agusta Westland


" A major milestone was achieved on Tuesday February 15th when the maiden flight of the Japanese EH101 was successfully completed at Agusta Westland’s Yeovil facility in the UK. The helicopter, designated KHI-01, is the first of 14 aircraft ordered by the Japanese Defence Agency to meet its Transportation, Airborne Anti Mine Counter Measures (AMCM) and Antarctic survey requirements.

Assembly of the aircraft at Yeovil was successfully completed in just 44 weeks, a record timescale for a ‘first of type’ EH101. Alan Johnston, Westland Helicopters Managing Director said: “Since contract award 16 months ago we have achieved all our major programme milestones on schedule and we are delighted that the first flight has now taken place.”

Deputy Chief Test Pilot Andy Strachan, who took the controls for the 30 minute flight said: “The aircraft performed exactly as expected. We flew a standard initial test schedule including aircraft system checks and aircraft/engine handling as well as forward flight to 120 knots and low speed manoeuvres.”

Following an acceptance phase in the UK, the first aircraft will support KHI Pilot training prior to being shipped to Japan later this year. The aircraft will then undergo completion work by Kawasaki Heavy Industries (KHI), which will include the installation of radio equipment, defensive aids suite and other customer-specific equipment.

AgustaWestland and KHI signed a licence and purchase agreement in 2003 to produce and support the Japanese EH101s. KHI has established manufacturing, test flight and support facilities at its Gifu works in Japan. Fourteen utility RTM322 powered, rear-ramped variants of the EH101 have been ordered to replace the Japan Maritime Self Defence Force’s (JMSDF) fleet of Sikorsky MH-53Es and S-61s.

Aircraft kits for the remaining 13 aircraft will be prepared by AgustaWestland in the UK with final assembly taking place in Japan. The KHI build line is due to receive the first two aircraft in the last quarter of 2005 with delivery of the first aircraft to the JDA in 2006. KHI personnel have worked closely with AgustaWestland in the UK over the last year, undergoing on-the-job training and assembly familiarisation. Two pilots from KHI will start a four month flight training programme in February at Yeovil.


BACKGROUND NOTES:

On 28th January the U.S. Navy selected the US101, an American variant of the EH101, for a new fleet of "Marine One" helicopters for the President of the United States. The 101 was selected based on its proven capabilities, superior cabin space and excellent safety. The selection of the US101 after an extensive evaluation alongside the competing helicopter clearly demonstrates the 101 is the best helicopter in its class for head of state transport requirements.

The EH101 has also won competitions against its nearest competitor in Denmark, Portugal and Japan highlighting its clear advantage in capability and value for money. When its greater payload and longer range capability are combined with a cabin more than 30% larger than its nearest competitor, the EH101 provides a capability that makes it the new benchmark helicopter in its class.

Orders for 146 EH101 have been placed till now by seven customers around the world comprising the Royal Air Force, Royal Navy, Italian Navy, Canadian Forces, Tokyo Metropolitan Police, Portuguese Air Force, Royal Danish Air Force and Japanese Maritime Self Defense Force. The EH101 has been ordered in a range of variants to perform many diversified roles including troop transport, logistic support, search and rescue, anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, maritime patrol, combat SAR, airborne early warning, amphibious support, airborne mine countermeasures and head of state transport, demonstrating the multi-role capabilities of the EH101 platform. Certified by military and civil authorities around the world the EH101 meets or exceeds the most stringent safety and certification requirements.

The EH101 is powered by three General Electric or Rolls-Royce Turbomeca engines that provide superior one-engine inoperative performance over twin-engine designs, giving it a reassuring safety advantage. Additionally many critical systems are duplicated or triplicated giving the EH101 a large level of system redundancy and safety margin, something which is especially important when operating in hostile environments.

AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, is one of the largest helicopter companies in the world. The company offers an unrivaled range of helicopters to satisfy the requirements of civil and military customers. AgustaWestland has its primary operations in Italy, United Kingdom and the United States of America. "

Iama

One American military helicopter, fully equipped, cost as much as 6 (six) similar Russian helicopters. While each of the Russian helicopters, individually, is not as good as the American apparatus, it is close in quality, and it worth to buy 6 pieces with the same price you need for the American one.

After last news from EH-101 side, now is NH-90 time:

New Zealand Picks NH Industries to Supply Air Force Helicopters


Source: press reports - published March 31, 2005


"New Zealand has selected NH Industries to supply new NH90 helicopters to replace the New Zealand Air Force’s UH-1B Iroquois, Minister of Defence Mark Burton was quoted as announcing to several local news organizations.

The government plans to spend as much as NZ$550 million (US $389 million) to procure new helicopters, including the NH90 and a new light-utility helicopter to replace the current Sioux.

No decision has been made on the number of NH90s to be bought to replace the RNZAF’s fourteen Iroquois, which are nearing obsolescence. "



Chief of the Air Force Welcomes Selection of NH90


Source: New Zealand Defence Force


"The Chief of Air Force, Air Vice-Marshal John Hamilton has today welcomed a Government announcement that the NH90 will replace the Air Force’s fleet of Iroquois Helicopters.

“This is excellent news for the Air Force and those that depend on the helicopter support we provide,” says Air Vice-Marshal Hamilton.

“The NH90 will step us into the next generation of helicopter. It will provide huge performance gains over the Iroquois that will enable greater weights carried further and much improved night and poor weather capabilities,” he said.

While today’s decision is an important step there is still much work to be done with NH Industries to finalise costs, numbers of aircraft and delivery schedules.

“Alongside this, the Air Force will work to consider the implications on training, trades, and support structures. We must also continue to support the Iroquois fleet over the next few years until the NH 90s are accepted into service.”

Work also continues to progress the selection of a helicopter to replace the Sioux. "


Of course, NZ guys see NH-90 like a super-helo, when are comparing him with Iroquis..


Iama

EDIT:

Florin, look here:

MDHI Delivers 100th MD 520N; First Ever to Russian Federation


"Source: MD Helicopters, dated March 28, web-posted March 31, 2005


MESA, Arizona --- MD Helicopters, Inc. (MDHI) today announced the milestone delivery of its 100th single-engine MD 520N helicopter, to GALS, Russian Helicopter Company.

The first MD 520N was delivered in October 1, 1991 and revolutionized the rotorcraft industry with its quieter, safer, NOTAR system technology for anti-torque control. Today, a worldwide fleet of 247 NOTAR system-equipped helicopters has accumulated nearly 600,000 flight hours.

The event further made history as the first MD 520N delivered in the Russian Federation.

"The MD 520N has the power, speed and reliability that our customers want," said GALS President Evgeny Ermakov. The new MD 520N will be delivered to a private customer in Siberia after completing demonstrations in the Moscow area early this year.

"We wanted to stay in the MD family, and we liked the quiet performance and safety advantages," of the MD 520N,” said Ermakov. “We are very excited about adding the MD 520N helicopter to our existing MD 600N fleet.”

The MD Helicopter family includes the twin-engine MD Explorer, MD 600N and MD 500 Series, including the MD 520N, MD 500E and MD 530F.

The NOTAR system uses a circulation control tailboom to achieve anti-torque and directional control. Air drawn in from the top of the fuselage is vented from the right side of the tailboom. This joins the main rotor downwash, creating lateral lift, much like air running over the top of a wing on a conventional aircraft.

GALS, Russian Helicopter Company is the MDHI distributor for the Russian Federation. "




This post has been edited by Iamandi on April 01, 2005 12:28 pm