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The article details Project Manned/Unmanned Resupply Aerial Lifter (MURAL). This project, which is working with the Aviation and Missile Research Development and Engineering Center of the U.S. Army, is going to determine whether Sikorsky's prototype UH-60A Black Hawk utility helicopter might fly without a human pilot. The objective of Project MURAL is to deliver a Black Hawk that can carry out the job of load lifting across the battlefield.

The article focuses on the unmanned operations of the 39 Squadron (Sqn), the British Royal Air Force (RAF)'s first unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) unit. The RAF instigated a program to get the Reaper UAVs in service for the quickest time possible. The 39 Sqn unit was reactivated in 2007 under the command of Wing Commander Andrew Jeffrey, and it was formed up at Creech Air Force Base in Nevada.

The article discusses the engagement of the British and Germans in improvement programmes for its rotorcraft, partly due to needs for life extension and partly for deployments to Afghanistan, prior to the planned North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) withdrawal. The first of 28 upgraded Pumas was handed over by Eurocopter to the British Ministry of Defence (MoD) in September 2012 under a 220 million British pounds programme for completion by December 2014.

The article reports on the Wildcat programme with the completion of over 80 percent of flight testing, initial examples joining the Army Air Corps (AAC), and the arrival of the first Fleet Air Arm (FAA) aircraft due in November 2012. At the Yeovil plant of AgustaWestland, more than 15 aircraft have been completed or are in production, while work is under way on the infrastructure for training of new pilots and engineers for the army and navy at Royal Naval Air Station (RNAS) Yeovilton.

The article reports on the growing interest over airborne early warning (AEW) capabilities. According to the author, the Falklands conflict of 1982 revived interest in helicopter AEW. The British Royal Navy created the Sea King AEW Mk 2 and the Sea King Airborne Surveillance and Control Mk 7 aircraft to address the problem. Other developments addressing the AEW issue are Thales UK's Searchwater radar and Italy's EH101A Mk 112s fitted with an enlarged radome to hold the surveillance radar.

The article focuses on the efforts to tackle the threat of degraded visual environment (DVE), also known as brown-out condition. It mentions that military aircraft needs a sensor that could see through the cloud of dust during desert landings. It states the Helicopter Autonomous Landing Systems (HALS) by Sierra Nevada Corp. which offers 3D imagery and landing guidance symbology. It adds the Brownout Landing Aid System Technology (BLAST) of BAE Systems.

The article focuses on the entry of the AH-1Z Zulu helicopter in the squadron service. It states that the AH-1Z has completed its operational evaluation in September 2010, making its way for production and the first operational deployment with a marine expeditionary unit (MEU) on board the assault ship USS Makin Island in November 2011. It says that only 23 AH-1Zs have entered the squadron service. INSET: HMLA-267 in Afghanistan.

The article discusses the firepower necessary to protect helicopters deployed in the Afghanistan war and examines the various options available to the military. In Afghanistan, the helicopter-mounted gun proved to be a highly efficient, cost-effective and formidable weapon. It is effective against small moving targets without the risk of collateral damage frequently experienced with high-explosive warheads. The same guns on transport and utility support helicopters have saved many lives.

The article discusses efforts to upgrade light attack helicopters for future military operations of the International Security Assistance Forces (ISAF). It recognizes the OH-58D Kiowa Warrior helicopter as the aircraft with the highest readiness rate in Afghanistan and Iraq. Military experts say that the combat efficiency and longevity of the Kiowa Warrior has led to increased interest in the use of new light helicopter variants such as the Boeing AH-6i, and the Eurocopter EC635 and EC645.

The article focuses on the periodical "Defence Helicopter" that deals with the various helicopter operations worldwide. The first issue of the magazine was published during the Cold War and is focusing on the AH-64 Apache which was involved in various operations following its combat deployment. The editorial content of the periodical also reflects on the developments in rotary-wing technologies.

The article discusses the issue concerning the V-22 Osprey transport plane which was deployed in Afghanistan and is operating at Camp Bastion airfield. Various reports came out in the U.S., stating that V-22 was not given the same mission as the CH-53 Echo and is not doing what is designed to do. However, Lieutenant Colonel Brian McAvoy verbalized that the unit has been used in deliberate assault operations and carries troops and supplies into the forward operating bases (FOBs).

The article features the Canadian Forces' (CF) CH-147 Chinook helicopters that are being used in the war against terrorism in Afghanistan. The Chinooks, which were acquired under the CF's Interim Medium Lift Capability (IMCL), will remain in Kandahar, Afghanistan until they are sold. The opinion of Canadian Task Force Freedom (TTF) maintenance officer, Major Darryl Taylor, on the helicopter acquisitions is also cited.

The article discusses the effects of climate and topographic elements on the helicopter operations in Afghanistan. It presents the models of helicopters such as Sea King and Lynx Mk7 and Mk9 which are believed to be the subject of major upgrades. The author presents the development of composite blade by the U.S. company Carson in partnership with Indian Navy as part of the upgrade which is focused on the improvement of the main rotor blade.

The article reports on the AW159 Wildcat helicopter procurement program of the British Army and Royal Navy. A total of 62 Wildcats were ordered by the British Ministry of Defense to replace the Lynx Mk 3s and 8s of the Royal Navy and AH7s of the Army Air Corps. Wildcat contractor AgustaWestland will also re-engine 22 Lynx AH9 units with T800. The article also discusses Wildcat's test flights.

The article reports on the helicopter fleet modernization program of the U.S. Marine Corps (USMC). The USMC is acquiring MV-22 Osprey tiltrotors to replace its CH-46 fleet and upgrading its AH-1W Super Cobra attack helicopters with Elbit's Night Targeting System and possibly with BAE Systems' Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System. Upgrades on the CH-53K and AH-1Z Viper helicopters are also described.

The article presents an update on the Finnish Army's NH90 military helicopter programme. Finland has been building up its NH90 operation and is enjoying the capabilities of the helicopter under 1,500 flight hours. According to Lieutenant Colonel Anssi Vuolle of the Utti Jaeger Regiment Helicopter Battalion, the helicopter offers improvements in terms of safety and capability for the Finnish military. Information is presented on the early configurations of the NH90, as well as some limitations.

The article focuses on the emergence of low-cost laser-guided rockets, which have become a great competitor of precision missiles. According to BAE Systems PLC precision guidance solutions director John Watkins, laser-guided rockets have been already used and have the potential of becoming a force multiplier with less cost. However, it mentions that the precision missiles still offer an important role for many situations.

In this article, the author focuses on the use close air support (CAS) in the war in Afghanistan. He says that the ability of aircrews to put down fire closer to ground troops than ever before demonstrates the confidence in the levels of technology used by the coalition forces in the country. He adds the improved communication have helped the boost the flow of information between the ground and air. The primary attack helicopter used by the U.S. Marine Corps in CAS is the AH-1W Cobra.

The article offers information on the Task Force (TF) Musketeer helicopter battalion of the French forces in Afghanistan. Operating from the northern section of the Kabul International Airport, TF Musketeer's fleet of EC665 Tiger and SA342 Gazelle helicopters provide air transport and medical support for French troops of the International Security Assistance Force. The article also describes the technical enhancements and operational challenges for the helicopter fleet of TF Musketeer.

The article discusses an update on the U.S. Air Force 438th Air Expeditionary Wing's (AEW) mission in Kabul, Afghanistan. It notes that the 438th AEW has been tasked to help the Afghan Air Force (AAF) acquire combat support capability after the withdrawal of International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) troops. Mentors from the AEW advise AAF officers on several issues including flight safety, planning, and operational flying.

The article discusses the contributions of Medevac helicopters in saving the lives of soldiers and civilians in Afghanistan. It mentions that these helicopters had saved thousands of soldiers who encountered insurgency attacks while doing their critical and dangerous missions. Afghan civilians who were injured during the war were also carried by Medevac helicopters to military hospitals for medical treatment.

The article discusses the remarkable performance of the Bell UH-1Y Venom military helicopter used by the U.S. Marine Corps (USMC) in its various operations in Afghanistan. It mentions that the helicopter has transformed the fight in the country since its introduction in 2008 and became a key component of the counter-insurgency operations of marines in Helmand Province. The UH-1Ys are used by the marine light attack helicopter unit (HMLA) together with the AH-1W Whiskey Cobra.

The article discusses the operations of the 301st Rescue Squadron based at Patrick Air Force Base in Florida also known as Guardian Wings. It cites wide-range peacetime operations of 301st Rescue Squadron as it works with long range search and rescue (SAR) missions of U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) along with tasks such as clearing private and shipping boats before any National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) rocket launch. It also notes the 920th Rescue Wing of the U.S. Air Force (USAF) Reserve Command that supports the missions of USAF and NASA.

The article discusses the judgmental training which is undertaken by the members of Afghanistan-bound Apache force to prepare them for the tough decisions that they will make during the fight. The Apache force unites with Joint Helicopter Command (JHC) to organize the mission rehearsal exercise (MRE/MRX) on the Salisbury Plain Training Area. After the training, the crew members are expected to understand the Rules of Engagement (ROE) and the systematic application of their weapons.

The article focuses on the Bell 212, the British Army Air Corps (AAC) aircraft which has been in the jungles of Brunei and Belize. The FBHeliservices provides the aircrafts of AAC and maintains the fleet and the training of the army crews. The 25 Flight in the British Army Training Support Unit Belize and the 7 Flight in Brunei both operate three Bell 212 aircrafts. The remaining two Bell 212 are currently based in Great Britain. In 1994, a contract was provided by AAC with Bristow Helicopters to provide helicopter services to the army in Brunei.

The article outlines the progress of Europe's newest military helicopter training scheme at France's Helidax. Helidax is a public-private partnership (PPP) program intended to train future pilots on a modern fleet of light helicopters. Helidax is using a fleet of 36 EC120s fitted with a Sagem integrated cockpit display system and a night-vision compatible cockpit.

The article talks about guided air-to-ground rockets and their use in the war in Afghanistan. Guided rockets are ideal for warfare in Afghanistan, a proper counter to unarmored vehicles and ambush tactics used by the insurgents. Development of the guided rockets are geared towards their use with the military helicopter. Many companies are developing guidance systems for these rockets. One of the leading companies is BAE systems with its Advanced Precision Kill WEapon System - II.

The article focuses on the rescue of an injured Burmese sailor in a cargo ship in the north-east Atlantic by the U.S. Air Force's 56th Rescue Squadron. It is stated that the two Pave Hawk helicopters used required three air-refuelings from tanker aircraft due to the long distances involved. The rescue team reportedly overcame the challenges of the ship's layout and communicating with its crew. The Pave Hawks' reliability, proven in the more than ten hour air operation, is also asserted.

The article focuses on the plan of the U.S. Army to equip its helicopter fleet with health and usage monitoring systems (HUMS) by 2015. It is reportedly part of the Army's condition-based maintenance programme with the aim of improving operations by enhancing diagnostics, predicting remaining component life and activating supply transactions. The analysis of data from the accelerometers around the engine and transmission by the HUMS software is also given.

The article features the SW-4 light optionally piloted helicopter developed by PZL-Świdnik and AgustaWestland.

The article features the Tactical Utility TU-150 hybrid unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) from Rheinmetall Airborne Systems (RAS) and Swiss UAV.

The article discusses the addition of new systems to the Alliance Ground Surveillance (AGS) unmanned aircraft system (UAS), including a Link 16 airborne data link, Saturn secure radio, and Automatic Identification Systems for shipping and anti-piracy missions.

The article discusses India's unmanned ambitions in terms of technologies being developed. According to the author, India's armed forces are set to increase the number of unmanned fleet by 2030. India's Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) is currently flying the Nishant Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) and the Rustom 1 MALE platform while working on Rustom 2. DRDO is also developing UAV technologies that will include long endurance and loiter capabilities, and airframe de-icing.

The article previews the unmanned K-Max aerial resupply system, an aircraft from Lockheed Martin.

The article reports that Adcom of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates unveiled its Unitd 40 Medium-altitude Long-range (MALE) unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) at the Dubai Airshow in November 2011.

The article reports that despite delays of more than 12 months, Thales UK is ready to deploy its Watchkeeper unmanned aerial system (UAS) in Afghanistan by the end of 2011.

The article reports that Qinetiq in conjunction with Northrop Grumman will conduct an experimental flight test programme of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) that will integrate the vehicle management systems developed for the Fire Scout into a Gazelle helicopter. The programme aims to create a reliable cost effective unmanned vehicle that could be operated from a ship. If feasible, the British Ministry of Defence plans to add the integrated UAV system in its Future Force 2020 plan.

The article offers brief information on the miniature unmanned helicopter Inceptor VTOL UAS from Insitu.

The article reports on the effort of the Israeli Aeronautics Defense Systems and Rafael to help relief work in the aftermath of the earthquake in Chile in 2010.

The article reports on the plan of the French Centre d'essais en vol (CEV) to display its Schiebel Camcopter S-100 unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) at the 2009 Paris Air Show in France. The aircraft aims to get the French naval contract and has undergone flight test program. Camcopter is set to be the first UAV to perform in that exhibition. Schiebel has conducted flight trials for Turkey and other Asian armed forces.

The article reports on the first flight of the Avenger aircraft developed by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GA-ASI). Some features of the aircraft include a quick-response armed reconnaissance capability and a weapons bay. GA-ASI claims that the Avenger presents a no-risk and low cost procurement option as it uses the same materials and avionics as Predator B aircraft. A test is being conducted at manufacturer's test airfield at Grey Butte, California.

The article reports that officials of the British Ministry of Defence (MoD) is investigating Great Britain's Royal Air Force (RAF) Reaper Loss. The MQ-9 Reaper, 1 of 2 aircraft purchased in 2007, is said to have been lost on April 9, 2008 during an operational sortie in Afghanistan. In a statement released by MoD, it is stated that mechanical issues and not enemy action are suspected to be the cause of the Reaper crash. Other information on the MQ-9 Reapers is provided.

The article reports on the retirement of the F-16 fighter planes of the 147th Fighter Wing of the Texas Air National Guard (ANG) based in Ellington Field in Houston, Texas in June 2008. The F-16 fighter planes will be replaced by up to 12 R/MQ-1 Predator unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) as part of the U.S. Air Force's Future Total Force Initiative. A three-and-a-half-month course has been introduced to convert crews from the F-16 to the Predator.

The article discusses the outsourcing of flight training services by armed forces to other countries or private contractors for the reduction of costs and freeing up of previously dedicated assets as a result of defence budgets cuts and the shrinking of helicopter fleets. The Defence Helicopter Flying School (DHFS), providing basic flight training for the three British services, and advanced training on multi-engine types such as Bell 412 and AgustaWestland AW109 is run by FBHeliservices (FBH).

The article discusses the importance of simulation systems such as Virtual Battlespace 2 for the U.S. Army. It mentions that this technology which is based on an off-the-shelf computer game helps both soldiers and officers during training and helps them to better understand the potential that air power can deliver. The U.S. Army has deployed a simulator to Afghanistan to aid aviators in enhancing their flying skills.

The article discusses the performance of the Canadian Forces' (CF) CH-146 Griffon helicopter aircraft in the war against terrorism in Afghanistan as of July 2011. It claims that the entry of the CH-47D Chinook helicopters has changed the role played by the Griffon to become an armed overwatch and reconnaissance, as well as convoy and aerial escort helicopter. The opinion of Canadian Task Force Freedom (TFF) commanding officer Chris Morrison on the role of the Griffon is also cited.

The article examines the implications of the British government's Strategic Defence and Security Review (SDSR) for the armed forces, particularly the service helicopter fleets. The SDSR proposed a cut of 8 percent over four years, which raised concerns from the U.S. government and across North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) allies. The main concerns on the SDSR are decisions about hardware, particularly the Royal Navy's (RN) two future aircraft carriers.

The article explores the significant impact of the V-22 Osprey transport helicopter on changing the nature of military assault. According to U.S. Marine Lieutenant Colonel Anthony Bianca, moving troops to difficult areas and terrain can be done with the V-22 Osprey. Tests conducted on the helicopter in Afghanistan have required the modification of engine aid particle separators (EAPS). Information is also presented on the challenge posed by the helicopter's tiltrotor to pilots.

The article examines the potential impact of the arrival of the new Conservative-Liberal Democrat coalition government on Great Britain's rotorcraft strategy. The British Ministry of Defence (MoD) under the Labour government had announced more than 1.5 billion U.S. dollars worth of military helicopter-associated contracts. Such contracts will be reviewed by the coalition government. The review is expected to affect plans to purchase Chinook helicopters.

The article offers a look at the career of the Eurocopter Tigre military helicopter in which 2009 may prove to be the most important year. A decision to deploy the Eurocopter Tigre in Afghanistan has been announced by French Defence Minister Hervé Morin on June 5, 2009. The helicopter has also demonstrated its capability outside France, which included a hot weather test deployment to Ambouli in Dijibouti. Its weapons systems include a 68 millimeter laser-guided rocket by TDA and Thales.