Helitech draws the crowds
The first morning of Helitech 2009 saw more than 1,500 visitors streaming into the show, which is taking place at the Imperial War Museum at Duxford near Cambridge until 24 September.
This year’s event has attracted just over 200 exhibiting companies representing 21 different countries and taking up around 4,000sq m of floor space.
Sue Bradshaw, the event’s Exhibition Director, said: “There is always a real sense of community in the rotary wing industry and we aim to create an environment that supports and reflects that. As well as catching up with long-standing customers and contacts, Helitech is all about capitalising on a route into the sector for all levels of the rotary supply chain”
In addition to all the business meetings and networking taking place in the hall, a number of exhibitor announcements and events took place.
Eurocopter announced an order for a new EC135 for the West Midlands Police Air Support Unit. Before the new aircraft is delivered next summer, Eurocopter will provide West Midlands Police with a fully equipped EC135 police helicopter, featuring a mission pod, to take over the duties of the aircraft that the force lost recently due to an arson attack.
Meanwhile Sikorsky presented a ceremonial cheque to the RAF Museum, in addition to donating an MH-53 helicopter to the museum. Sergei Sikorsky, son of Igor Sikorsky who founded the US helicopter giant, handed over the cheque.
Outside the exhibition hall, Helitech’s largest ever static display area, showcasing a total of 42 rotary craft in a variety of configurations, was a highlight of the opening day.
Additional features in the static display area are provided by Red Box International, demonstrating its space and cost saving AirLift device, and Host Systems showing how its mobile ATC tower is deployed.
More from Defence Helicopter
-
![Germany to send WS-61 Westland Sea King helicopters to Ukraine]()
Germany to send WS-61 Westland Sea King helicopters to Ukraine
Germany has committed to sending Ukraine six of its 21 retiring WS-61 Westland Sea King multirole, amphibious helicopters.
-
![Boeing secures $271 million to advance modernisation of US Special Operations' MH-47G Chinook]()
Boeing secures $271 million to advance modernisation of US Special Operations' MH-47G Chinook
Boeing has clinched a major contract modification to further its backing of the US Special Operations Command’s MH-47G Chinook aircraft modernisation effort.
-
![Dubai Airshow 2023: South Korean homegrown helicopters make international debut]()
Dubai Airshow 2023: South Korean homegrown helicopters make international debut
Two KAI helicopters, the KUH-1E utility helicopter and the Light Attack Helicopter (LAH), have taken centre stage at the Dubai Airshow 2023.
-
![Italian Navy receives final NH90 helicopter]()
Italian Navy receives final NH90 helicopter
The Italian Navy now boasts a fleet of 56 NH90 helicopters comprising 46 SH-90As and 10 MH-90As.
-
![Argentina seeks AW109 and CH-46 Sea Knight helicopters]()
Argentina seeks AW109 and CH-46 Sea Knight helicopters
The Argentinian Air Force (FAA) and the Argentinian Naval Aviation Command (COAN) are looking for options to upgrade their helicopter fleets.
-
![DSEI 2023: Lockheed to produce about 40% of Black Hawks on UK soil if it wins NMH contest]()
DSEI 2023: Lockheed to produce about 40% of Black Hawks on UK soil if it wins NMH contest
Lockheed Martin promises a boost to the British job market and export opportunities, while strengthening ties with Poland and positioning the UK for a future in rotorcraft technology in the event of a New Medium Helicopter competition triumph.
