Page 32 - AAA MARCH - APRIL 2013 Online Magazine

ROTARY

VERTICAL LIFT

Better gear for
firefighting helicopters?
Russian Helicopters has launched the
Global Helicopter Firefighting Initiative
(GHFI), which the company says aims
to increase the use of firefighting
New Mi-171 flight simulator launched helicopters outfitted with equipment
Russian Helicopters has announced that one of its companies, the Ulan-Ude such as water cannons. According to
Aviation Plant, has introduced a Mi-171 flight training simulator. Built by CSTS Russian Helicopters, the initiative will
Dinamika, the company says the flight trainer is based on an actual Mi-171 cabin involve the development of technology
and features on-board systems similar to the real thing. Preliminary feedback to improve helicopter-based firefighting
about training with the simulator has reportedly been positive. systems – both by its own design teams
and on the part of makers of firefighting
systems and equipment for helicopters.
Russian Helicopters intends to put
forward its own Ka-32A11BC as a
member of the GHFI.

AVIATORS buys EC135s Bell Helicopter Asia now
for HEMS operations CAAS-certified

India’s AVIATORS has inked a firm Bell Helicopter Asia, Bell’s maintenance
order for seven Eurocopter EC135 facility in Singapore, has received a
aircraft that are slated to be used Part 145 Maintenance Organisation
for helicopter emergency medical Approval certificate from the Civil HAL to supply 20
services (HEMS) operations, with a Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS). Cheetals to Indian Army
second order expected later this year. This allows the firm to provide repair, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)
The first deliveries are scheduled for completion and maintenance services has signed a contract with India’s
late 2013. “As the EC135 is a global to its fleet in Asia. Eric Cardinali, Bell Ministry of Defence to provide the Indian
reference in [HEMS operations], it Helicopter’s EVP of Customer Support Army with 20 Cheetal helicopters and
is highly appropriate that AVIATORS and Services said, “This certification associated equipment over the next
will introduce such operations in enhances our ability to take care of four years, a deal is worth 4.18 billion
India with these helicopters,” noted our customers in Asia Pacific with rupees (US$77 million). As part of the
Norbert Ducrot, Eurocopter SVP for comprehensive, one-stop-shop main- contract, HAL will also provide training
Asia Pacific. tenance and repair solutions.” to pilots and technical crew.

32 ASIAN AIRLINES & AIRPORTS MARCH / APRIL 2013 WWW.ASIANAIRLINES-AIRPORTS.COM