Thanks to Alfonso RICCI for this new image of the first “Cadet” registered and operated in Italy. This Robinson R44 Cadet was registered as I-LIDH, earlier in December 2018, and is currently operated by Alidaunia Srl from the mainbase at Foggia Heliport.
Thanks to Luigi PISANO for this action image of the Aerospatiale AS332L1 Super Puma TF-SYN operated by Icelandic Coast Guard … ready for departure from Rejkiavik Airport, April 2019.
Thanks to Hans ZURNIWEN for this fantastic image of the Eurocopter AS350B3 Ecureuil I-WILD operated by Airstar Elicotter … during heliski activity at Plateau Rosa [3480 mtrs]. Cervinia (AO), February 2019.
Beijing – China’s State Grid General Aviation Company (SGGAC) has taken delivery of one heavy twin-engine Airbus H215 helicopter – a member of the mission-proven Super Puma family – becoming the launch customer for the H215 in China.
A subsidiary of the State Grid Corporation of China (SGCC), the world’s largest utility company, SGGAC performs aerial construction and maintenance work along China’s network of high and very-high voltage power lines.
The H215 will join the company’s existing fleet of 15 Airbus helicopters, comprised of H125s, an H120 and an H225. This addition will enable SGGAC to perform new missions such as cable repair, cable laying, cargo transportation, and power line pylons constructions in difficult-to-reach areas.
The helicopter comes equipped with a 4.5-ton cargo sling, hoists, weather radar, and a wire-strike protection system. The configuration features 17 comfortable seats equipped with oxygen jackets for high altitude missions.
“Our cooperation with Airbus Helicopters since 2012 has been a true success. Thanks to the H215’s outstanding performance in high and hot conditions coupled with strong support and services from Airbus Helicopters, we are confident that we will continue to develop our capabilities performing new utility missions,” said Wu Jielong, Chairman of SGGAC.
“It’s an honour to see SGGAC becoming the first operator of the H215 in China”, said Marie-Agnes Veve, General Manager of Airbus Helicopters China. “This achievement reinforces the long-term and strategic cooperation we have developed with the company, which also became a certified Airbus Helicopters’ maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) centre in China in 2018.”
The H215 combines advanced avionics and a reliable platform for rugged multi-mission capabilities in the world’s harshest environments. Its baseline configuration offers extremely competitive direct operating and maintenance costs. Standard features include proven Makila 1A1 engines, the latest generation flight management system, and the most modern technologies, which includes a glass cockpit avionics system and the renowned 4-axis autopilot from Airbus Helicopters’ advanced H225.
The introduction of this H215 increases China’s Super Puma fleet to nearly 40 aircraft, performing a wide range of missions from oil & gas to aerial work to VIP transportation. The fleet is supported by Airbus Helicopters’ China technical team, its approved helicopter MRO centre in Shenzhen, and an H225 full flight simulator located in Beijing.
Here some new imgaes of the Leonardo Helicopters AW109SP GrandNew HB-ZPL operated from Swiss Helicopters AG on behalf of Alturia Ltd … departing from Milan Malpensa, April 2019. This helicopter was previously operated as I-AWCX and G-JTHO.
Thanks to Oscar BERNARDI for this unique action shot of the second AB204B owned by Elinord Servizi Aerotrasporti Milano and registered I-BPVV [the first one was I-FAIV] … while performing test fligths at Calcinate del Pesce (VA) during December 1987. This helicopter unfortunately crashed few years later [on date 30.11.1993] during aerial operations on behalf of Meteor near Chania (Grecee).
Rome, 18 April, 2019 – With the delivery of the first two AW139 intermediate twin engine helicopters, Leonardo and the Italian National Fire Corps (Vigili del Fuoco, part of the Ministry of the Interior) announced a major step forward in strengthening their collaboration delivering advanced, more effective emergency response services in Italy. The event, celebrated during an official ceremony held at Leonardo’s Vergiate facility today in the presence of Government representatives and local authorities. The introduction of the AW139 marks a major enhancement of airborne multirole capabilities with the world’s most modern helicopter for maritime and mountain Search and Rescue (SAR), medical rescue, firefighting and disaster relief duties.
Over 816,000 rescues and sorties are performed every year countering fires across Europe, including many in Italy, and the AW139s, planned to progressively replace the Italian National Fire Corps AB412s which have been in service for decades, will guarantee optimimal coverage and an even more rapid responsiveness across the country. The Italian National Fire Corps will receive a third AW139 this year under the €45 million contract signed in 2018. The contract also includes integrated logistic support and training for pilots and technicians, and encompasses an option for 12 additional helicopters. The first two helicopters will be based in Rome Ciampino for National Fire Corps personnel training.
The backbone of the Country’s rescue services, the AW139 is also in service with the Italy’s Guardia di Finanza, State Police, Coast Guard and Air Force. The National Fire Corps AW139s feature a wide range of mission equipment, including an external rescue hoist, cargo hook with bambi bucket provision, weather radar, multi-band and satellite communication systems, high definition Forward Looking Infra-Red / Low Light TV (FLIR/LLTV) system, Leonardo’s high definition mission console with digital recorder, high definition down link, Leonardo’s Optical Proximity LiDAR System (OPLS), Night Vision Goggle (NVG) capability, new generation Trakka searchlight, emergency floatation system and external life rafts, external loudspeaker, medical rack and bubble windows.
Here some images of the McDonnell Douglas Helicopter Company MD520N I-BLAK operated by Eli Alpi Helicopters Service … few years ago on display in Rivanazzano (PV), May 2006.
Thanks to Max NOVE for this image of the Leonardo Helicopters AW169 I-RAIV [reserved as LN-ORA] wearing full Norsk Politi [Norwegian Police] color scheme … performing maintenance flights in Vergiate (VA), April 2019.
Quite some years ago when this Agusta-Bell AB206B Jet Ranger III registered I-KARS was flying on behalf of Italfly from Trento Mattarello Airport (TN) … November 1990.