Event review: Farnborough International Airshow

Airbus

Airbus Racer passes target 400km/h

The platform aims to demonstrate the advantages of high speed for a wide range of missions, such as:

• Emergency medical services (where the greatest chance of saving lives depends on help arriving within the first, ‘golden’ hour)
• Search and rescue operations
• Public service
• Commercial transportation.

The Airbus Racer demonstrator, developed in the frame of the European Clean Sky 2 research project, has reached its fast cruise speed target of 407km/h (220kts). Less than two months after its first flight, the Racer demonstrator exceeded its level speed objective of 407km/h (220kts) by reaching 420km/h (227kts) in its initial configuration. In just seven flights and about nine hours of flight testing, almost all of the flight envelope has been opened.

“This achievement in such a short space of time is really a testimony to the hard work of our 40 partners in 13 European countries to bring all of this innovation to flight,” said Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters. “On top of its performance, the aircraft’s aerodynamic behavior and stability are promising. We are all looking forward to the next phase of flight testing, especially the eco-mode, which will enable us to shut down one engine in forward flight, thus reducing fuel consumption, and lowering the CO₂ emissions.”

Optimized for a cruise speed of more than 400km/h, the Racer demonstrator aims to achieve the best trade-off between speed, cost-efficiency, and mission performance. The Racer also targets a fuel consumption reduction of around 20%, compared with current-generation helicopters in the same maximum takeoff weight category, thanks to aerodynamic optimization and an innovative eco-mode propulsion system. Developed with Safran Helicopter Engines, the hybrid-electrical eco-mode system allows one of the two Aneto-1X engines to be paused while in cruise flight, thus contributing to cutting CO₂ emissions.

Astronautics

EASA STC for Astronautics’ RoadRunner EFI on Bell 212/412EP

Astronautics Corporation of America announced that Patria Aviation in Finland has received a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) supplemental type certificate (STC) for Astronautics’ AFI4700 RoadRunner electronic flight instrument (EFI) on Bell 212/412EP helicopters.

Patria’s first installation of the RoadRunner EFI is on a Bell 412EP search and rescue (SAR) helicopter for the Finnish Border Guard (FBG) as part of an ongoing avionics modification program to upgrade the helicopter’s avionics, communication, and navigation capabilities.

Astronautics’ RoadRunner EFI, combined with the Patria installation kit, is an easy-to-install and cost-effective retrofit for legacy attitude director indicators (ADIs) and horizontal situation indicators (HSIs), combining their dual functionality into one digital flight instrument for a modern and more capable flying experience.

“Helicopter operators in Europe and worldwide are facing issues with avionics obsolescence, evolving airspace requirements, and new navigation options based on global navigation satellite systems, all of which require upgrading the pilot avionics,” said Tuomo Jokisalo, Head of Airworthiness for Patria. “The required navigation performance not only creates demands for the navigation system, but also for pilot guidance and indications that the analog, legacy systems are not able to provide. This, combined with high reliability requirements in complex, radio-controlled flight in instrument flight rule and night-vision imaging system conditions, can only be met with the highest design assurance levels for both the software and hardware.

“Patria’s EASA-approved design organization is working with several customers to solve these problems, and it is our opinion that the most cost-effective way to answer the full scope of these requirements is with the Astronautics RoadRunner display system,” said Jokisalo. “As the integrator, STC developer, and the operator, we are very happy with the performance and capabilities of the RoadRunner display system.”

“Congratulations to our dealer Patria for receiving the first EASA STC for Astronautics’ RoadRunner EFI on Bell 212/412EP rotorcraft,” said Aymeric Larose, Astronautics’ Director of Business Development. “Not only will the RoadRunner modernize and extend the service life of the FBG Bell 412 SAR helicopter and others to follow, it will also add needed capabilities that will decrease pilot workload and increase situational awareness.”

It will decrease pilot workload and increase situational awareness

Approved for single-pilot instrument flight rules, the RoadRunner EFI retrofit decreases operator workload and increases operational safety by enabling localizer performance with guidance approaches and area navigation with capable GPS, while interfacing with multiple aircraft sensors.

The EFI provides operators with readability in all lighting conditions, familiar and easy-to-use controls, reduced operating and maintenance costs, and minimal downtime for installation. The unit is easily upgradeable with field-loadable software. Synthetic vision and helicopter terrain awareness and warning systems are the next planned enhancements to the instrument.

Bell

Aichi Prefectural Police selects first Bell 505 helicopter in Asia Pacific for law enforcement operations

Bell Textron announced that Aichi Prefectural Police in Japan has placed an order for the Bell 505 helicopter for airborne law enforcement. When delivered, Aichi Prefecture will be the first in Asia Pacific to operate the Bell 505 for police work.

“This marks a new chapter for the Bell 505 in law enforcement missions in the region,” said Takuya Masamura, Country Manager, Japan, Bell. “While a single-engine aircraft, the efficiency and utility of the Bell 505 cannot be overstated for parapublic and law enforcement roles. It enhances an agency’s response capabilities in any situation or environment.”

The efficiency and utility of the Bell 505 cannot be overstated for parapublic and law enforcement roles

Since its introduction in 2017, the number of 505s flying in Asia Pacific has reached over 100, and Bell has delivered more than 505 Bell 505s worldwide that have clocked more than 100,000 global flight hours.

The Bell 505 has gained increasing popularity among law enforcement agencies in recent years. Several US law enforcement organizations, such as the Fort Worth Police Department, Omaha Police Department, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Division of Law Enforcement, and Nebraska State Patrol now employ the Bell 505 in their fleets. Its integrated avionics and dual-channel full authority digital engine control (FADEC) provide pilots with enhanced situational awareness and reduced workload, allowing for effective operations in diverse conditions.

De Havilland Canada

De Havilland Canada launches OEM-certified refurbishment program for its fleet of Dash 8-400 regional turboprop with RTX’s Pratt & Whitney Canada engines

De Havilland Canada (DHC) announced a new original equipment manufacturer (OEM)-certified refurbishment program for its legendary fleet of Dash 8-400 aircraft that will offer the option to equip refurbished aircraft with new Pratt & Whitney Canada PW150A engines.

The PW150A engine, the most powerful civil turboprop in production, recently demonstrated up to 30% increased time on wing, a testament to 25 years of continuous investment through in-service product improvements, consistently bringing the latest technology to market and maintaining a 99.97% dispatch reliability over the last decade. The availability of a fleet of proven and modernized Dash 8-400 aircraft could not be more welcomed by the industry.

“DHC and Pratt & Whitney Canada have a long history of leading aerospace innovation in Canada, and we are pleased to continue that collaboration through the OEM-certified refurbishment program,” said Jean-Philippe Côté, Vice-President of Programs and Business Improvement. “There are thousands of DHC aircraft powered by Pratt & Whitney Canada engines operating daily, from pole to pole and on all continents, and through this collaboration we will continue to explore the best product solutions for our global customers.”

“We are committed to supporting De Havilland Canada with their certified refurbishment program of the Dash 8-400 fleet with new production and refurbished PW150A engines,” said Anthony Rossi, Vice President Sales and Marketing, Pratt & Whitney Canada. “Our continued collaboration with De Havilland Canada on this and other initiatives has produced legendary aircraft with a deep-rooted Canadian foundation. As we celebrate the collective shaping of the regional turboprop industry spanning over 40 years, this program will ensure operators will benefit from reliable technologies for many years to come.”

De Havilland Canada’s DHC-515 Firefighter

De Havilland Canada also previously announced that Pratt & Whitney Canada will be powering the next generation of aerial firefighter, the DHC-515 aircraft, with the PW123AF engine. This engine has been proven as the workhorse of the CL-415 fleet and will support the new DHC-515’s mission to protect people and forests in countries around the world.

De Havilland Canada’s Twin Otter Guardian aircraft chosen for enhanced operational capabilities

De Havilland Canada announced a purchase agreement for a Twin Otter Guardian 400 aircraft with an undisclosed European country for surveillance operations. The Twin Otter Guardian will enable this country’s air support unit to operate with greater precision and effectiveness, reinforcing its commitment to safeguarding its region.

The Twin Otter Guardian 400 aircraft is designed to meet the unique operational requirements of this police force and is equipped with a certified Airborne Technologies mission system. Key aircraft features include versatility, allowing easy adaptation to a wide range of operational requirements; durability, with capabilities to operate in challenging weather conditions; and reliability, with a strong record of dependable performance.

“We are proud to provide this country with the most reliable and versatile aircraft in its class – the Twin Otter Guardian 400,” said Côté. “Discussions with the end user emphasized the vital role their air support unit will play in ensuring the safety and security of their citizens. They expressed confidence that the acquisition of the Twin Otter Guardian will demonstrate their commitment to equipping their law enforcement teams with the best tools available. The combination of the aircraft’s unique adaptability and De Havilland Canada’s global customer support network will ensure its long-term operation in their fleet.”

FlySight

FlySight expands commercial network into Malaysia

FlySight announced the expansion of its commercial network, including new presence and sales representatives in India and now also in Malaysia. Another step towards this growth has been made with the signing of a strategic collaboration agreement with Sovereign Strategic, a systems integrator that has served the Malaysian defense sector since 2018.

Sovereign Strategic is dedicated to addressing the evolving defense needs of Malaysia and contributing to local industry development. The addition of FlySight’s OPENSIGHT system to Sovereign Strategic’s portfolio signifies a significant advancement in providing proven, battlefield-tested systems that offer optimal cost-benefit options to its customers.

Commenting on the expansion, Andrea Masini, CEO of FlySight, stated: “FlySight is strengthening its network and collaborations to provide a more extensive global market presence. Our recent collaboration with the Malaysian systems integrator specializing in special missions platforms represents a step towards our commitment to delivering cutting-edge technological solutions to serve the evolving needs of the defense and security industry.”

FlySight addresses so many of the challenges and mission requirements of modern defense forces operating special mission aircraft and UAV platforms

Ezra Effendi, Group Managing Director at Sovereign Strategic, said: “FlySight as a product addresses so many of the challenges and mission requirements of modern defense forces operating special mission aircraft and uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV) platforms. We were looking for a proven product to offer the Malaysian defense and security forces, and were impressed that the FlySight offering was either on par [with] and in many respects superior to products from the large US and European OEMs. When our customer can see what FlySight can do, we are confident that FlySight is going to be the software of choice for the Malaysian defense and security agencies.”

HeliOperations

The total package of training and support

The SAR, medevac, night operations and training company presented with a central booth and with two of its aircraft on static display: a Westland Sea King and Leonardo AW139.

HeliOperations provides medical, point-of-injury and medevac support to a range of operations. Its aircrew deployed in this role, all of whom are fully qualified paramedics, engage with the company’s medevac service delivery partners to ensure that medical best practice is achieved.

HeliOperations also provides SAR and limited search and rescue (LimSAR) services for numerous organizations around the world, providing them with crews, equipment, training and support at all levels. Training encompasses courses for pilots, winch operators and technical crew, and compliance and audit training. As well as SAR, there is provision for law enforcement and underslung load training.

Leonardo

Leonardo expands proximity support services for helicopters in Saudi Arabia by appointing Mukamalah Aviation Company an authorized service center

With the helicopter fleet in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia growing to deliver multiple services to the local economy and communities, resulting in a stronger need to provide greater levels of technical support, Leonardo further reinforced its partnership with Mukamalah Aviation Company (a wholly owned subsidiary of Saudi Aramco), appointing it as an authorized service center.

Mukamalah will deliver a range of maintenance and repair services for its AW139 and AW109 helicopters and for third-party aircraft of the same type from its bases in Tanajib, Ras Tanura, and Dammam.

One of the largest operators of Leonardo helicopters in the Middle East, Mukamalah has been operating AW139s since 2008 and AW109 light twins since 2006, mainly to perform offshore transport missions in Saudi Arabia to support the oil and gas industry. Today’s Mukamalah Leonardo helicopter fleet consists of 27 units.

Pratt & Whitney Canada and Collins Aerospace

Pratt & Whitney Canada and Collins Aerospace collaborate on hybrid-electric system for Airbus PioneerLab helicopter demonstrator

Pratt & Whitney Canada and Collins Aerospace have been selected by Airbus Helicopters to support the development of a hybrid-electric propulsion system for its PioneerLab technology demonstrator. Based on a twin-engine H145 helicopter, PioneerLab aims to demonstrate the potential of hybrid-electric propulsion as well as aerodynamic improvements to enable up to 30% improved fuel efficiency and reduced CO₂ emissions compared with a conventionally powered aircraft.

For the PioneerLab demo, the helicopter’s existing engines will be replaced by a hybrid-electric propulsion system comprising a Pratt & Whitney Canada PW210 engine derivative linked with two Collins Aerospace 250kW electric motors and controllers through a common gearbox. This hybrid-electric configuration is designed to enable optimized engine performance and improved efficiency, with the electric motors providing high torque capability during flight conditions such as takeoff and landing.

“With world-class efficiency and reliability, Pratt & Whitney Canada’s PW210 engine is very well suited to perform as part of a hybrid-electric helicopter propulsion system,” said Maria Della Posta, President, Pratt & Whitney Canada. “To help achieve the goals of this innovative project, we’ll draw on expertise from our growing list of hybrid-electric demonstrator programs, including the RTX Hybrid-Electric Flight Demonstrator, STEP-Tech and SWITCH.”

“The combined 250kW motor and controller we’re designing for PioneerLab are part of our family of electric motors and controllers that can be scaled up or down to meet the future electrification needs of aircraft across multiple segments,” said Henry Brooks, President, Power & Controls for Collins Aerospace. “By serving as part of hybrid-electric propulsion architectures or helping to electrify onboard systems, these motors and controllers will support the aviation industry’s commitment to reduce carbon emissions from future platforms.”

Smith Myers

Expansion of ARTEMIS capability with ARTEMIS+

Smith Myers announced the launch of ARTEMIS+, its next-generation system. The all-new set of features is designed to meet the requirements of additional capability areas as it continues to evolve into further operational roles.

Since its introduction into the world of SAR, new customers and users have been finding different ways to leverage this unique sensor. Recent contract awards from organizations covering sectors including long-range maritime patrol, aerial firefighting, and border/pollution control reflect this broadening scope. The system has also proven invaluable with law enforcement and military customers.

The effectiveness of ARTEMIS across a broad range of use cases has become clear as we continue to field more systems in different roles

“The effectiveness of ARTEMIS across a broad range of use cases has become clear as we continue to field more systems in different roles,” explained Andrew Munro, Managing Director of Smith Myers. “We have continued to hone and evolve the capability to meet these new demands. The release of ARTEMIS+ takes the sensor into new operational environments with new customers.”

ARTEMIS+ builds on the features of the groundbreaking ARTEMIS systems, introducing additional capabilities that include:

• Advanced cellular mission analysis tools
• Advanced cellular interactions
• Mission replay
• New map options, including alternate source and overlays
• AIS and cellular pattern analysis tools
• Improved real-time and post-mission mapping
• System output power control.

Existing ARTEMIS systems are compatible with this new capability set and can be upgraded with a simple software update.

Also announced were the multiple multi-year delivery contracts for over 100 ARTEMIS systems. These contracts span various agencies including law enforcement, military, SAR, aerial firefighting, and maritime, border and environmental control agencies. The contracts encompass both factory-fitted programs and retrofits for existing fleets across Europe, North America and Southeast Asia.

The integration of the ARTEMIS system will be implemented on a diverse range of platforms, including:

• Lockheed Martin C-130J
• Leonardo ATR 72
• De Havilland Twin Otter
• Diamond Aircraft DA62 MPP and DA42 MPP
• Bombardier Challenger
• Hawker Beechcraft King Air
• Airbus H145
• Leonardo AW101
• Leonardo AW139
• Leonardo AW189
• Bell 429 GlobalRanger.

Munro added: “Smith Myers’ ARTEMIS system, celebrated for its multi-award-winning technology, continues to set the standard in mobile phone detection, location, and communication. The new contracts and delivery programs underscore the system’s versatility and indispensability in diverse operational roles.”

TEKEVER

TEKEVER unveils its first entirely UK-made UAS

TEKEVER has unveiled the first of the company’s AR3 uncrewed aerial systems (UASs) to be produced exclusively in the UK. This achievement follows the expansion of TEKEVER’s facilities at West Wales Airport Aberporth, which established manufacturing capabilities for the AR3 drone that were previously only possible at the company’s site in Portugal.

TEKEVER has more than doubled its workforce in the UK over the last year and currently employs 120 people across departments including operations, engineering, software development, manufacturing, and support.

The expansion enables TEKEVER to streamline the product development process and quickly adapt systems to changing customer needs entirely in the UK. TEKEVER will also be able to service more government clients, which often require local production of software and equipment for security reasons.

TEKEVER’s AR3 UAS is designed to support multiple types of maritime and land-based missions. It provides up to 16 hours of flight endurance and can be tailored to specific customer and mission requirements.

Ricardo Mendes, CEO of TEKEVER, said: “The success of the UK’s defense technology industry relies on having an agile and autonomous development process. We work very closely with our customers and users in the field to adapt our systems to their constantly evolving needs. Creating a UK-based supply chain out of our site in west Wales will enable us to rapidly respond and ensure our technology remains competitive.”

Teledyne FLIR Defense

Non-ITAR long-range airborne imaging system

Teledyne FLIR Defense unveiled its UltraFORCE 380-HDc imaging system. The new long-range airborne surveillance solution is not subject to International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), easing shipping and freedom of movement to customers outside the USA.

The UltraFORCE 380-HDc delivers high-definition multi-spectral imaging in a compact, low-profile system. Full 1080p resolution across its visual, thermal, low-light, and short-wave infrared (SWIR) cameras makes the 380-HDc an optimal solution for airborne reconnaissance, patrol, and SAR missions.

With 380-HDc, we’ve brought together the most vital capabilities military and law enforcement users worldwide require to execute their missions in a smaller SWaP-C form

The UltraFORCE 380-HDc also features an advanced laser rangefinder and pointer, allowing users to covertly ‘light up’ targets or points of interest and to coordinate operations with observers wearing night vision goggles or similar devices. Intelligent, automated operation optimizes tracking and continuously indicates size, location, speed and distance of multiple targets.

“The new UltraFORCE 380-HDc is a powerful long-range imaging system in a small package,” said Kety Frachey, Senior Director for Airborne Systems-Europe at Teledyne FLIR Defense. “With 380-HDc, we’ve brought together the most vital capabilities military and law enforcement users worldwide require to execute their missions in a smaller SWaP-C form.”

At only 14.6in in height and weighing only 30kg (65lbs), the 380-HDc gimbal is designed to maximize ground clearance in rotary aircraft without sacrificing capability and performance. The system provides two to four times greater magnification than other products in its class.

UltraFORCE will also be configurable with the company’s 380X upgraded imaging capabilities, including multi-tile video management, touchscreen, and de-scintillation filter that removes atmospheric effects such as fog and smoke, among other features.

VoltAero and Sigma Air Mobility

VoltAero and Sigma Air Mobility to collaborate on AAM solutions with VoltAero’s Cassio

The early development of advanced air mobility (AAM) solutions using VoltAero’s Cassio electric-hybrid aircraft will be explored in a wide-ranging agreement with Sigma Air Mobility, opening the potential for a route demonstration pilot project, along with the identification of services for Cassio in its air ambulance version.

A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was announced bringing VoltAero’s development of the Cassio airplane family and its company’s parallel electric-hybrid propulsion system together with Sigma Air Mobility’s expertise as a network operator.

Also identified in the MoU is the joint opportunity to develop industry technical standards for airport recharging infrastructures, facilities and related technologies; along with the potential collaboration on operating models, economics and decarbonization metrics to further adjust growth plans.

“This perfectly timed agreement enables VoltAero and Sigma Air Mobility to focus on realistic regional air mobility solutions with the Cassio aircraft and its parallel electric-hybrid propulsion system,” said Jean Botti, VoltAero’s CEO and Chief Technology Officer. “It comes at a time when the aviation industry and transportation sectors are increasingly skeptical about all-electric solutions that raise more questions than answers for the future of air mobility.”

Christophe Lapierre, the CEO of Sigma Air Mobility, added: “The MoU aligns our two companies’ extensive aviation expertise on a pragmatic and tangible path to market, validating Cassio operations and its infrastructure and ecosystem with a very local and streamlined pilot project.”

The Cassio electric-hybrid aircraft family is a highly capable and reliable product line for regional commercial operators, air taxi/charter companies, private owners, as well as in utility-category service for cargo, postal delivery and medical evacuation (medevac) applications.