It was more than a decade ago when Sikorsky began developing a solution to counter the possibility of loss of main gearbox lubricating oil pressure on its large-cabin S-92 helicopter. The impetus behind the project was the 2009 crash of an S-92 about 50 miles off the Canadian Atlantic Coast after mounting studs on the helicopter’s oil filter failed in flight, causing a complete loss of gearbox lubrication.

While the OEM swiftly remedied that particular situation, it self-initiated a system-wide redesign process to ensure any future S-92s encountering that highly rare instance would be safe.

Airbus Helicopters’ PioneerLab team is set to make its first hybrid-electric powered flight in 2027. During a pre-Verticon media briefing at its Donauwörth facility in Germany, the company announced the target date and said the project is on track to confirm a preliminary design later this year.

Unveiled in September 2023 with the intention of testing technologies specifically dedicated to twin-engine helicopters, the PioneerLab concept is based on the H145 platform. The test aircraft will be powered by a hybrid-electric propulsion system developed and refined in-house in an attempt to lower fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions by up to 30%.

Moog’s Genesys three-axis rotorcraft autopilot for the Sikorsky UH-60A Black Hawk helicopter will soon get a fourth axis that incorporates full control of the collective. This safety enhancement, expected to get an FAA nod as soon as May, would build on the Genesys GRC autopilot supplemental type certificate (STC) issued in October for the helicopter.

Moog partnered with XP Services, a specialty helicopter modification company based in Tullahoma, Tennessee, on the Black Hawk GRC-4000 four-axis autopilot STC, which Moog will own. The modified Black Hawk with a full Genesys IDU-680 avionics suite and autopilot can be seen this week at the company's Verticon static display.

Helicopter leasing company Milestone Aviation Group has signed leases with three operators covering 17 helicopters, most of which are in the super-medium category. Milestone’s fleet has reached more than 320 helicopters worth more than $3.5 billion, and the company is planning to redeploy some aircraft into new missions because the energy market’s needs remain steady with about 300 helicopters serving oil and gas producers.

As a buyer of helicopters, Milestone does not place any speculative orders. “We identify demand,” said chief commercial officer Sébastien Moulin. “We know who the users are, and we’re happy to finance that.”

Propulsion pioneer MagniX is developing a new family of electric engines specifically designed for helicopters. This week, the U.S. company is going public with its response to demand for faster rotor speed motors with between 6,000 and 7,000 rpm, compared to 1,900- to 2,500-rpm powertrains it is already developing for other applications.

MagniX is working on the helicopter motors, which it announced yesterday at Verticon 2025, with a view to be ready to start tests next year. It is aiming to have hardware, which will be integrated with the company's Samson batteries with an energy density of up to 300 Watt hours per kilogram, delivered to early customers in 2026.

The digital flip-through issue of AIN’s award-winning VAI Convention News is now available online. It’s a great way to quickly scan the news from Verticon 2025, whether you’re in Dallas attending the show or watching from afar.