High Flying with 723 Squadron

27 Februari 2012

AgustaWestland A109E (photo : RAN)

The Royal Australian Navy’s 723 Squadron has begun 2012 on a high tempo as they prepare to upgrade their capability.

The 723 Squadron’s Retention and Motivation Initiative (RMI) program currently operate three AgustaWestland A109E helicopters under lease from Raytheon Australia.

The aircraft were recently on a training mission in Queensland where they were prepared to conduct relief during the recent flood. However their services were not required.

Commanding Officer of 723 Squadron, Commander Matthew Shand said these flights provide valuable opportunities for junior aircrew to plan and execute tasks in a wide variety of environments.
“It’s been an active start to a promising year” Commander Shand said as the Squadron eagerly await the arrival of three new Bell 429 helicopters to augment their existing fleet of 13 AS350BA Squirrels.

The new Bell 429 helicopters will still be leased from Raytheon Australia, and with their composite construction, full glass cockpit and advanced systems, the Bell 429 helicopters are set to be the most modern aircraft in Australian skies when they start flying with the Squadron mid this year.

“The experience we’re getting flying the A109E has a big impact on our ability to plan and evaluate complex missions” said Lieutenant Trine Themsen an Aviation Warfare Officer currently training with the Squadron.

“We’re excited about introducing the new Bell 429 into our training and seeing what it can do”.
The first of three new Bell 429 helicopters are due to arrive at HMAS Albatross in Nowra during March before undergoing a limited test program and entering service with 723 Squadron in May.

(RAN)

Raytheon Australia to Receive First Australian Navy Bell 429

08 Februari 2012

Bell 429 for Royal Australian Navy (photo : Raytheon Australia)

Raytheon Australia has commenced acceptance activities for the first of three Bell 429 helicopters that will be used to train Royal Australian Navy (RAN) pilots.

In September 2011, Raytheon Australia won a A$24 million contract ($25.9 million) to provide the RAN with three new Bell 429s for 1,500 tasking hours per year, said Raytheon.

The aircraft will be used under the navy's Retention and Motivation Initiative (RMI) 2.

"The RMI initiative provides the navy with supported aircraft to allow junior qualified aircrew to consolidate and enhance their skills prior to flying operational helicopters," said Raytheon.

The company will formally receive the first Bell 429 in the US in the coming days, with the aircraft to be flown to Australia "in the subsequent weeks".

"Raytheon Australia has been impressed with Bell Helicopter's responsiveness to our RMI requirements and the announcement of these latest activities will ensure on-schedule commencement of the RMI 2 programme in late April this year," said Raytheon Australia managing director Michael Ward.

The Bell 429s will replace the RAN's three AgustaWestland A109Es.

(Flight Global)

Boeing, Thales Select EC135 for Helicopter Aircrew Training System for Project AIR 9000 Phase 7

27 Januari 2012

EADS EC-135 helicopter (photo : EADS)

BRISBANE, Queensland, -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] subsidiary Boeing Defence Australia (BDA) and Thales Australia today named the Eurocopter EC135 as the preferred platform for their bid on the Australian Defence Force (ADF) Project AIR 9000 Phase 7 – Helicopter Aircrew Training System (HATS).

"Boeing and Thales' individual expertise and shared strengths, as well as a strong working relationship spanning more than 15 years, have enabled the design of a truly integrated, cost-effective, low-risk aircrew training solution for the ADF," said Kim Gillis, managing director of Boeing Defence Australia. "The Eurocopter EC135 is the ideal helicopter for this mission."

A fleet of more than 1,000 EC135 aircraft worldwide has amassed 2.2 million flight hours to date. The helicopter is part of successful training systems in Germany, Switzerland, Spain, and Japan, and in Australia with the Victorian and New South Wales police forces.

"The EC135 is an ideal training helicopter for defense forces operating new-generation multi-role or combat helicopters, with great maneuverability, high visibility and the most advanced technologies to help instructors perform training missions safely," said Olivier Lambert, Eurocopter senior vice president, Sales & Customer Relations.

"Eurocopter is very pleased that the Boeing and Thales team has demonstrated its confidence in our product by selecting the EC135 as their preferred platform."The Boeing and Thales team conducted a rigorous evaluation of available twin-engine helicopters to identify the aircraft that best met the Commonwealth's training systems goals.

"Thorough flight and ground assessments of the EC135 and its suitability for both ab initio training and as a lead-in trainer to more complex and larger helicopters made it clear the EC135 was the optimum platform to meet the ADF's requirements," said Gillis. "The aircraft's support base, both locally and internationally, presents a significantly lower cost of operation than other aircraft in its class, reducing project-establishment and through-life-support risk."

The Boeing and Thales HATS solution draws on Boeing's sophisticated design tools and extensive aircrew training systems experience, combined with Thales' simulation capabilities, to deliver an ab initio rotary wing training system for all Royal Australian Navy and Australian Army helicopter aircrew.

The Boeing and Thales team has adopted a systems training and engineering approach to development that optimizes training throughput and learning outcomes and reduces life cycle cost, underpinned by a strong focus on safety and military ethos. The solution also draws on Boeing's experience delivering rotary wing training to the ADF for more than 15 years and is backed by the support of The Boeing Company's Training Systems & Government Services business.

(Thales)

Helikoper TNI AL Diperkuat Senapan Mesin Kaliber 7,62 mm

20 Desember 2011

Helikopter BO-105 TNI AL (all photos : Armatim)

Peralatan tempur milik TNI AL makin diperkuat persenjataannya, khususnya unsur kekuatan Pesawat Udara (Pesud) TNI AL yang dipasangi dengan Senapan Mesin kaliber 7,62 mm buatan PT. Pindad. Senapan Mesin tipe MAG-58M dipasang pada Heli Bolkow-105 milik Skuadron 400 Pusat Penerbangan Angkatan Laut (Puspenerbal) Juanda Surabaya. Peralatan tempur itu sedang di uji kemampuannya dalam uji coba penembakan bertempat di Pusat Latihan Tempur (Puslatpur) TNI AL Grati, Pasuruan Senin (19/12).

Penembakan senapan mesin jenis Door Gun Post (DGP) tipe MAG-58M melalui Helikopter BO-105 disaksikan langsung oleh Sekertaris Dinas Kelaikan Material Angkatan Laut (Sekdismatal) Kolonel Laut (T) Dwi Yuniarso. Kegiatan itu dihadiri juga oleh tim teknis dari PT. Pindad serta perwakilan dari PT. Dirgantara Indonesia (PT. DI) selaku pembuat rancang bangun Helikopter BO-105. Uji coba itu merupakan pertama kalinya dilaksanakan oleh jajaran TNI AL pada unsur kekuatan udara jenis Helikopter kawal (Escort) BO-105 yang berada di Skuadron-400 Puspenerbal Juanda Surabaya.

Untuk mengetahui sejauh mana kemampuan dan akurasi senjata tersebut saat ditembakkan dari udara, telah dibentuk tim Pelaksana uji coba penembakan dengan Helikopter BO-105 Escort di Puslatpur TNI AL Grati Pasuruan Jawa Timur. Tim tersebut dipimpin oleh Kolonel Laut (P) Imam Musani yang sehari-hari menjabat sebagai Direktorat Perencanaan dan Pengembangan (Direnbang) Puspenerbal Juanda.

Uji coba penembakan dibagi menjadi tiga tahap, yaitu penembakan percobaan ketika heli masih berada dilandasan (Ground), penembakan saat Heli di udara (Hover) dan penembakan pada ketikaHeli terbang melintasi target (Flying). Jarak penembakan dari Heli ke sasaran kurang lebih sejauh 600 meter dengan ketinggian 300 sampai dengan 350 fit diatas permukaan tanah menggunakan amunisi kaliber 7,62mm.

Kemampuan taktis yang dimiliki Helikopter BO-105 Escort diantaranya adalah mampu melakukan mobilisasi yang tinggi khususnya faktor kecepatan dan pendadakan, memiliki tenaga pendorong yang relatif besar dan kemampuan manufer yang sangat lincah. Dapat mendarat di semua jenis Kapal Perang Republik Indonesia (KRI) yang memiliki landasan helikopter (Helideck) serta mampu terbang rendah mengikuti bentuk permukaan daratan dan dapat menghindari deteksi radar musuh.
Mobilitas helikopter ini cukup singkat dalam kesiapan terbang, misalnya untuk siap tinggal landas (Take Off) di darat hanya membutuhkan waktu kira-kira 15 menit sedangkan di laut Take Off melalui (Helideck KRI) membutuhkan waktu sekitar 30 menit. Keunggulan lain yang dimiliki Helikopter BO-105 yaitu dapat terbang dengan kecepatan maksimum 80 knot dengan kecepatan jelajah 70 knot.

Helikopter NBO-105 Escort merupakan helikopter kawal pada pelaksanaan operasi pendaratan Pasukan Pendarat (Pasrat) lintas helikopter dalam operasi amfibi dan Pasukan Pemukul Reaksi Cepat (PPRC TNI). Hal ini sangat dimungkinkan, mengingat keunggulan dalam rancang bangun, efektifitas dan kecepatan bermanuver serta memiliki kemudahan untuk memasang dan melepas peralatan persenjataan sesuai tugas yang diemban.

Selanjutnya dari hasil uji coba ini, akan dilaksanakan evaluasi guna lebih menyempurnakan di seluruh aspek, sehingga dari periode waktu yang sudah ditentukan akan memiliki tingkat kesiapan yang handal pada medan operasi. “Rencananya senapan mesin MAG-58M akan dipasang di empat helikopter TNI AL sejenis NBO-105”, kata Direnbang Puspenerbal.

(Armatim)

CTRM Secures RM11 Mln Eurocopter Contract

08 Desember 2011

Eurocopter EC-130 helicopter (photo : Helihub)

LANGKAWI, (Bernama) -- Composites Technology Research Malaysia Sdn Bhd (CTRM) has secured a RM11 million contract to make and supply composite fenestron to support Eurocopter's production of its EC130 helicopter.

The EC130 is the first helicopter work package awarded to CTRM by any original equipment manufacturer (OEM).

CTRM's group chief executive officer, Datuk Rosdi Mahmud, said the deal was extremely significant to the company in its strategy to acquire more work packages from OEM, or Super Tier 1, especially for diversification into rotary wing aircraft.

"Even the contract value was not comparable to fixed-wing aircraft programme, but the 'value-for-money' in terms of manufacturing and product technology is appealing.

"The success of this strategic partnership signifies Eurocopter's confident in CTRM's capability in taking on more complex component work and assembly of aircraft composites structures," he told a media briefing after the signing of the agreement here today.

Also present was Air Force Chief Gen Tan Sri Rodzali Daud.

Rosdi signed the agreement on behalf of CTRM and Eurocopter was represented by Lambert.

This contract, he said, would initiate composite helicopter technology to CTRM which was already well-established and recognised within the EADS family for fixed-wing parts, and would pave the way for a long-term bilateral cooperation.

Meanwhile, Eurocopter's senior vice-president and head of customer relations, Olivier Lambert, said the cooperation between CTRM and Eurocopter was a new step towards strategic industrial partnership that the company intended to develop in Malaysia.

(Bernama)

First Landing on HMNZS CANTERBURY for New Air Force Helicopter

02 November 2011

First time Air Force A109 lands on HMNZS CANTERBURY (photo : Fuseworks)

Last week the new Air Force helicopter, the A109, successfully completed its first integration trial with the Navy’s Multi-role Vessel, HMNZS CANTERBURY.

The aim of the trial was to test the A109 with the Ship in non-operational conditions including the ability for the aircraft to operate and be maintained on the Ship.

During the trial the helicopter was landed on the ship and then fully stowed in the ship’s hangar. The second stage of the trial saw the helicopter being removed from the hangar, prepared for flight and flown off the ship, which was tied-up alongside Devonport Naval Base throughout.

The trial was deemed a success with only minor issues to rectify. Further trials will be carried out before the helicopter is able to operate to and from the ship.

HMNZS CANTERBURY is the Navy’s sealift and amphibious support vessel. Depending on the mission type, CANTERBURY can transport a blend of A109 or Navy Seasprite helicopters in support of air and land operations and disaster relief. The ship will also carry the new NH90 helicopter when it comes into service.

(RNZAF)

Thailand's Cabinet Approves Fennec Procurement

29 September 2011

Eurocopter AS 550 Fennec (photo : Militaryphotos)

Flustered PM baffles press with incorrect comment

Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra apparently forgot which items were on the cabinet agenda yesterday, causing confusion when she confirmed the navy's submarine procurement project had received cabinet approval before retracting her statement hours later.

Emerging from the cabinet meeting at 2pm yesterday, Ms Yingluck appeared confused when asked about the navy's second-hand submarine procurement plan and the army's Black Hawk helicopter procurement plan.

"I don't remember. The cabinet considered 37 items today. The submarine procurement project has already been approved," she said.

Ms Yingluck later assigned the government spokesman team to address the blunder.

Deputy government spokesman Chalitrat Chandru-beksa braved the rain to correct Ms Yingluck's statement.

He told the media that the prime minister misunderstood a reporter's question about the submarines and helicopter projects. The cabinet yesterday approved the army's proposal to buy eight French-made helicopters, not the navy's submarine project, said Mr Chalitrat.

The army's Black Hawk helicopter procurement plan has yet to be considered by the Budget Bureau. The deputy spokesman said the navy's proposal was not on yesterday's cabinet agenda.

A source said government spokeswoman Thitima Chaisaeng immediately called a meeting with members of the spokesman team following Ms Yingluck's confusing remark.

The spokesman team tried to explain to reporters that the prime minister may have been referring to the Marine Department's plan to buy boats for use in the exercise of using their propellers to speed up the flow of water out of flooded areas, the source said.

However, the propeller boats were not on yesterday's meeting agenda.

Mr Chalitrat said the cabinet approved a tied-over-budget for the army's project to procure eight Eurocopter AS 550 helicopters at 1.59 billion baht.

Ms Yingluck had reportedly asked the army to review the 2.8-billion-baht Black Haw procurement plan. She wanted the army to study details and technical issues of the US helicopters.

(Bangkok Post)

AFP to Buy Endurance Ship, 2 Naval Helicopters

20 September 2011

Philippine Navy currently operates Bo-105 and Robinson R-22 helicopters (all photos : Timawa)

MANILA, Philippines - A weather high-endurance ship and two naval helicopters would be the first items to be purchased using the P4.9 billion that was ordered released recently by President Aquino, the military said over the weekend.

Brig. Gen. Roy Deveraturda, Armed Forces deputy chief for plans and programs, said the high-endurance cutter and the two helicopters, which would be acquired from the US government, would be used to enhance the military’s territorial defense capabilities.

“The high-endurance cutter and the two multi-purpose helicopters will be used to secure our marine resources and our territory,” Deveraturda told The STAR over the weekend.


The two multi-purpose naval helicopters would be subject to the regular bidding processes and are expected to complement the high-endurance ship to be acquired by the military since the vessel contains a hangar.

One helicopter would be placed on the ship to be purchased while the other one would complement the Hamilton-class cutter acquired recently by the Navy.

“The helicopters would provide us flexibility when conducting patrols. These can also be used for search and rescue,” Deveraturda said.

Col. Arnulfo Burgos Jr., Armed Forces public affairs chief, said each helicopter would cost about P450 million, including equipment for search and rescue and safety of life at sea. The transfer cost of the high-endurance ship has yet to be determined.

Earlier, the government acquired a Hamilton-class vessel from the US Coast Guard to upgrade the military’s external defense capabilities.

The ship, which has been renamed BRP Gregorio del Pilar, would be deployed to the West Philippine Sea to secure energy projects in the area.

The BRP Gregorio del Pilar is classified as a cutter, a high-speed vessel that can cut through waves.

The ship is the Navy’s first Hamilton-class cutter and is now its largest vessel. It was acquired under the US Foreign Military Sales program using proceeds from the Malampaya project funds.

Its transfer cost has been pegged at P450 million while the operational cost for two years is estimated at P120 million.

The purchase of two naval helicopters is expected to improve the capabilities of the Naval Air Group, which badly needs new aircraft.

A naval helicopter is an integral part of the weather high-endurance cutter as this would enable the military to conduct maritime air patrol operations.

(PhilStar)

RAN has Signed Contract with Raytheon Australia to Provide 3 Bell 429

19 September 2011

Bell 429 helicopter (photo : Petrus Pabel)

Contract for Navy helicopters signed to develop aircrew skills

Minister for Defence Materiel Jason Clare today announced that the Royal Australian Navy has signed a new contract with Raytheon Australia to provide three Bell 429 helicopters aimed to maintain and develop the skills of junior Naval helicopter aircrew.

The contract is worth around $26 million over four years and includes support and maintenance.
Mr Clare said that the helicopters would be operated by Navy’s 723 Squadron in Nowra.

“This is one way the Navy is making sure that pilots and aircrew are ready for the new Romeo combat helicopters which will start arriving in 2014,” Mr Clare said.

“Junior aircrew initially train in Squirrel helicopters. They will then move on to the Bell 429 to improve and maintain their skills.

“This gives young Naval pilots and aircrew the chance to hone their skills before they start flying the new combat helicopters, the MH-60R Seahawks or the new MRH-90 helicopters.”

The lease of these helicopters is necessary to assist in the skills development of Naval aircrew following the cancellation of the failed Seasprite project.

These new helicopters will operate for four years from 2012 and are expected to fly around 1500 hours per year.

(AusDoD)