The Middle East Region Is Widening From Its Traditional Oil And Gas-Dependent Economies

Aerospace and Defense Review | Friday, July 22, 2022

As the Middle East region broadens from its traditional oil and gas-dependent economies, new prospects exist for the rotary-wing sector.

FREMONT, CA: For over half a century, many MENA countries have trusted oil and gas for valuable export revenues – but things are varying as they turn their notice to investment in non-oil sectors, like mining, to promote their economies.And as stated by Sameer Rehman, Bell's managing director, Africa and the Middle East, this could be great news for the Textron Aviation helicopter business.

"We have customarily been the supplier of choice in the oil and gas market using the Bell 412, a legacy outcome, but also one that is developed," said Rehman. "We have also been concentrating our innovation and energy into the Bell 525, and the world will shortly see that aircraft both in the oil and gas and the VVIP space with huge success."

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With the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Qatar probing with several international companies about the potential of various mineral deposits, for example, copper, silver, gold and iron ore, there are even more opportunities. Those heavily intricate in the region's mining industry are constantly looking for new ways to rationalize the process of transporting minerals to their required locations, which is today reliant on trucks.

Previously, the process of transportation has continuously faced challenges and delays, with many mines in inaccessible locations. However, with digital technologies and unmanned systems like drones, mining firms can seek to save time and money while growing efficiency in all aspects of their operations.

Rehman says helicopters like the Bell 505 can solve long-standing logistical challenges. These aircraft can carry heavy loads and assist in transporting vital equipment to and from remote and difficult-to-access locations.

The rotorcraft's capabilities in assisting with complex and heavy logistical challenges come into play. For example, the Bell 505 has a shipment of up to 907kg and an altitude range of 22,500 feet (6,096 meters) thanks to its Arrius 2R engine.

The Bell 505's powerful towing capabilities and power-to-weight numbers mean that it can operate at a lower cost than other, larger aircraft. This, in order, provides a new solution for the mining industry in the Middle East region.

"It is a new segment, a rising segment. I think it's still in its babyhood," Rehman said. "In the Middle East, where mining is fetching front and centre stage, helicopter usage will rise. I believe, as with most new entrants into a particular economy, it takes a little bit of time for people to understand there are more efficient and effective means to do things."

While Bell sees new markets, it is also working on new technologies and sustainability. SAF is turning regular for Bell equipment.

Rehman said that another metamorphic technology that could remodel the mining industry in the region is the use of UAVs(uncrewed aerial vehicles) in operations.

"UAVs have been employed traditionally in geological mapping missions, but never to carry considerable payloads," Rehman said.

To gain time and costs, UAVs, such as Bell's autonomous pod transport (APT), might be the answer. The vehicle is capable of autonomous flight, taking off and landing vertically. Moreover, it has demonstrated the ability to carry a payload of 110Ibs (50kg), offering an excellent solution for companies transporting goods away from mining sites.

"With the Bell 505, we hold an aircraft that has demonstrated time and again that it can be believed to operate in high-risk locations and with heavy payloads, offering a capable machine for logistics operators," said Rehman.

"With APT and its autonomous flight ability and intuitive interface, the simplicity of operation implies that it can go further, quicker and carry payloads at higher ranges, all while saving time, cost and energy."

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