Military Helicopters: International Challenges

The adaptability of the modern military helicopter, its potential for multi-role and multi-mission deployment, and its ability to penetrate the most austere and hostile environments is testament to its enduring value to armies, air forces, navies and special forces, demonstrated by the increasing spending figures in new platforms, modernization of existing fleets, MRO and serviceability, and sophisticated payloads. But such a diverse set of operations and roles presents the helicopter commander with a complex set of challenges that span technical, tactical and strategic dimensions.

Here, we take an early look at a selection of developments and challenges facing some of the international end-users attending this year's International Military Helicopter conference, including Nepal, France, the USA and the NATO Support & Procurement Agency.

We also provide updates from the commercial sector with insight from companies developing solutions on both sides of the cost and capability scales, including BLR and MD Helicopters...