XO Helicopters purchases test machines for the Alouette/Lama powertrain from Denel in South Africa.

In early 2025, we entered into an agreement with Denel in South Africa to purchase their powertrain test equipment for the Lama and Alouette helicopters. After signing the agreement and careful planning, we sent two men to South Africa for two weeks. The job involved disconnecting, dismantling and loading the machines into shipping containers, which were to be transported to us in Norway.

A successful job, which led to us saving indispensable tools if we are to be able to continue Lama helicopters on the scale we want.

During 2026, we expect to have modernized and started up the equipment, so that we, together with our partners, can test main gearboxes, clutches and tail gearboxes, among other things.

Thanks to the helpful people at Denel.