Discover How Innovation is Shaping the Future of the Rotorcraft Industry at Helitech International 2018

Innovation and enterprise in the rotorcraft industry is at the heart of this year’s Helitech International when it returns in October with 10% more floor space and 13 new exhibitors joining the event for the first time.

The event, which returns to the RAI Amsterdam Exhibition and Convention Centre from October 16-18, 2018, will offer a platform for engaging discussion surrounding innovation and new technologies. The European rotorcraft industry will have a chance to see the latest developments in maintenance, repair and overhauls (MRO) and flight safety to virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) training opportunities.

Taking its own stand for the first time, SWITLIK Survival Products will showcase its ETSO-approved life vest and ETSO pilot and passenger suits. The company, a manufacturer and supplier of safety and survival products, has recently gained CAP1034-approval on its Life Vest, Dry Suit & CA EBS Combination—the Civil Aviation Authority’s technical standard for helicopter emergency breathing systems (EBS). The accreditation will enable the company to expand its reach into new territories. It will also launch its X-Back MOLLE+ (Modular Lightweight Load-Carrying Equipment) Air Crew Vest—a newly configured, lightweight crew vest that offers comfort and durability, designed for constant wear in the seated position within a helicopter or fixed-wing aircraft. Speaking about the show in October, Sarah Brooks, VP Sales & Marketing, says: “Helitech International is the best place for us to exhibit our new products to buyers and decision-makers in this market. We look forward to displaying our newly approved products at this year’s show.”

Demonstrating the latest innovations in MRO, first-time exhibitor Semmco, a global engineering platform and supplier of ground-support equipment, will showcase its standard access, rotor access and docking platforms, all designed to provide a safe and secure working platform for engineers carrying out repairs and servicing. Bespoke designs offered by Semmco mean it is not limited in the services it can provide, with each platform designed to suit the helicopter model, and available with access steps, hand rails and kick boards where necessary.

Visitors can also discover how the Internet of Things (IoT) is aiding MRO operations with Librestream Technologies. The company will be on hand to offer insights into its Onsight Connect software, used to rapidly respond to MRO situations and aircraft manufacturing processes. The software enables rotorcraft operators to deliver faster turn-around by using live video collaboration to engage remote experts. Teams can even connect and share visuals from test instruments such as borescopes and ultrasound devices to perform remote visual inspections.

Equally as important to the continued growth of the rotorcraft industry is pilot training. With simulation, virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) are playing an increasingly important role, reducing the risk involved with flight training, while delivering the precision that ensures pilots can train in a variety of environments before entering the field. Merlin Simulation, a designer and manufacturer of high-fidelity simulators replicating any type of aircraft across the military and commercial sectors, will showcase its range of simulators, including its Pro Series product line for flight schools. It will also demonstrate its custom range, designed specifically to replicate its customers' aircraft configurations and level D-certified simulators, the highest level of full-flight simulator qualifications available.

Other new exhibitors joining the Helitech International line-up this year include Luminator, suppliers of a broad range of lighting products for use inside and outside today’s modern rotorcraft, from search lights and interior signs to interior or exterior lighting; SCOTTY Group Austria GmbH, a solutions provider and manufacturer of systems for beyond line-of-sight audio, video and data connectivity for communications and surveillance purposes; and TracPlus Global Ltd, a real-time tracking service provider using the latest satellite, web and mobile technology.

Teresa Heitor, event manager, Helitech International, says: “Helitech International visitors are calling for a greater focus on innovation and technology at the show, and we’re delighted to welcome these new companies who will join us for the first time this October. By building the Helitech International platform and showcasing both new businesses and technologies at the show, we hope to expand the scope of the event and make it an even more valuable experience for the European helicopter industry.”

For more information on Helitech International 2018 or to register to attend, visit www.helitechinternational.com.