Aviation

Airbus Unveils First US-Built Military Helicopters

The first H125 military versions constructed in the United States are being added to the Airbus lineup of military helicopters by Airbus Helicopters as the AH-125 and MH-125 Ares. These combat-ready aircraft will be equipped with militarised options to satisfy the demands of international partners and allies in the parapublic and military sectors.

The MH-125 Ares will be equipped as a multi-role helicopter with the ability to perform a variety of activities, while the AH-125 Ares will be outfitted as the helicopter’s armed variant. The new models add to Airbus’ vast lineup of military helicopters, which already includes the H125M.

The H125 family dominates the single-engine market globally and has the most certified modifications (supplemental type certificates) than any other family. The H125 helicopter can now be quickly reconfigured to perform a variety of mission sets in less than 30 minutes, including light attack, air assault, search and rescue, casualty evacuation, disaster response, and other combat and para public operations.

The design, engineering, certification, and production of the armament installation will be handled by MAG Aerospace. The helicopter can carry a variety of weaponry, including unguided rockets and a.50 calibre (12.7 mm) gun, as well as precision-guided weapons in the future. Throughout the mission, the installation enables doors-on-flight.

The H125 is the most popular helicopter in the world and has been used by American law enforcement and government organizations for many years. With more than 100 H125 family aircraft now in service, the U.S. government is the H125’s single largest client and operator. It is currently the light enforcement helicopter used by U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

Aviation

Boeing Faces New Setbacks as 777X Delays Extend and scraps B767-300F

Boeing’s challenges continue as employees halted production due to a strike, creating new obstacles for delivering aircraft to customers. The company now faces financial losses from delays in the delivery of its boeing 777x aircraft.

Boeing recently announced that the new delivery date for the 777-9 will be in 2026, with the freighter variant scheduled for 2028. This news has been frustrating for airlines that have committed to and are waiting for the aircraft.

Mega Comparison of Boeing 777x vs A350-1000 Aircraft

The Boeing 777X program, which began in early 2019, was initially delayed to 2021 due to COVID-19 disruptions. Subsequent issues, including defects found during testing, have placed the program under scrutiny by the FAA, which insists on the aircraft meeting all safety standards before entering service. Boeing is now facing pressure from both airlines and investors.

Boeing 777x Delay

New Commercial Airplanes expects to incur pre-tax charges of $3.0 billion related to the Boeing 777X and 767 programs.

The company forecasts a $2.6 billion pre-tax charge due to the updated timeline, which accounts for delays in flight testing for the 777-9 and the impact of the IAM (International Association of Machinists) work stoppage. The first 777-9 delivery is now expected in 2026, with the 777-8 freighter following in 2028.

Exploring the Boeing 777x: Highlights from the Debut at …

In addition, Boeing plans to conclude production of the 767 freighter, resulting in a $0.4 billion pre-tax charge. From 2027 onwards, the company will solely produce the 767-2C aircraft for the KC-46A Tanker program.

In August 2024, Boeing grounded its 777X test fleet after detecting a failure in a key engine mounting structure during a routine inspection. The new boeing 777x, powered by the GE9X engine, is the world’s largest and most efficient twin-engine jet, but this issue has caused further setbacks.

Boeing 777x, A close-up of the engine, landing gear, and wing

Comparison of 777x vs A350

Meanwhile, the Airbus A350 continues to secure new orders from airlines, becoming a strong competitor in the wide-body aircraft segment. While the a350 vs b777 offer similar ranges, the 777X is designed to carry a heavier payload.

In other developments, Boeing has hinted at starting production of a new mid-sized aircraft, the Boeing 797, which would likely compete with the Airbus A321 XLR.