Chris Pocock has been covering the defense beat for AIN for over 30&nbsp;years. He is a British citizen and a graduate of the University of Cambridge. Chris worked in the air cargo business for ten years before becoming a full-time writer in 1983. He subsequently edited two air cargo journals before becoming AIN’s Defense Editor. He retired from that position in 2018, but still contributes to the publication. Chris has written extensively on aerial reconnaissance, including four books on the history of the U-2 spyplane. He also lectures on this and other topics related to intelligence-gathering in the Cold War.

Defense Correspondent

Chris Pocock

Austrian company Airborne Technologies (Static A6) has been integrating various systems onto large helicopters. For instance, it upgraded an Airbus EC145 used for search and rescue by Kazakhstan, with a new tactical workstation and a video stabilizing unit. The helicopter provides ECS downlink, tactical radio and carbon-fiber brackets for a Wescam MX-10 gimbal and a SX16 searchlight. On another EC145 operated by Norsk Luftambulanse, Airborne certified a Trakka A800 searchlight. The mounting assembly on the outside of the helicopter provides additional room inside the cabin and protects the control unit of the searchlight from harsh weather conditions, Airborne said. The company has also provided several certified systems to equip EC135 police helicopters.&nbsp;

News and issues about aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), covering all segments of the aviation industry; and modifications for aircraft and engines. Subjects include product support of aircraft, engines and avionics, MRO company mergers, acquisitions, announcements and personnel, Airworthiness Directives, Supplemental Type Certificate approvals and other topics.

Airborne Technologies Offers Airbus Helicopter Upgrades

The upgrades include a tactical workstation, video-stabilizing unit, hardware for a Wescam gimbal and searchlight and more.

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Matt Thurber

News and issues regarding all manner of civil and military rotorcraft and their powerplants, including helicopters, tilt rotors and unmanned air vehicles.

News and issues relating to business, corporate and private aviation, primarily regarding turbine-engine-powered airplanes and helicopters. Subjects include aircraft, engines, maintenance, operations, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security, and training.

Company expands UK footprint and adds new blade and component capabilities

Castle Air Expands Helo Maintenance with Heliwork Buy

Charles Alcock

New developments at airports including regulations and noise issues; legal disputes; openings, acquisitions and mergers.

New two-bay hangar is expected to open in the second half of 2026

Bombardier Progresses London Biggin Hill Paint Facility

Company says there is strong demand in the aftermarket

Henderson Jet Services Harvesting HondaJet Elite Parts

New developments and products in avionics, specifically about aircraft electronics in the cockpit.

News and developments about aircraft engines, including turbofan, turboprop, turboshaft and piston.

Company is already stocking up to fill customer needs

Honeywell Signs Yingling as Avionics, Engines Dealer

Facility is company’s second MRO location

Pro Star Aviation Opens Pilatus Sales and Service Center

News and issues relating to international air transport and cargo carriers, national airlines and regional airlines, including aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

Move adds capabilities to serve Airbus, Boeing operators

Broward Aviation Buys Spares, Repairs Firm Support Air

Company now has three facilities approved for maintenance on Mexican aircraft

StandardAero Van Nuys Approved by Mexico Regulator

Amy Wilder

News and issues relating to the aerospace industry that are related to the science, engineering and business of flight in space involving civil, industrial and military applications, and similar topics related to flight in the atmosphere of the Earth that are not covered more directly by other AINonline subject channels. In other words, both astronautical and aeronautical subjects, except for those aeronautical topics that are specifically covered elsewhere on this website.

2017 Paris Airshow

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