Airbus Helicopters - Defence Industry Europe

Airbus Helicopters and Naval Group, in collaboration with the French Armament General Directorate, DGA (Direction génerale de l’armement), and the French Navy, have tested the SDAM demonstrator (Système de Drone Aérien Marine/ Naval Aerial Drone System) from a multi-mission frigate (FREMM). The trials took place on board the French Navy frigate, Provence in the Mediterranean Sea between the 2nd and the 9th of October. The vessel had previously been adapted by Naval Group to operate the SDAM. These sea trials were arranged to demonstrate the system’s high performance from an operational warship and the SDAM’s capabilities for surveillance and intelligence missions.

Airbus: naval unmanned aerial system tested at sea from a French Navy frigate

The derisking study for the SDAM programme was awarded to Airbus Helicopters and Naval Group by the DGA.

Airbus Helicopters has opened a new 3D printing centre at its Donauwörth site, significantly expanding its in-house capacity for this innovative process. Airbus Helicopters now operates three machines for components made of titanium, four for plastic parts and, as a new element, a machine that can produce components made of aluminium. The process, also known as additive manufacturing, offers several benefits compared to conventional manufacturing. It can be used for serial production as well as for components for prototypes such as the electrically powered CityAirbus NextGen and the experimental high-speed helicopter, Racer.

Airbus Helicopters boosts competitiveness with 3D printing

“Our extensive capabilities in this process along the manufacturing chain are a real competitive advantage,” said Stefan Thomé, Managing Director of Airbus Helicopters in Germany. “Among other advantages, 3D printing can reduce the weight of aircraft components which leads to less fuel consumption. Such potential can bring financial benefits and contribute to reducing CO2 …

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GKN Aerospace has recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Airbus Helicopters, marking a significant step in a long-standing partnership. This collaboration follows the recent pre-selection of Airbus Helicopters to deliver 14 H225M helicopters for Special Operations to the MoD of the Netherlands.

GKN Aerospace to participate in the Dutch H225M helicopter programme

Air, Top / By Defence Industry Europe

GKN Aerospace has recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Airbus Helicopters, marking a significant step in a long-standing partnership.

On July 18, Airbus Helicopters announced that two H225M Caracal helicopters have been delivered to the Hungarian air base located near the city of Szolnok.

Airbus: first two H225M Caracal helicopters delivered to Hungary

Air, Top / By Defence Industry Europe

Airbus Helicopters announced that two H225M helicopters have been delivered to the Hungarian air base located near the city of Szolnok.

Thales, a pioneer of Integrated Electronic Standby Instruments, has been selected by Airbus Helicopters to provide the third-generation IESI for its new civil and military helicopters: the H135, H145, H160 dual and H175. This new-generation IESI is specifically designed to meet the requirements of helicopter operations, and its environmental footprint is significantly smaller. Progressive entry into service will begin in 2026.

Airbus selects Thales Integrated Electronic Standby Instrument for civil and military helicopters

Air / By Defence Industry Europe

Thales has been selected by Airbus Helicopters to provide the third-generation IESI for its new civil and military helicopters.

Nexter, a company of KNDS, is assisting Airbus Helicopters with the qualification of its 20mm pod on the H225M. The first firing took place in April 2023. This joint project follows on from decades of collaboration, with the 30mm turret on the Tiger helicopter, among others.

Airbus conducts a qualification campaign for the Nexter 20mm pod on the H225M

Air / By Defence Industry Europe

Nexter, a company of KNDS, is assisting Airbus Helicopters with the qualification of its 20mm pod on the H225M.

With support from Safran Helicopter Engines, TotalEnergies, Airbus Helicopters, France’s defence procurement agency (Direction Générale de l’Armement - DGA) has carried out the first test flight of an NH90, during which one of its two RTM322 engines ran on Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). This fuel was produced by TotalEnergies from used cooking oil using HEFA (Hydroprocessed Esters and Fatty Acids) technology and has a carbon footprint four times smaller than that of a fossil fuel. As such it meets the European Union's 65% abatement requirement for sustainable fuels.

NH90 helicopter flies on sustainable fuel

Air / By Defence Industry Europe

France’s defence procurement agency DGA has carried out the first test flight of an NH90, during which one of its two RTM322 engines ran on Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF).

The German Navy has received the final NH90 Sea Lion naval multi-role helicopter. Thus, Airbus Helicopters has completed the contract for a total of 18 aircraft signed in 2015.

German Navy received the final NH90 Sea Lion helicopter

Sea / By Defence Industry Europe

The German Navy has received the final NH90 Sea Lion naval multi-role helicopter. Thus, Airbus Helicopters has completed the contract for a total of 18 aircraft signed in 2015.

The acquisition of ZF Luftfahrttechnik by Airbus Helicopters has now been finalized, as all the necessary regulatory approvals have been obtained. With over 100 years of experience in the aviation industry, the company will now operate under the name Airbus Helicopters Technik GmbH as a wholly-owned subsidiary located in Kassel-Calden. The world-leading manufacturer of dynamic components for light and medium helicopters including related services with a global customer base is also a national leader with regards to the MRO for dynamic components of military helicopters.

Airbus Helicopters finalizes acquisition of ZF Luftfahrttechnik

Air / By Defence Industry Europe

The acquisition of ZF Luftfahrttechnik by Airbus Helicopters has now been finalized, as all the necessary regulatory approvals have been obtained.

The Brazilian armed forces, through the Combat Aircraft Programme Coordinating Committee (COPAC), have acquired 27 single engine H125 helicopters to boost the training capacity of the Brazilian Navy and the Air Force.

The Brazilian armed forces acquire 27 H125 helicopters

Air / By Defence Industry Europe

The Brazilian armed forces have acquired 27 single engine H125 helicopters to boost the training capacity of the Brazilian Navy and the Air Force.