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(Forbes) – The United Therapeutics Corp. subsidiary has completed the first flight of Proticity, a hydrogen fuel cell–powered Robinson R44.

(The Defense Post) – The company will provide NH90 supply chain support for Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, and the Netherlands under the contract with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Helicopter Management Agency.

(Dronelife) – The California-based start-up recently introduced its electric Q12 drone platform and Q250 heavy-lift drone.

(AIN) – The German Aerospace Center (DLR) and ADAC Luftrettung have completed a study on the use of a biokerosene for emergency medical flights. Flight trials with a pair of ADAC Airbus EC145s using a 38% blend of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) showed a significant reduction in ultrafine particles.

(WCIV) – The Charleston County (South Carolina) Sheriff’s Office hosted an event May 6 with the helicopter pilots who located a hit-and-run suspect May 1 on Sullivan’s Island using infrared cameras.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has determined the probable cause of the accident to be the pilot’s decision to continue a VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which led to spatial disorientation and a loss of control. Investigators identified the operator’s inadequate oversight of its safety management processes as a contributing factor in the accident, including ensuring the pilots were accurately completing and updating the flight risk analysis, logging maintenance discrepancies, and ensuring the helicopter met Part 135 regulations before departure.

This FAA airworthiness directive (AD), which requires installing an improved main-gearbox fan rotor bearing assembly, takes effect Jun. 11. It supersedes AD 2021-09-14, which the FAA issued May 18, 2021.

The Lafayette-based division of PHI Group cut the ribbon this week on the Houma base, which includes a passenger terminal, lighted runway, and a 40,000-sq.-ft. hangar.

The company has added Thrive Capital’s James Keith Brown, Kris Haber of Vega Partners, and Carsten Stendevad of Bridgewater Associates to its board.

Quantum Systems has raised 160 million euro from a group led by Balderton, with participation from Airbus Defense and Space and Hensoldt. The company will use the funding for research and development of artificial intelligence (AI) and software for its unmanned aerial systems.