EH101 Merlin
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Finmeccanica denies wrongdoing in India deal
MILAN | Mon Feb 27, 2012 7:46pm IST
MILAN (Reuters) - Finmeccanica denied any wrongdoing over a 560 million euros helicopter deal after Indian authorities launched a corruption probe into the contract which sent shares in the Italian defence and aerospace group reeling.
Shares in Finmeccanica slumped as much as 8.5 percent to a six-day low. By 1327 GMT, the stock was down 5.6 percent at 3.92 euros, featuring among the top losers.
Defence Minister A. K. Antony has ordered a probe into the purchase of 12 helicopters from Finmeccanica unit AgustaWestland because of alleged irregularities, two defence ministry sources said, declining to be identified.
The sources said government officials could be involved in taking kickbacks for changing the terms and conditions of the deal in favour of the company.
"AgustaWestland is not involved in any irregularity concerning the supply of helicopters in India. No notice related to the investigations has been served," Finmeccanica said.
The probe is a fresh challenge for chairman and chief executive Giuseppe Orsi who has been tasked with rebuilding the group's reputation after a corruption probe forced out former boss Pier Francesco Guarguaglini.
The state-controlled group is involved in a long-running probe centering on accusations of false invoices and slush funds to pay bribes.
Guarguaglini and his wife Marina Grossi, who was chief executive of Finmeccanica subsidiary Selex Sistemi Integrati, are both under investigation as part of the probe. Both deny wrongdoing.
Orsi was at the helm of AgustaWestland when the Indian helicopters contract was signed two years ago.
Italian daily Il Messaggero said Italian magistrates investigating Finmeccanica's international operations allege that price increases in contracts may have allowed the group to set aside funds used to pay bribes.
Separately, AgustaWestland said the helicopter contract had undergone no price increases and instead it was awarded after the company lowered the value of its initial bid.
The contract refers to 12 AW101 helicopters and was awarded to AgustaWestland after a comprehensive evaluation, it said. Negotiations lasted 17 months to February 2010.
(Reporting By Danilo Masoni; Additional reporting by Nigam Prusty and Manoj Kumar in New Delhi; Editing by Will Waterman and David Cowell)
MILAN | Mon Feb 27, 2012 7:46pm IST
MILAN (Reuters) - Finmeccanica denied any wrongdoing over a 560 million euros helicopter deal after Indian authorities launched a corruption probe into the contract which sent shares in the Italian defence and aerospace group reeling.
Shares in Finmeccanica slumped as much as 8.5 percent to a six-day low. By 1327 GMT, the stock was down 5.6 percent at 3.92 euros, featuring among the top losers.
Defence Minister A. K. Antony has ordered a probe into the purchase of 12 helicopters from Finmeccanica unit AgustaWestland because of alleged irregularities, two defence ministry sources said, declining to be identified.
The sources said government officials could be involved in taking kickbacks for changing the terms and conditions of the deal in favour of the company.
"AgustaWestland is not involved in any irregularity concerning the supply of helicopters in India. No notice related to the investigations has been served," Finmeccanica said.
The probe is a fresh challenge for chairman and chief executive Giuseppe Orsi who has been tasked with rebuilding the group's reputation after a corruption probe forced out former boss Pier Francesco Guarguaglini.
The state-controlled group is involved in a long-running probe centering on accusations of false invoices and slush funds to pay bribes.
Guarguaglini and his wife Marina Grossi, who was chief executive of Finmeccanica subsidiary Selex Sistemi Integrati, are both under investigation as part of the probe. Both deny wrongdoing.
Orsi was at the helm of AgustaWestland when the Indian helicopters contract was signed two years ago.
Italian daily Il Messaggero said Italian magistrates investigating Finmeccanica's international operations allege that price increases in contracts may have allowed the group to set aside funds used to pay bribes.
Separately, AgustaWestland said the helicopter contract had undergone no price increases and instead it was awarded after the company lowered the value of its initial bid.
The contract refers to 12 AW101 helicopters and was awarded to AgustaWestland after a comprehensive evaluation, it said. Negotiations lasted 17 months to February 2010.
(Reporting By Danilo Masoni; Additional reporting by Nigam Prusty and Manoj Kumar in New Delhi; Editing by Will Waterman and David Cowell)
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Sikorsky CH-148 Cyclone Missde deadlines
It would appear that AW are not the only ones with difficulties delivering what they were contracted for.
On July 10, 2012 when discussing Sikorsky missing another delivery deadline in June 2012 Defence Minister Peter Mackay called the Cyclone purchase "the worst procurement in the history of Canada."
It actually appears to be an issue in all programmes of some complexity. Nearly four years late with this contract.
On July 10, 2012 when discussing Sikorsky missing another delivery deadline in June 2012 Defence Minister Peter Mackay called the Cyclone purchase "the worst procurement in the history of Canada."
It actually appears to be an issue in all programmes of some complexity. Nearly four years late with this contract.
Perhaps a silly question, but 101 drivers might have a direct answer.
I heard from a guy that BERP blade helicopters are less prone to experiencing brownout/whiteout conditions. I have no idea how that would hold water so please enlighten me.
I heard from a guy that BERP blade helicopters are less prone to experiencing brownout/whiteout conditions. I have no idea how that would hold water so please enlighten me.
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Phoinix,
Take a look here
Donut effect on the EH101
And here
http://www.continuum-dynamics.com/documents/RAN021.pdf
Take a look here
Donut effect on the EH101
And here
http://www.continuum-dynamics.com/documents/RAN021.pdf
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But still, we didn't get to see the comparison charts
Any problems with the S92, that you are aware of?
Oooh. I shouldn't have written that. It will upset someone.As far as I am concerned, every manufacturer has difficulty with a new product. There will always be something to sort out or improve.
I actually really like the Merlin. If I had the money I would buy one for myself, to keep in the living room, just to admire.
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Meanwhile, in other parts of the world where SAR operations are also happening:
Portuguese AW101 sets new SAR distance record | Helihub - the Helicopter Industry Data Source
Further links:
ACCIONA 100% Eco Powered Capsizes, Javier Sanso in his liferaft awaiting rescue - Vendée Globe 2012-2013
Bubi is going to take his boat back - Vendée Globe 2012-2013
Portuguese AW101 sets new SAR distance record | Helihub - the Helicopter Industry Data Source
10 Apr, 13 [Electronic Translation from Norwegian]
A Portuguese AW101 helicopter has set a new record. It saved a man at a distance of 360 nautical mil, which is 670 km.
In February this year capsized the Portuguese sailor Javier Sanso when he participated in the Vendee Globe solo race. This happened about the middle of the Atlantic Ocean and at night. A Portuguese rescue helicopter was sent to search for the sailor. It had to fly 360 nautical mil before it arrived and when it did Sanso in the sea, it was last minute. He had fired his latest distress rockets and waved a hand held torch, which was his last chance to be discovered by the rescue helicopter. The helicopter was also close by had to turn around due to a falling stock of fuel.
However, he was rescued. When he was hoisted out of the water, he had early symptoms of hyperthermia, but no critical injuries.He was then flown to a hospital in the Azores.
This is the longest cruise to the Portuguese rescue squadron had ever flown to rescue someone in the water. It once had earlier flown 380 nautical mil, but then to save someone on board a vessel. The commander of the rescue squadron praised for this mission AW101 helicopter, which portugisernne adopted a few years ago. He said that this rescue operation had only been possible with such a helicopter, with their long range and its search capability in the dark.
Then started on his mission, had helicopter with 5000 kg of fuel and all unnecessary equipment was removed to reduce aircraft weight. And it turned out to hold. With this lifeline, the Portuguese squadron saved 1039 lives since it began using AW101.
A Portuguese AW101 helicopter has set a new record. It saved a man at a distance of 360 nautical mil, which is 670 km.
In February this year capsized the Portuguese sailor Javier Sanso when he participated in the Vendee Globe solo race. This happened about the middle of the Atlantic Ocean and at night. A Portuguese rescue helicopter was sent to search for the sailor. It had to fly 360 nautical mil before it arrived and when it did Sanso in the sea, it was last minute. He had fired his latest distress rockets and waved a hand held torch, which was his last chance to be discovered by the rescue helicopter. The helicopter was also close by had to turn around due to a falling stock of fuel.
However, he was rescued. When he was hoisted out of the water, he had early symptoms of hyperthermia, but no critical injuries.He was then flown to a hospital in the Azores.
This is the longest cruise to the Portuguese rescue squadron had ever flown to rescue someone in the water. It once had earlier flown 380 nautical mil, but then to save someone on board a vessel. The commander of the rescue squadron praised for this mission AW101 helicopter, which portugisernne adopted a few years ago. He said that this rescue operation had only been possible with such a helicopter, with their long range and its search capability in the dark.
Then started on his mission, had helicopter with 5000 kg of fuel and all unnecessary equipment was removed to reduce aircraft weight. And it turned out to hold. With this lifeline, the Portuguese squadron saved 1039 lives since it began using AW101.
ACCIONA 100% Eco Powered Capsizes, Javier Sanso in his liferaft awaiting rescue - Vendée Globe 2012-2013
Bubi is going to take his boat back - Vendée Globe 2012-2013
Last edited by merlin_driver; 10th Apr 2013 at 11:22. Reason: Added links
When the Merlin entered service with the UK mIl, I was still on SeaKings. Each hour the SeaKing flew, it required 10hrs of maintenance. In those early Merlin days, the Merlin ratio was: 1 to 80 
Currently, having spoken to an AEO colleague of mine who is on Merlin's, it is 1 to 45hrs.
Now does that speak volumes or does that speak volumes.
Do you EVER see Merlin's front line (in harm's way) in A? Why is that? Could it be because one round from an AK47 would ground it for panel repairs for ages and ages. So they are all kept in the rear under a supporting role. A military mchine unable to fight???
Biggest white elephant EVER sold to the big wigs. To this day, I never cease to be amazed by its over indulgent, massively over engineered, over redundant (systems)......and for what?
How much are they now
Pathetic innovation. Long live the Chinook.
Currently, having spoken to an AEO colleague of mine who is on Merlin's, it is 1 to 45hrs.
Now does that speak volumes or does that speak volumes.
Do you EVER see Merlin's front line (in harm's way) in A? Why is that? Could it be because one round from an AK47 would ground it for panel repairs for ages and ages. So they are all kept in the rear under a supporting role. A military mchine unable to fight???
Biggest white elephant EVER sold to the big wigs. To this day, I never cease to be amazed by its over indulgent, massively over engineered, over redundant (systems)......and for what?
How much are they now
Pathetic innovation. Long live the Chinook.
Last edited by Thomas coupling; 16th Apr 2013 at 10:21.
TC, just remind me what the first female DFC holder was flying?
Last edited by 212man; 16th Apr 2013 at 20:30.
I stand corrected, I didn't realise the RAF used it for Casualty evac.
Not to take anything away from the guys.