Category: Rotor

Leading Global Helicopter OEM Selects Ramco Aviation

Global Aviation software specialist Ramco Systems announced that it will implement its flagship aviation software Ramco Aviation M&E MRO Suite V5.8 for a leading helicopter OEM, to digitally transform its global MRO operations.

Ramco will implement its unified enterprise application containing modules for Engineering, Maintenance, Supply Chain, Safety Compliance, MRO & Part Sales and Mobility for Warehouse and Mechanics.

Ramco says their Aviation Suite will enable high productivity and automation of MRO Operations by moving away from manual recording of data and enabling access to real-time information. The application will ensure high efficiency with its next generation capabilities like straight through processing, mobility, hub-based architecture and secured technology. The system also enables task card digitization with electronic signature capability to achieve paperless operations with dual authentication.

“Having gained the confidence of seven of the top 10 Heli-operators, this win puts us on the front foot to lead the Heli MRO segment,” Virender Aggarwal, CEO, Ramco Systems, said. “We are thrilled to add a leading helicopter manufacturer to our growing clientele. Our focus on delivering digital transformation with quantifiable results continues to gain the trust of clients, globally. This has been possible because of the steadfast focus we place on Innovation and infusing our application with AI, ML, chatbots, user-based personalization and more.”

GORE Introduces New High Performance Aerospace Wires

W. L. Gore & Associates announced a new solution that meets higher voltages as the trend continues towards aircraft electrification to reduce the impact of air transport on the environment. GORE High Performance Aerospace Wires, GWN3000 Series, deliver a combination of mechanical strength and electrical reliability without increasing wire bundle size or weight, the company says.

Ensure System Reliability over Time

GORE High Performance Aerospace Wires, GWN3000 Series, provide a higher level of mechanical and electrical performance over time in current and next-gen aircraft. They ensure EWIS (electrical wire interconnection systems) reliability, increase operational readiness, improve safety and reduce total lifecycle costs, according to the company.

The GWN3000 Series meets and even exceeds new rigorous industry standards that require higher levels of electrical and mechanical durability for wire bundles operating in extreme aerospace environments.

“We’re excited to offer a single, long-term solution to the industry that can solve complex EWIS challenges in today’s and next-gen aircraft,” said Jim Carothers, product manager.

New-generation engines and aerodynamic optimization have lowered fuel burn during the past half century of jet-age travel. However, recent efficiency and environmental gains are incremental compared to the paradigm shift inherent in an eventual transition to all-electric aircraft. That revolution and the near-term steps required to achieve it rely not just on new battery technology, but also the ability to deliver power sufficient to replace current systems based on combustion, hydraulics or pneumatics.

Gore’s chemically inert wire insulation does not degrade after exposure to harsh chemicals or humidity, the company says. The GWN3000 Series also reduces the risk of chafing, abrasion, and cut-through failures while easily tolerating wide temperature ranges. This new wire insulation meets mechanical, electrical, and material stability needs in one solution for complex wiring systems in commercial and defense aircraft.

For more information about the GWN3000 Series of GORE High Performance Aerospace Wires for commercial and defense aircraft, visit gore.com/highperformancewires.

MD Helicopters Awarded Two Army Contracts

MD Helicopters, Inc. (MDHI) announced two independent contract awards from Army Contracting Command-Redstone to support allied operations of the MD 530F Cayuse Warrior helicopter.

The first contract, worth $6.1 million, requires MDHI to retrofit 18 legacy MD 530F helicopters operated by the Afghanistan Air Force with ballistic-tolerant crashworthy fuel systems (CWFS). Jointly developed with Robertson Fuel Systems, the 59-gallon MD 530F CWFS delivers unmatched safety and survivability. The system features ballistically self-sealing fuel cells, crash-worthy bladders compliant to MIL-DTL-27422, gravity fed auxiliary fuel transfer, compatibility with Robertson’s 38-gallon Little Bird Auxiliary Tank System (LBATS), and combat proven performance. Under the contract, MDHI will perform the retrofit of the CWFS for each helicopter in Afghanistan.

The second contract, worth $6.4 million, modifies MDHI’s original 2018 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity production contract to supply six aircraft to the Lebanon Air Force. The modification adds instructor pilot flight training, maintenance and armament training for 12 pilots and 16 maintenance technicians from the Lebanon Air Force. Training will take place at MDHI’s Flight Training Academy in Mesa, Ariz., which provides military-specific training to customers operating MDHI helicopters. Under the terms of the contract, the academy will provide night vision goggle (NVG), standard military instruction, instructor pilot, train the trainer, gunnery, maintenance, armament, and operations in high, heavy, and hot environments training. Performed in two of the Lebanon Air Force’s new MD 530F helicopters, training started this month and takes place through April 2021. As a part of the contract, MDHI was awarded increased logistics support to include additional spare parts for the six helicopters to help the Lebanon Air Force maintain an exceptionally high level of operational availability.

“These contracts further emphasize the value the U.S. government puts on supporting our allies with the world’s best light attack helicopter—the MD 530F Cayuse Warrior,” says Nick Nenadovic, vice president, Aftermarket and Customer Support. “As the aircraft’s OEM, we maintain tremendous pride and passion in ensuring the highest level of support for our customers. We are honored to provide that support through these two contracts.”

Bell Announces Collaboration Agreement for New Bell 429 Law Enforcement Demonstrator in Germany

Bell Textron announced a new collaboration agreement with Elektroniksystem-und Logistik-GmbH (ESG) to install their Mission Management System in a Bell 429 as a law enforcement demonstrator. This new demonstrator will be used to showcase the aircraft’s capabilities to the police and military markets in Europe and across the globe.

“With the Bell 429 certified to the latest certification standards in its class, combined with market-leading customer support – it was imperative to team up with a top German technology company such as ESG,” said Duncan Van De Velde, managing director, Europe & Russia. “Bell and ESG are committed to providing the best solution to the parapublic market and will work together to showcase this offering.”

For more than 50 years, ESG has been developing, integrating, and operating complex and security-related electronic and IT systems for the military, public authorities and companies. ESG is a leading international system and software company based in Munich, Germany. It provides development and service processes for software-intensive, complex, high-tech and security-related products.

“We are excited for this collaboration with Bell,” said Daniel Högemann, project manager Mission & New Generation Helicopters, ESG. “By pairing our Mission Management System with the reliable Bell 429, we believe we can provide the best parapublic solution to the region.”

With over 400 Bell 429s around the globe and 100 located in Europe, the aircraft has been one of the most successful light twin helicopters on the market since its certification in 2009.The Bell 429 is a proven system that is operated by premier law enforcement and for search and rescue missions with customers in Europe and around the world.

For police and military missions, the surveillance system is one of the most important items of equipment on the helicopter. In order to conduct the mission, the customer must have confidence that the system can perform in an emergency situation. ESG’s Mission Management System has set the standard for police surveillance missions by providing state-of-the-art integration of mission equipment. Customers will be able to have the option to purchase the ESG system with their new helicopter directly from Bell together as one purchase.

FREE virtual Maintenance Safety Symposium “Troubleshooting Technology”

ATTENTION Aviation MECHANICS:
Last chance to register for the FREE Virtual Maintenance Safety Symposium
“Troubleshooting Technology”

Where: Hosted on ZOOM
When: Wednesday September 23  11:00 am – 5:00 pm Eastern (US/Canada)
Hosted LIVE from Airbus Helicopters Inc.’s Maintenance Training Center in Texas.
The event is being organized by Pilot Landing LLC and sponsored by S.A.F.E. Structure Designs Johnny Buscema Safe Structure
Outreach by Helicopter Association International
Training and Tech Working Groups

TO REGISTER go to http://www.pilotlanding.com/maintenance
and receive login information.

Moderator:

Terry Palmer

Speakers:

Jeff Guzzetti  – Maintenance role in accidents
Eric Bechhoefer – HUMS
Bill Hopper  – Track and Balance/Human Factors
Dave Talarczyk –  Maintenance test flights

Southern Utah University A&P Training update
Tour of Airbus Helicopters North America Maintenance Training

 

Bell Presents the Turkish National Police with the Outstanding Operational Readiness Award

Bell Textron announced the Turkish National Police were presented an award for “Outstanding Operational Readiness.” The force operates 14 Bell 429s for its safety and security missions. The fleet’s operational readiness is above 95 percent.

“It is an honor to award the Turkish National Police this plaque for outstanding operational readiness,” said Clay Bridges, regional manager, Bell. “The Turkish Police are incredible professionals and the Bell 429 is an exceptional aircraft that will continue to support the country’s public safety and security efforts.”

“Operating the Bell 429 has been essential in completing our missions to the best of our ability,” says branch director of aviation maintenance, pilot chief inspector, Nihat Şirin, Turkish National Police. “Bell provides a highly customizable aircraft that meets our critical mission needs.”

“The Bell 429 provides advanced technology that enables our police force to serve and protect our country more safely and efficiently,” adds Sirin.

 

Greene Tweed Announces New, Ultra-Low-Temperature EPM 953 Elastomer for Phosphate Ester Hydraulic Systems

Greene Tweed, a maker of high-performance seals, thermoplastics, composites, and engineered components, announces the release of its new EPM 953 elastomer for phosphate ester hydraulic systems in aerospace applications.

Developed for its ultra-low-temperature performance and compatibility with phosphate ester hydraulic fluids, EPM 953 outperforms existing EP elastomers and maintains an excellent seal at temperatures as low as -85°F (-65°C) or below.

Suitable for static and dynamic seals in hydraulic actuation systems, Greene Tweed’s EPM 953 delivers improved elasticity at ultra-low-temperatures. The new proprietary elastomer material has been extensively tested, ensuring high durability and little to no hydraulic fluid leakage over the lifetime of an aircraft. EPM 953 meets and exceeds the new AMS 7361 in independent testing.

In addition, the new EPM 953 improves dynamic cap seal energization while increasing the margin of safety and elasticity at low temperatures. The company says ts superior hydraulic fluid leak prevention ensures reduced environmental impact by eliminating the release of phosphate ester hydraulic fluids into the environment.

Summit Aviation Installs Garmin G500H TXi on MD 520

Summit Aviation has been awarded the Supplemental Type Certificate for the installation of Garmin’s G500H TXi Flight Display System on MDHI 500N series aircraft.

The latest in electronic glass cockpit instrumentation, Garmin says the G500H TXi brings increased levels of reliability, adaptability and affordability to helicopter operations. Available in both portrait and landscape options, the system provides crisp touch-screen displays. It allows for the use of familiar knobs and/or touch-screen inputs to quickly access the functions, screen views and other flight information the pilot wants to see most prominently.

Summit recently installed the G500H TXi display system on two of Maryland’s Prince George’s County Police Department’s MD 520N Helicopters.

“We are excited to continue in our support of aviation law enforcement,” says director of Sales and Marketing for Summit Aviation John Gonsalves. “The Garmin G500H TXi Flight Display System is a game changer for the critical services our customers provide every day.”

The G500H TXi is equipped with a five-color Helicopter Terrain Awareness and Warning System1 (HTAWS), WireAware wire-strike avoidance technology and Garmin HSVT 3-D synthetic vision. The G500H TXi also features multiple video input options, night vision goggle (NVG) compatibility and a graphical map overlay within the horizontal situation indicator (HSI) for most display formats.

 

OAS Helicopters Signs Up for Rusada’s ENVISION

OAS Helicopters, a Nigerian charter operator, has awarded Rusada a contract for the use and implementation of their MRO and flight operations software, ENVISION.

Odengene Air Shuttle Services Limited (OAS) has operated in the region since 1992. Headquartered in Lagos and operating out of Port Harcourt, OAS recently acquired a new AW139 helicopter for use in supporting oil and gas operations for the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation.

As well as signing up for several of ENVISION’s key modules, OAS are also employing its flight operations solution to help organize their flights and crew.

This new deal further strengthens Rusada’s footprint in Africa and will be supported by their MEA team, based in Dubai.

“We were looking for an industry-proven, all-in-one solution for our operation,” Edwin George, deputy managing director of OAS Helicopters said. “In ENVISION we found a system with comprehensive capability and a logical interface that will serve to significantly increase the efficiency of our operation.”

Julian Stourton, CEO at Rusada added: “The awarding of this contract during the current pandemic, is recognition of Rusada’s ability to implement, advise and support our customers remotely. Work on the project with OAS has already begun, and not only are we finding this remote approach pragmatic, but also very efficient. We look forward to a long and successful relationship with OAS Helicopters.”

Cortec’s EcoLine Cutting Fluid on Bearings

Bearings manufacturers who have experienced corrosion knows how critical proper protection is to avoid later delays and rejection. Oxidation can occur on smoothly polished bearings surfaces exposed to fluctuating humidity, temperatures and condensation during shipping and storage. Some bearings manufacturers may prefer to apply liquid rust preventatives even though papers and films are some of the most convenient protective options. However, conventional is not necessarily better.

Cortec Corporation has developed outstanding alternatives to traditional mineral-oil based rust preventatives (RPs). Among these sustainable alternatives is EcoLine Cutting Fluid, a biobased rust preventative concentrate that rivals traditional RPs in terms environmental impact, user safety, cleanliness, convenience, and even performance! EcoLine Cutting Fluid offers multi-metal protection to bearings in shipping and storage and is an excellent environmentally sound alternative to petroleum derived products. It has a wide dilution range for greater economy and flexibility. Unlike traditional rust preventative oils, an emulsion of EcoLine Cutting Fluid leaves a dry film that is virtually undetectable on the surface of the metal, helping to create a cleaner workplace and preventing material waste.

EcoLine Cutting Fluid proved its advantages for bearings protection when it was tested by a Montenegro manufacturer of bearings, bushings, and used in engines produced for two major car companies. The auto parts were made out of a special aluminum alloy that was corroding in transit during two to four months of export in seagoing containers. Although the manufacturer was applying traditional rust inhibiting oils, the high-tech engine components were still having problems with oxidation and pitting, which caused significant losses for the company in terms of delays and rusted parts.

The manufacturer decided to test EcoLine Cutting Fluid in their laboratory. Promising results prompted them to implement a pilot trial and eventually a full-scale plant-wide implementation. Not only did their EcoLine Cutting Fluid emulsion show extended protection in field testing of up to 12 months, but the rust preventative also created a layer less than 1 micron thick, thinner than the previous oil—which apparently did not satisfy tight tolerances—and compatible with robotic assembly. All these benefits came simply by substituting a more environmentally responsible rust preventative for an ineffective oil-based standby.