The Robinson R88 helicopter is poised to transform the utility sector with its unmatched versatility and performance. This latest innovation from Robinson Helicopter Company represents a major leap forward in aviation, combining cutting-edge technology with practical design to address the growing needs of diverse industries. Design and Capacity With a roomy cabin offering approximately 275 cubic feet of space, the …
In a strategic move to enhance the operational capabilities of utility aviation in the United States, Robinson Helicopter Company has officially named Volo Mission as an authorized distributor for its renowned R66 Utility Helicopter. This partnership aims to provide comprehensive support and training solutions to meet the critical demands of external load operations and aerial firefighting industries. Expanding the Reach …
With the increasing demand for reliable and efficient power distribution, the utility industry is constantly searching for innovative ways to maintain and inspect power lines. Helicopter-assisted power line inspections have emerged as a game-changing solution that has revolutionized the way utility companies monitor and maintain their infrastructure. This method not only enhances efficiency and accuracy but also significantly improves safety …
The 2003 Northeast Blackout In 2003, 50 million people in southeastern Canada and eight northeastern states were impacted by the largest electrical blackout in U.S. history. The blackout was caused by a fault from a high voltage power line brushing against an overgrown tree. On top of that, the alarm system that would have tripped an alarm in the control …
History of the Bell 206 The Bell 206 family is a combination of both single and twin-engined, two-bladed helicopters. Manufactured in Mirabel, Quebec, Bell Helicopters originally developed the aircraft as the YOH-4 for the U.S. Army’s Light Observation Helicopter program. Since it was not selected by the Army, Bell redesigned the airframe and invented the Bell 206A Jet Ranger. The …
The Sikorsky S-70 series is full of next-generation, multi-mission capable aircraft. Sikorsky, now a Lockheed Martin company, has made improvements to the Sikorsky S-70 that will not only make missions easier but also keeps pilots’ workloads at a minimum. The S-70 changes the game for a multitude of industries, including firefighting and military. The following are a few of the …
In 2011, the United States Marine Corps (USMC) began their first experiments with the Kaman K-Max helicopter in Afghanistan. The shortage of helicopter pilots has ultimately lead the USMC to further research autonomous operations. The unmanned flight control systems were developed by Lockheed Martin and Kaman, jointly. After initial trial runs were proven to be successful, the helicopters continued operations …