Helis.com - 20-May-26 - Military-related headlines include an investigation into Apache helicopter transmission issues as the Army seeks to retire older models. The U.S. State Department has approved a potential sale of military helicopters to South Korea and India, with a significant package also involving Apache helicopter support services. Additionally, the U.S. has cleared a $4.2 billion helicopter package for South Korea, and Boeing has secured a contract to build Chinook helicopters for Korea and Spain.
Rescue operations utilizing helicopters are highlighted through various incidents, including a medical helicopter landing on a highway following a serious crash, and multiple rescues of injured hikers in different locations. The Coast Guard conducted a dramatic rescue over High Falls, and a helicopter was used to evacuate park employees amid a growing fire.
Development and sales aspects are noted with the growth of the helicopter emergency medical services market projected to reach significant financial milestones. Innovations in helicopter technology are also mentioned, including a hydrogen-electric helicopter flight and advancements in rotor design for Mars helicopters.
Other themes include public interest in low-flying helicopters in urban areas, with explanations provided for their presence during specific events or operations. Controversies arise from misuse of taxpayer funds for personal helicopter use, as well as legal disputes regarding helicopter landings in public parks.
Spanish Navy H135 Helicopter Teamed with Airbus Drones
Airbus and the Spanish Navy completed a tactical flight trial in Rota integrating an H135 helicopter, Flexrotor and A900 drones, and the offshore patrol vessel Rayo using the HTeaming system.
20-May - #drones
Are Helipads Still Used by the Resort Hospitality Industry?
From Las Vegas rooftops to Macau heliports, luxury resort helipads still play a role in VIP transport, event logistics, and premium hospitality experiences in 2026.20-May - #helipads
MD Renews Support for Saudi Arabia MD530F Helicopters
MD renews OEM support contract for Saudi Arabia National Guard (SANG) 12 MD530F helicopters18-May - #SaudiArabia
US Army Tests Flowcopter FC-100 Drone for MEDEVAC during Sabre Strike 2026
US Army tested Flowcopter FC-100 heavy-lift drone during NATO exercise Sabre Strike 2026 in Poland as part of efforts to replace battlefield MEDEVAC helicopters in high-threat combat zones.16-May - #drones
Airbus Delivers Milestone 500th H145D3 to French Sécurité Civile 🔥
Marking a major milestone and a commercial success for the model, Airbus has delivered the 500th H145D3 helicopter to the French Sécurité Civile as part of a 36-aircraft fleet renewal program for the iconic Dragon rescue fleet.16-May - #H145D3
Avincis Adds New Airbus H145D3 for South Tyrol Air Rescue in Italy 🔥
Avincis has taken delivery of a new five-bladed Airbus H145D3 helicopter that will enter service with HELI – South Tyrol Air Rescue, supporting emergency missions in Italy’s mountainous Alpine region.15-May
GPMS Foresight MX HUMS Approved for Bell 429 in India
India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has validated the FAA STC for the GPMS Foresight MX Health and Usage Monitoring System (HUMS) on Bell 429 helicopters operating in India.14-May - #Bell429
Life Flight Network Orders Three Additional Bell 407GXi Helicopters 🔥
Life Flight Network is expanding its helicopter emergency medical services fleet with three additional Bell 407GXis to support rapid-response critical care operations across the western United States and Hawaii.14-May - #LifeFlight
Rotortrade Delivers Three Airbus H145D3s to NZ Air Ambulance Fleet 🔥
Rotortrade has delivered three pre-owned Airbus H145D3 helicopters to Search and Rescue Services (SRSL), supporting the expansion of New Zealand’s emergency air ambulance and medical response capability.14-May - #NZ
