This image was taken at a rescue performed  in August 2007 to save a  seriously injured mountaineer at Margalida Peak in Spain. The treacherous topography increased the risks involved for this rescue crew. Go to the top of this page and click on the SAR icon to register for the Summit, vote for a crew or nominate a helicopter hero.

Calgary, Alberta-based SkyHook International has tapped Boeing's Rotorcraft Div. to develop the JHL-40 neutral-buoyancy rotorcraft to carry a 40-ton payload about 175 nm. A helium-filled envelope would support the roughly 300-ft-long aircraft's empty weight and fuel load, while four rotors based on Boeing's CH-47 Chinook dynamics components would lift the payload. Four separate propulsion systems would provide control and station-keeping thrust. Boeing expects to freeze the design for the JHL-40 by October. Targeted at the energy-exploration and mining industries, the JHL-40 also could have military applications.

Enstrom Helicopter reports it has completed training of pilots and mechanics from the Peruvian navy. They will be flying and supporting the six Enstrom F-28F piston trainers that service ordered this year. The Peruvians trained on the first two of the service's aircraft, which are to be shipped from the company's Menominee, Mich. factory shortly. The helicopters are to be used primarily for flight training, but also will fly search, surveillance and cargo missions.

For more than 40 years, the Helicopter Heroism Award has honored crews who have performed life-saving missions and, in the process, tested the limits of their flying skills and courage. Rotor & Wing is now accepting nominations this year's award , which covers missions performed in calendar year 2007. We also have expanded the group of awards we are presenting this year. Click here for a nomination form.

An AgustaWestland AW139 operated by Sasemar, the Spanish Marine Safety Agency. The agency recently ordered three more of the medium twin, which it uses for a range of missions, including search and rescue and water pollution detection. The new orders will bring Sasemar’s AW139 fleet to eight; it previously ordered three in 2006 and two in 2007. It is operating three AW139s have been delivered and are operating from bases in Reus, Gijón and Tenerife.

An Eurocopter AS332 Super Puma flies past the U.S. Navy destroyer USS Momsen (DDG 92), right, and the frigate USS Curts (FFG 38) April 5, 2008 as it transports supplies from the U.S. Military Sealift Command combat stores ship USNS Niagara Falls (T-AFS 3) to the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), which was under way in the Pacific Ocean on a seven-month deployment. Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Geoffrey Lewis, U.S. Navy.