Leonardo said the AW149 can be delivered in less than 24 months from contract award, representing lower cost and risk for the UK MoD. (Photo: Leonardo Helicopters)
The UK MoD has been 'very proactive' in discussions with industry around the timeline for the UK’s New Medium Helicopter (NMH) programme, Leonardo told Shephard at Paris Air Show.
The UK has not yet finalised dates for the entry into service or awarding of production contracts for the programme that aims to replace various helicopter fleets, including the Puma HC2, Bell 212, Bell 412 and AS365 Dauphin.
The announced schedule for introducing the new rotorcraft into service by 2025 is facing growing difficulties. These challenges arise from the lack of clearly defined critical acquisition targets, making it harder to maintain the anticipated timeline.
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General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc (GA-ASI) is working towards trial flights of its Mojave short take-off and landing (STOL) UAS from a British aircraft carrier later this year.
At the Paris Air Show, France and Italy signed an MoU for the mid-life upgrade of their Horizon-class destroyers. The upgrades will focus on anti-air defences, including radar, weapons and combat systems, while the UK's Daring-class destroyers will receive air defence capability enhancements.
Companies such as BAE Systems, Boeing, Lockheed Martin and Korea Aerospace Industries are pushing forward with implementing the Red 6 augmented reality system onto jet trainers, despite the absence of formal interest from customer air forces so far.
Estonia is to acquire two of the latest Thales GM400a radars to reinforce the Baltic state's air sovereignty.
France, the UK and Italy have signed a letter of intent paving the way for Rome to join the Anglo-French effort to develop a new future cruise and anti-ship missile.
With the protest procedure concluded for the US Army's Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft competition, Bell and the service have resumed work, focussing on the success of the programme.
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