Issue 165 | November 2025

Cover image for AMR magazine

Our November edition is packed with content relating to special missions from around the world. We have features that explore the design and engineering that go into modern rotorcraft; the interactions between ground and air teams on helitack operations; the tools and attire needed for successful water rescues; and the new onboard technology that is revolutionizing special missions by detecting and communicating with cell phones.

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In this issue

Cal fire helicopter with crew getting ready beside it

A synergy of ground and helicopter firefighting

Helitack units talk to Barry D Smith about the tactics they use to fight wildfires, and the equipment and training that make this demanding work possible

Helicopter picking up water by boat

Top gear: clothing and equipment for water rescue

What clothing and equipment do rescue swimmers, hoist operators, and other crewmembers use to do their job safely and effectively? Jennifer Ferrero finds out

Jennifer Ferrero

Rotorcraft team looking at screen on desk

Special missions engineering for the future

Rotorcraft make highly versatile platforms for special missions operations thanks to their ability to operate at locations without a traditional runway. Chris Croot takes a look at the new systems...

Green military helicopter flying in sky

Flying cellular towers

AirMed&Rescue examines how the integration of airborne cellular detection systems into SAR operations is helping to save lives

R88 Robinson helicopter parked

Interview: Telling the RHC story

It’s been a period of immense activity at Robinson Helicopter Company since David Smith became CEO. He talks to Mandy Langfield about building the team, growing the brand’s presence in...

Mandy Langfield

Hoist cable swing component

Industry voice: Hardware solutions to the dangerous effects of hoist cable swing

Meiyu Zheng, Rui Peng, Luyi Tang, Zhilin Huang, and Mary Lanzerotti at Virginia Tech in the USA, and Harrish Joseph and Prof Walter Lacarbonara at Sapienza University of Rome, Italy...

Prof Walter Lacarbonara & Dr Mary Lanzerotti & Harrish Joseph & Meiyu Zheng & Rui Peng & Prof Jacob Capps & Luyi Tang & Zhilin Huang

Drone flying above ship deck

Industry voice: Flying smarter: how uncrewed innovations are supporting helicopter operators

Eric Freeman, CEO and Founder of Alpha Unmanned Systems, explains how uncrewed aerial systems are complementing the work of helicopter crews in a multitude of ways

Child being treated

Provider profile: REACH Air Medical Services

Oliver Cuenca speaks to Vicky Spediacci, Vice President and Air Chief Operating Officer at REACH Air Medical Services, about her organization’s work