Welcome to HeliTac Magazine

IT’S MY PLEASURE to welcome you to the launch issue of HeliTac magazine, the ONLY independent, dedicated trade publication for the military helicopter industry.

This is the first issue of what will fast become THE magazine for everyone involved in military helicopter aviation. No matter what branch of the armed services you are in, and in which country, HeliTac will have something of interest for you. We have put together a team of writers and photographers who are recognised as some of the best the industry has to offer, and we plan on adding to this core group as we progress.

Issue by issue we will be taking you from the front lines of Baghdad to the outback of Australia, if it involves military helicopter ops then we will be there. We will be endeavoring to cover all spheres of the military helo industry, attack & recon, utility, CSAR, maritime, VIP - you name it, you will read about it in HeliTac. Each issue will also include features on technology, training, weapons and weapons systems - bringing you the latest word on what’s new.

The distribution of HeliTac is extensive, from pilots flying OH-58Ds in Iraq, to the crew-chiefs onboard MH47s in Afghanistan - from the Maintenance Officers at NAS North Island to the CNO in the Pentagon, HeliTac is there.

Issue by issue we will be expanding both our coverage and our distribution. If you are involved in the world of military helo operations, and would like your unit to receive a complimentary subscription to HeliTac, then email us and request a copy on info@helitacmag.com

In this issue we have assembled a good cross section of stories for your perusal. Editor Ken Delve looks at the raging debate on Attack Helicopters and their future, while Piotr gives us an in depth look at the various upgrade programs out there for the Mi8/Mi-17 family. Frank Colucci explains why the US armed forces should be looking at the K-Max as an unmanned Vertrep machine to take the risk out of forward re supply missions, something that has certainly grabbed the attention in coverage from the front lines in Iraq and Afghanistan. The next generation of the CH-53 family has finally got the go-ahead and Ken Delve has joined forces with John Milliman to examine the new program.

We also take a look at some of the various HMS systems out there and what they bring to the warfighter. Shlomo Aloni gives you an insight into the introduction of the AH-64D-I into the Israeli Defence Forces and how it has been adapted to fulfil its unique role within the IDF. Our final two features in this issue take a look at new technology. Award winning photo-journalist Ted Carlson gives you a look at the V-22 and two of the units tasked with operating this unique piece of aviation history, while Piotr Butowski takes us through the Ansat -2RC - Russia’s latest attack helicopter.

Make sure you pass on our contact details to your unit’s Public Affairs Officer and encourage them to send us any news items and photos. Remember - HeliTac is your magazine, it’s by the industry - for the industry.

That’s it from us so sit back, relax, and enjoy the launch issue of HeliTac, and if you have any comments, feedback or suggestions for us on this issue then please drop me an email.

Neville ‘Ned’ Dawson
Email: ned@helitacmag