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ILA 2016: Helicopters take centre stage in Berlin

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31 May 2016
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The H145M is the latest helicopter to enter Bundeswehr service, and will be displayed at the ILA Airshow in Berlin from 1 to 4 June. Source: Airbus Helicopters
The ILA Airshow in Berlin is being somewhat dominated by helicopters in 2016, as manufacturers and operators showcase present platforms and future technologies across both the military and commercial domains.

On the military side, Airbus Helicopters and the German Bundeswehr are the primary exhibitors of rotorcraft at 2016's biennial event, though there is a very strong representation from other companies and armed forces in the field from across the globe.

Other helicopter companies with a strong presence at ILA include Bell Helicopter, Boeing, Finmeccanica-Leonardo, and Sikorsky, while the Bundeswehr is joined by militaries from the Czech Republic, the United Kingdom, and the United States in both the static and flying display of helicopters at the Berlin ExpoCenter Airport where the event is taking place.

The Bundeswehr is presenting most of its different helicopter models; namely, the Airbus Helicopters H145, the VFW-Sikorsky CH-53 Stallion, the NHIndustries NH90, the Airbus Helicopters Tiger, the Bell UH-1D 'Huey', the Airbus Helicopters EC135, the Westland Mk88 Lynx, and the Westland Mk41 Sea King.

Germany recently released its first Air Capability Strategy Paper to highlight the Bundeswehr's aviation strategy and equipment priorities over the coming years, with the rotary-winged components of the study leading with a potential Tiger Capability Assurance Programme, which is under investigation by current operators of the type.

According to the paper, released on 19 January, a CH-53G/GS/GA replacement decision is due in late 2016, with a contract to be signed in 2018 and deliveries from 2022. The requirement is to be contested by the Sikorsky CH-53K and Boeing CH-47F Chinook.

Deliveries of the NH90 will continue through to 2021, with a mid-life upgrade or capability assurance programme planned for the 2025 time frame. An airborne command-and-control role and manned-unmanned teaming for the type is under consideration also.

Maritime NH90 (Sea Lion) deliveries are due from 2019 to 2023, replacing the ageing Sea King operated by the navy for transport, maritime surveillance, and anti-surface warfare from the Type 702 (Berlin-class) combat support ships, and shore-based search-and-rescue.

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http://www.janes.com/article/60815/ila-2016-helicopters-take-centre-stage-in-berlin
 
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