Survivability in the future battlespace depends on a number of factors and rotary wing operations mush recapitalise and modernise in order to create a full spectrum force which is capable of meeting the demands of a challenging security environment. Defence IQ spoke exclusively to Major Dana Howe, AH-1Z Instructor Pilot, Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One to discuss:
- The key challenges likely to affect survivability in the future battlespace
- How the role of helicopters will evolve over the next decade
- Specific new threats that will most significantly effect the rotary domain
- The prevalence of manned and unmanned platforms and systems
Rotary wing platforms are confronted with a wide range of physical, environmental and logistical challenges limiting mission success. For the past 17 year, the International Military Helicopter conference has been facilitating the discussion within the community and with the industry.
Ahead of this year's summit, Defence IQ had the privilege to discuss with our co-chairmen, Colonel Jayson Altieri, Chief of Staff of the Army's Chair at the National War College from the U.S. Army and Colonel Paul Edwards (Ret), a former Chief of Staff of the Army Aviation from the British Army, both of whom are subject matter experts and experienced military leaders. In this exclusive interview, discover their view on the enduring need for military and industry to come together to share challenges and discuss current requirements.
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...
January 2014
The helicopter market in 2013 has been marked with notable ups and downs, often sounding like terminations in the West or requested orders in transitioning economies. The end of last year has even finished on a distressing note for the American helicopter industry, the biggest in the world. Defence Research Analyst Alix Leboulanger reports for Frost & Sullivan on the Helicopter market opportunities and growth strategies.