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FlightGlobal • Dominic Perry

Sikorsky seeks up to 81 S-92A+ orders to underpin potential 12/yr production as market shifts

Sikorsky is pursuing orders for up to 81 of its upgraded S-92A+ helicopters to build a backlog that would support production of as many as 12 heavy-twins per year. Its latest forecast, however, indicates a changing market for the type.

2026-03-13T11:24:25.767817-07:00

Vertical Mag

South Africa's NTCSA signs for seven Bell 407GXi helicopters for utility and powerline work (VertiCon 2026)

2026-03-13T05:53:27.172168-07:00

Vertical Mag

VertiCon 2026: 26 helicopter orders, 12,852 attendees and drone/AI demonstrations in Atlanta

2026-03-12T12:38:54.760020-07:00

FlightGlobal

Airbus Helicopters and GE to advance next‑generation, lower‑fuel‑burn rotorcraft propulsion

2026-03-12T10:38:53.563625-07:00

News Timeline

FlightGlobal

Sikorsky seeks up to 81 S-92A+ orders to underpin potential 12/yr production as market shifts Sikorsky is pursuing orders for up to 81 of its upgraded S-92A+ helicopters to build a backlog that would support production of as many as 12 heavy-twins per year. Its latest forecast, however, indicates a changing market for the type.

2026-03-13T11:24:25.767817-07:00

Sikorsky seeks up to 81 S-92A+ orders to underpin potential 12/yr production as market shifts

Vertical Mag

South Africa's NTCSA signs for seven Bell 407GXi helicopters for utility and powerline work (VertiCon 2026) South Africa's National Transmission Company (NTCSA) has signed a purchase agreement for seven Bell 407GXi helicopters, announced at VertiCon 2026. The aircraft are procured for utility and powerline operations to support national transmission infrastructure maintenance and inspections, and to improve operational responsiveness across the grid.

2026-03-13T05:53:27.172168-07:00

South Africa's NTCSA signs for seven Bell 407GXi helicopters for utility and powerline work (VertiCon 2026)

FlightGlobal

Helicopter Alliance forecasts demand for 20–40 refurbished UH‑60 Black Hawks in Europe by 2030 for firefighting Czech Republic-based Helicopter Alliance projects Europe will need 20–40 refurbished Sikorsky UH‑60 Black Hawks by 2030 to bolster civil firefighting and disaster‑relief capacity as wildfire risk rises. The forecast targets conversion of surplus military Black Hawks for wet/dry‑bucket and utility missions.

2026-03-13T05:39:24.719060-07:00

Helicopter Alliance forecasts demand for 20–40 refurbished UH‑60 Black Hawks in Europe by 2030 for firefighting

Vertical Mag

Fatal Kadena incident spotlights helicopter rotor-wash hazard A fatal incident at Kadena Air Base last year starkly illustrates the dangers of helicopter rotor wash, an underappreciated hazard now attracting greater scrutiny. The event highlights risks to personnel and ground operations near military flight zones and is prompting renewed focus on mitigation and procedures.

2026-03-12T17:54:01.563051-07:00

Fatal Kadena incident spotlights helicopter rotor-wash hazard

Vertical Mag

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VertiCon 2026: 26 helicopter orders, 12,852 attendees and drone/AI demonstrations in Atlanta VertiCon 2026 in Atlanta drew 12,852 attendees and produced 26 helicopter orders for Airbus, Bell and Leonardo, while exhibitors showcased operational tech — a dedicated indoor drone cage, FlySight's OPENSIGHT mission console with interoperability and AI, and ASU awarding OWL early-adopter recognition.

2026-03-12T12:38:54.760020-07:00

VertiCon 2026: 26 helicopter orders, 12,852 attendees and drone/AI demonstrations in Atlanta

FlightGlobal

Airbus Helicopters and GE to advance next‑generation, lower‑fuel‑burn rotorcraft propulsion Airbus Helicopters and GE Aerospace will continue their joint research into a next‑generation rotorcraft propulsion system designed to deliver significantly lower fuel burn than contemporary turboshaft engines. The collaboration focuses on maturing technologies intended to reduce operational fuel consumption for future rotorcraft platforms.

2026-03-12T10:38:53.563625-07:00

Airbus Helicopters and GE to advance next‑generation, lower‑fuel‑burn rotorcraft propulsion

FlightGlobal

KAI targets international sales of Surion 8t-class twin with surprise VertiCon Atlanta debut Korea Aerospace Industries has stepped up its push to sell the Surion 8t-class twin-engined helicopter internationally, making a surprise public debut at VertiCon Atlanta in early March as it targets civil and parapublic operators and seeks to broaden export prospects in U.S. and other markets.

2026-03-12T09:40:12.749926-07:00

KAI targets international sales of Surion 8t-class twin with surprise VertiCon Atlanta debut

Airbus

Japan's National Police Agency orders three Airbus H135s to accelerate fleet modernisation Japan's National Police Agency has placed a follow-on order for three Airbus H135 helicopters as part of its fleet modernisation programme, bringing the agency's total Airbus-operated fleet to 26 aircraft. The new H135s will bolster national law‑enforcement and public‑service rotary capability.

2026-03-12T07:00:05.285665-07:00

Japan's National Police Agency orders three Airbus H135s to accelerate fleet modernisation

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Helicopter News

Sikorsky seeks up to 81 S-92A+ orders to underpin potential 12/yr production as market shifts

South Africa's NTCSA signs for seven Bell 407GXi helicopters for utility and powerline work (VertiCon 2026)

VertiCon 2026: 26 helicopter orders, 12,852 attendees and drone/AI demonstrations in Atlanta

Airbus Helicopters and GE to advance next‑generation, lower‑fuel‑burn rotorcraft propulsion

News Timeline