Vertical Mag
• PhotonFirst Press Release
Bell and PhotonFirst have signed an agreement to advance fiber-optic sensing technology for rotorcraft applications. The effort focuses on aircraft structural health monitoring, bringing the two companies together to develop sensing capabilities for tracking the condition of aircraft structures.
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Bell has completed key assembly milestones on the first MV-75 Cheyenne II, including its nacelles, as the Army aircraft enters low-rate production. The tiltrotor is intended to replace the UH-60 Black Hawk, with Bell emphasizing its speed, range and modular open-systems approach; company officials have warned that a prolonged continuing resolution could affect the schedule.
Israel has approved an agreement with the U.S. Pentagon to procure 12 Boeing-manufactured AH-64E Apache/Guardian attack helicopters for the Israel Defense Forces. The deal comes as Boeing reports 94 military aircraft deliveries in the first nine months of the year, including 15 Apaches in the third quarter.
Bell and PhotonFirst have signed an agreement to advance fiber-optic sensing technology for rotorcraft applications. The effort focuses on aircraft structural health monitoring, bringing the two companies together to develop sensing capabilities for tracking the condition of aircraft structures.
Aero Friedrichshafen says it will expand its helicopter presence at the 2027 event, spanning executive and general aviation. The announcement signals a broader role for rotorcraft at the show, though the available report provides no details on participating companies, aircraft or the scale of the expansion.
NASA’s SkyFall helicopters are expected to extend exploration beyond areas accessible to ground vehicles, covering distance quickly and reaching terrain that may otherwise be difficult or impossible to examine. Scientists say the aircraft could give researchers views of parts of Mars not previously seen.
The 2026 Vertical MRO Kelowna event welcomed 700 attendees and 64 exhibitors, setting records for the gathering. The event brought together the rotorcraft maintenance community and created opportunities to strengthen connections across the sector.
Airbus Helicopters says its HTeaming technology is ready for service introduction by year-end. The system lets helicopter crews task activities involving drones and is pitched as an agnostic capability, allowing rotorcraft operators to work alongside uncrewed aerial systems.
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