AXIS Flight Simulation is expanding beyond its established fixed-wing products and entering the helicopter simulator market with two new training devices. The Austrian manufacturer says the move adds rotary-wing systems to a portfolio that already includes full-flight simulators, modular cockpit trainers and software-based procedure-training products. Helicopter simulation presents different challenges from fixed-wing training. A useful…
A demonstration in San Bernardino paired a Robinson R44 helicopter with a Ponderosa FireSparrow Mk10 drone to test Ciconia’s coordination and collision-avoidance system. The event examined whether crewed and uncrewed aircraft could identify a developing conflict and receive useful guidance before they came dangerously close. During the demonstration, the system provided the R44 pilot with…
The U.S. Army is moving toward a contractor-owned and operated model for portions of its initial helicopter pilot training. Under the Flight School Next program, M1 Support Services will provide aircraft, maintenance, simulators, academic instruction and flight instruction at Fort Rucker, Alabama. The Army will retain control of training standards, safety requirements and operational outcomes….
NASA is developing SkyFall, a mission concept that would send three small helicopters to explore Mars. The Jet Propulsion Laboratory and AeroVironment will co-design and co-manufacture the rotorcraft, extending the partnership that helped create the Ingenuity Mars Helicopter. NASA describes each SkyFall aircraft as weighing about 11 pounds and carrying cameras, ground-penetrating radar, temperature sensors…
The U.S. Air Force has activated the 5th Helicopter Squadron at Joint Base Andrews, marking the installation’s first new Air Force helicopter squadron in 60 years. The unit will prepare aircrews, maintainers and operating procedures for the arrival of the HH-60W Jolly Green II, the service’s newest combat rescue helicopter. The new squadron will operate…
