Full rate production means that the ALC will transition to producing MH-65Es at a rate of 22 aircraft per year.

The avionics upgrades include reliability and capability improvements for the Automatic Flight Control System; installation of a digital cockpit display system and an upgraded digital weather/surface search radar; integration of a robust command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance suite; and modernization of the digital flight deck with Common Avionics Architecture System, common with the Coast Guard H-60 medium range recovery helicopter and similar Department of Defense aircraft. Once the upgrades are complete, the helicopter is redesignated an MH-65E.

At the same time, the Coast Guard is completing SLEP activities to replace five major structure components: the nine-degree frame, canopy, center console floor assembly, floorboards and side panels. These mission-critical improvements are designed to extend the service life of the helicopter by 10,000 flight hours.

The avionics upgrades and SLEP are being completed at the same time to achieve schedule and cost efficiencies.

The Coast Guard plans to convert all 98 aircraft to the MH-65E configuration by fiscal year 2024.

Source:  U.S. Coast Guard
Associated URL: Click here to visit

The rotorcraft will be deployed with the Navy's First Reconnaissance and Attack Squadron (EsqdHA-1) based out of the naval facilities in São Pedro da Aldeia. Most often known on the wider rotorcraft market as the AgustaWestland Lynx, the Lynx in Brazilian Naval service has traditionally been referred to under the local designation AH-11A. At the time of writing, the service's Lynx fleet consists of twelve rotorcraft in total and eight of these units are scheduled to be upgraded to the new AH-11B standard.

The Lynx modernization program encompasses a wide range of performance and optical systems improvements for the Navy's current fleet of rotorcraft. Major components of the program include the integration of new CTS-800-4N engines, updated night vision, navigational and electronic warfare systems and Radar Warning Receiver (MAGE-RWR) capability.

Source:  Navy of Brazil
Associated URL: Click here to visit
Source Language: Portuguese

Bell Helicopter's 429 twin-engine helicopter will be one of the most important applications for the PW200 program. It has advantages in speed, climb rate, and range over the H135 and a bigger cabin than either the H135 or the Leonardo GrandNew.

The latest version of the H135, equipped with the Airbus-developed Helionix avionics suite, is currently in production along with one older variant. Airbus offers two engine options on the H135: the PW206B and the Safran Arrius. The forecast assumes production of the H135 will be split roughly 50-50 between the Arrius and PW206 models during the forecast period.

The Sikorsky S-76D program has been hurt by weak demand for new rotorcraft from the offshore oil and gas sector, a situation exacerbated by the existence of a surplus of capacity in that market. Production has been light in recent years and will remain low through the forecast period.

The PW200 series is available on two AW109 models, the AW109 GrandNew and the AW109 Power. These aircraft compete in the same segment as Bell's 429 and Airbus Helicopters' H135. The GrandNew has a larger cabin that appeals to the EMS and SAR segments; it also has the more powerful PW207C engine versus the Power's PW206C. Due to its greater performance, the GrandNew will continue to outsell the Power. The PW206C is one of two engine options on the AW109, and we expect it to split the market with the competing Arrius 2K1.

Leonardo's twin-engine AW169 achieved European certification in July 2015. Securing the AW169 as an application for the PW210 was a big win for P&WC because new light helicopter programs are so rare.

The Russian-made Kazan Ansat uses a version of the PW207. It will see only a low rate of production in coming years.

The MD902 light twin is yet another application for the PW200 family, but we have been unable to confirm any deliveries since 2014. MDHI is working on an improved model called the MD969, but press reports indicate that MDHI is looking to repower the aircraft with a more powerful engine.

Source:  Forecast International
Associated URL: forecastinternational.com
Author: Douglas Royce, Aviation Gas Turbines