Mark Huber is an aviation industry veteran who has worked in the flight training, aircraft sales, aircraft component, and airport development businesses. He has flight time in more than 50 different and diverse aircraft, including helicopters, aerobatic aircraft, vintage warbirds, jet fighters, business jets and turboprops, and transport-category aircraft. He has jumped out of several of these—on purpose—with a parachute. His defense and aviation journalism has been published in a variety of national and international periodicals.

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Mark Huber

The U.S. House of Representatives has approved $15 million to continue development of a 2.2-pound NASA unmanned helicopter with twin contra-rotating blades designed to fly on Mars. The autonomous helicopter is slated to be included on a 2020 mission to the Red Planet and is designed to fly ahead of a surface rover for two to three minutes per day as a scout vehicle, before returning to the rover to recharge its solar batteries. Accounting for the low atmospheric pressure on Mars, the rotor disc of the proposed prototype spans 3.6 feet and supports a body that resembles a medium-sized tissue box and is hardened against solar radiation. The current design has been tested at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, Calif.

 


NASA says the Mars Helicopter could triple a rover’s daily range by delivering visual information that will help engineers on Earth plan the best driving route. The rover will be specially instrumented to detect scientific indications of past or present life on the planet. Images from the helicopter could also be used to look for features for the rover to study in more detail and to select samples of rocks for a cache to be collected by follow-on vehicles.

 


Scientists have been working on the concept of a Mars Helicopter since the 1990s; however, early efforts were set back by the large size required, available battery technology and lengthy charging times.

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

NASA Helicopter Could Fly on Mars

The small helicopter will serve as a scout vehicle for a surface rover.

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

AmyWilder

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.

News about bills, laws, regulations and other governmental decisions affecting aviation and aerospace. Topics include FAA re-authorizations, taxes on fuel and aviation activities, environmental legislation, ICAO decisions, governmental mediation of labor conflicts and World Trade Organization disputes and decisions.

News and issues concerning general aviation, specifically airplanes and helicopters powered by piston and alternative engines (i.e., non-turbine powered aircraft). Subjects include aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

Lithium-ion battery STC expands options for helicopter operators 

Airwolf Aerospace Gets Brazil STC for TB17 Batteries 

Jessica Reed

LifeFlight's Mount Isa-based helicopter team rescued the couple and their two dogs

Helicopter Crew Makes Rescue in Australian Outback

Matt Thurber

News and information on safety procedures and concerns.

Essential news and analysis on the defense aerospace business. Your trusted source for new and ongoing programs and requirements in military aircraft (manned and unmanned), engines, avionics, weapons and associated systems, including ground-based air defense.

Testing was also conducted by the Air Force

Vita Rescue System Hoist Is Qualified by U.S. Army

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.

European operators can now fly the helicopter in EU countries

Subaru Bell 412EPX Certified by EASA

ANSI standards will impose a more uniform framework

FAA Revises Human External Cargo Fall Protection Policy

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

More In Rotorcraft

Airwolf Aerospace Gets Brazil STC for TB17 Batteries

Lithium-ion battery STC expands options for helicopter operators

Helicopter Crew Makes Rescue in Australian Outback

LifeFlight's Mount Isa-based helicopter team rescued the couple and their two dogs

Vita Rescue System Hoist Is Qualified by U.S. Army

Testing was also conducted by the Air Force

Subaru Bell 412EPX Certified by EASA

European operators can now fly the helicopter in EU countries

FAA Revises Human External Cargo Fall Protection Policy

ANSI standards will impose a more uniform framework

ACE Aero Modding Black Hawks with Skyryse Controls

The upgrade makes the helicopter much simpler to fly

Sikorsky Lengthens S-92 Inspection Intervals

Move will help increase availability and lower direct operating costs

Northern Rescue Growing Fleet to Five AW169 Helicopters

Shipment to New Zealand will take place next year after paint and upgrades

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