IAF's New Helicopter

 

The US Army is looking over a proposal by an American start-up for a new fighter helicopter, in addition to the proposals delivered by the established companies in the field – Boeing, Bell and Sikorsky. The U.S. Army decided to replace the Black Hawk and Apache helicopters that have been in use for many years.

The army is looking for a newer, faster and a more advanced helicopter. Last month, all of the big

manufacturers handed in their proposals to the U.S. Department of Defense.

A major surprise was registered when it became known that, In addition to all the established companies, the army is also looking into a proposal by the AVX start-up company that was established by former employees of Bell.

AVX has put forth a proposed revolutionary helicopter model that can fly at a speed of 370 km/h. In order to achieve such speed, special engines must be developed.

Experts say that the U.S. Army has put up high requirements from the manufacturers, in order to select a helicopter that can perform a number of missions in the combat and transport fields.

The identity of the final two contenders for the project will be announced in 2014. It is possible that the order for the new aircraft will be divided between the two finalists, although it is possible, as it was in the case of the Lockheed Martin's F-35, that only one company will prevail.

The Apache fighter helicopter was introduced into active service in the Israeli Air Force (IAF) in 1990. An advanced version the "Longbow" was introduced in 2000. The Black Hawk was put into operational use in 1994.

www.israeldefense.com