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.
Swiss Air Force takes final EC635
The last of 20 EC635 helicopters for the Swiss Air Force has been assembled and is ready for delivery.
The Swiss Government's procurement agency, armasuisse says the light transport and training helicopter (LTSH) programme is on track as part of the Armament programme agreed in 2005.
The first four were built by Eurocopter's in Germany, while final assembly of the remaining 16 was undertaken by RUAG Aviation in Alpnach. All 16 helicopters, which are based at Alpnach were delivered by the contract deadline. The first aircraft was delivered in July 2008 to the Air Force. Armasuisse says that final assembly in Switzerland has been beneficial providing better system knowledge, care and maintenance.
The Swiss Air Force plan to complete the type's introductory phase by mid-2010 and the fleet can then begin daily operations.
Early experience of the new EC635 has confirmed the type satisfies the Air Force's requirements. Pilots appreciate the EC635's logically laid-out cockpit which is similar to that found on the Cougar, also operated by the Swiss Air Force. This familiarity means crews quickly feel 'home and secure.'
The new EC635s replace the Alouette III which will go out of service by the end of 2010. Two of the new helicopters are operated by the Federal Air Transport Services in the VIP transport role from Bern-Belp.
You may also like
More from Defence Helicopter
-
![Germany to send WS-61 Westland Sea King helicopters to Ukraine]()
-
![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.
