IMP Aerospace & Defence’s Post

While we often praise frontline workers who directly serve and protect us, there is another group of unsung heroes who work behind the scenes to enable these critical operations - helicopter mechanics. Having worked closely on CH-53 Yassur transport helicopters, I have witnessed firsthand the incredible capabilities they provide in complex scenarios, from battlefields to disaster response. However, none of this would be possible without the diligent work of helicopter mechanics working day and night to keep these machines flightworthy. Unlike cars or boats, helicopters cannot afford any critical malfunctions mid-flight. Their intricate systems require extensive inspection and maintenance to identify and prevent catastrophic failures. This is no easy task - visually inspecting every component, wrenching in difficult spots, working long hours in harsh conditions. But without the mechanic's final approval, the helicopter does not fly. So while the skilled pilots rightfully earn praise for safely operating these machines, we must also recognize the mechanics working tirelessly behind the scenes. Their commitment and expertise in upholding rigorous safety standards is the backbone enabling successful helicopter operations. Their role is too often overlooked but absolutely vital. My sincere gratitude goes out to all the helicopter mechanics enabling countless critical missions worldwide. Your work saves lives even though you may not be the ones flying. Thank you for your invaluable service. #IDF #istandwithisrael #supportisrael

This is a truly sad accident. I encourage everyone to read Roger Cox's three-part series about the accident WPR21FA143 involving an AS350-B3 in Palmer Alaska that was conducting Heli-Sking operations. It highlights how operational control can quickly and easily be lost and how the normalization of deviance can erode an organization's safety culture despite having a Safety Management System (SMS) in place. Part 1 - https://lnkd.in/geDm72HX Part 2 - https://lnkd.in/gSTt_VAx Part 3 - https://lnkd.in/gDeZdk9N Vertical Flight Society Helicopter Association International USHST (United States Helicopter Safety Team) Vertical Aviation Safety Team (VAST) ECHO HeliOps (Every Coast Helicopter Operations) National EMS Pilots Association (NEMSPA) Association of Air Medical Services (AAMS) Air Medical Today Air Medical Operators Association #aviation #aviationsafety #helicopter #helicopterpilot #airambulance

Safran signs support by-the-hour contract for German forces’ H145 engines SANTERRE SAFRAN HELICOPTER ENGINES has signed a support-by-the-hour contract with Airbus Helicopters for the engines powering the German Bundeswehr (German Federal Armed Forces)’s new fleet of Airbus H145M helicopters. The contract covers in-service support and MRO (maintenance, repair and overhaul) for more than 124 Arriel 2E engines, from helicopter entry into service to 2030. The latest deal follows support-by-the-hour contracts signed for engine support for the German forces’ H145M light utility helicopters (LUH) and special operations forces (SOF) and H145 LUH search and rescue helicopters (SAR) helicopters. The contract will be managed by Safran Helicopter Engines Germany in Hamburg, Germany. The company monitors and supports 300 helicopter operators in Germany, Northern Europe, Eastern Europe and Central Asia, covering a total fleet of 2,000 engines. The latest agreement further consolidates the company’s support for German forces’ military and parapublic missions. “Whether through the SBH [support-by-the-hour] contract for the H145 fleet, or the Global Support Package [GSP] contract for the NH90 fleet, we support the German forces with the best possible service models, which maximise equipment availability while optimising costs,” said Mathieu Albert, executive vice-president, Support and Services, Safran Helicopter Engines. “Added to this is the construction of new facilities for Safran Helicopter Engines Germany near Hamburg, which will significantly enhance our MRO capacity in this area,” he said. The engine manufacturer powers most of the German armed forces’ helicopters. This inludes: the H145 and H145M with the Arriel 2E engine, the NH90 with the RTM322, the Tiger UHT with the MTR390 engine (co-developed with MTU Aero Engines, Rolls-Royce and ITP Aero) and the H135 training helicopters with the Arrius 2B1. Full story via the link. tinyurl.com/yna98bs5 #helicopters #rotorcraft #helicoptermaintenance #aviationfinance #germanmilitary

PZL Mielec, a Lockheed Martin company, delivered the first four new-generation, European manufactured S-70M Black Hawk utility helicopters to Ministerul Afacerilor Interne România, with two more aircraft on schedule to arrive by the end of 2023. Purchased as part of the European Union’s VISION 2020 project, the intended missions for Romania’s new Sikorsky Black Hawk helicopters include maritime and land search-and-rescue, firefighting, transport and medical emergency support. An additional Black Hawk, procured within the European HeliPol project, is scheduled for delivery before the end of the year and is allocated for the Romanian Police, increasing its operational capacity. The helicopters are part of a framework agreement that will see up to 12 Polish-built S-70M Black Hawks supplied to Romania over the next four years. “Arrival of the first Black Hawk helicopters in Romania is a historic event. The Black Hawk is the most capable and dependable helicopter for crews who conduct vital lifesaving and firefighting missions,” said Paul Lemmo, president of Sikorsky. “These multi-role helicopters bring flexibility to conduct rescue missions at greater ranges and in the most challenging environments, and with increased survivability.” Romania joins a global family of Black Hawk operators and becomes the 11th country and 18th customer for Black Hawk helicopters built by PZL Mielec, Poland’s largest exporter of aerospace equipment. #avfoilnews #helicopter #rotorcraft #lawenforcement #blackhawk

3 minutes worth watching to gain insight re how GMR's REACH Air Medical Services utilizes our H135s:

The Dutch Hawker Hunter Foundation (DHHF) has announced with deep regret the termination of its operations, marking the end of an era for aviation enthusiasts and the legacy of the Hawker Hunter in Europe. The foundation will also divest its prized Hawker Hunter Mk68 G-EHLW, which remains grounded at Horizon Aircraft Services Ltd. (HAS) in St Athan, Wales. The DHHF’s journey with the Hawker Hunter Mk68, designated N-322/G-EHLW, began with optimism. In July 2022, after extensive maintenance and rigorous inspections in Altenrhein, Switzerland, the aircraft was ferried to St Athan under a UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) Permit to Test & Ferry. The foundation anticipated that minor modifications would soon secure a Full Permit to Fly from the CAA, allowing the Hunter to soar over Dutch skies by the end of summer that year. However, the reality diverged drastically from these expectations. The UK CAA’s handling of the application process proved to be protracted and unpredictable, lacking a clear timeline or assurance of a positive outcome. Nearly two years after its arrival in the UK, N-322 remains grounded without the crucial Permit to Fly, and the prospects of obtaining one remain uncertain. These delays have not only thwarted the DHHF’s operational plans but also introduced additional regulatory and logistical challenges. The uncertainty has strained the foundation’s relationship with HAS, its Continuing Airworthiness Management Organization (CAMO), and disrupted the availability and proficiency of both aircrew and groundcrew essential for the aircraft’s operation. #military #defense #defence #militaryleak https://lnkd.in/gbDdRDDP

I believe following are the five most successful helicopters currently selling in the world and here are the reasons.. #Airbus H145: A versatile #twin-engine helicopter used for various purposes, including emergency medical services, corporate transport, and law enforcement. Bell 407: Known for its reliability, the #Bell407 is a single-engine, light helicopter widely used in roles such as law enforcement, emergency medical services, and corporate transportation. #Sikorsky S-92: A medium-lift #helicopter often used for offshore oil and gas operations, search and rescue, and VIP transport. It's recognized for its spacious and customizable cabin. Robinson R44: A widely used light helicopter, the Robinson R44 is a four-seat, single-engine helicopter used for training, tourism, and various utility missions. Leonardo #AW139: A medium-sized, twin-engine helicopter with a spacious cabin, the AW139 is utilized for roles such as offshore transport, search and rescue, and corporate transport.

OTD in 2017: The UK Airprox Board discuss Human Factors (HF) aspects to an airprox off Aberdeen involving two North Sea offshore helicopters. https://lnkd.in/eWCRmEf #aviationsafety #flightsafety #helicopter #humanfactors

Reliability is what we strive for, and knowing the actual condition of your drivetrain, coupled with predictive modeling means more days in the air, and fewer under the wrenches.

innovative products are always a game changer