NEWS | AW101 SAR Queen in NO Luftforsvaret

First AW101 Delivered to Norway

Norway received the first of 16 AW101. The all-weather search and rescue helicopter departed Leonardo’s Yeovil facility in UK for Sola airbase to begin a test period





First AW101 Delivered to Norway
Leonardo, November 20, 2017 - Rome – Leonardo is pleased to announce that the first of 16 AW101 allweather search and rescue helicopters has been delivered to the Norwegian Ministry of Justice & Public Security.

The aircraft departed Leonardo’s Yeovil facility on November 17th for Sola Air Base in southern Norway where the aircraft will enter a period of Operational Test & Evaluation (OT&E) before entering service with the Royal Norwegian Air Force in 2018. Aircraft deliveries will continue through to 2020 with SAR operations being established with the aircraft deployed across each of the six main operating bases.

Bjørn Ivar Aarseth NAWSARH Project Manager, Ministry of Justice & Public Security said: “The delivery of the first aircraft marks a major milestone for the Norwegian All-Weather Search and Rescue Helicopter programme and everyone is delighted to see the first AW101 in Norway. I would like to congratulate my team in the Ministry of Justice, key contributors within the Norwegian Defence sector, Leonardo and all other industry partners on achieving this milestone.” Jon Clark, Leonardo’s Programme Manager said: “The AW101 we have developed for Norway is undoubtedly the world’s most capable SAR helicopter and it is with great pride that we have delivered the first aircraft that will serve the people of Norway for decades to come. This contract is very much a long term partnership, consisting of industry, the Ministry of Justice & Public Security, the Royal Norwegian Air Force and the Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency, which has a common goal to deliver a SAR service second to none - we are all looking forward to the aircraft entering operational service in 2018.”

The AW101 benefits from three-engine safety, a full ice protection system for flight in known icing conditions, long range and endurance, a proven 30 minute “run dry” gearbox as well as multiple redundancy features in the avionic and mission systems. The large cabin doors and rear ramp provide easy access for personnel, survivors and equipment into the 27 m3 cabin which has standup head room throughout.

Mobile Telephone Detection System


The aircraft is equipped with an advanced SAR equipment package including a multi-panel Osprey AESA surveillance radar system from Leonardo that provides 360° coverage, 4-axis digital Automatic Flight Control System (AFCS), two rescue hoists, searchlight, electro optical device and a fully integrated avionics and mission system. Other systems and equipment include a mobile telephone detection system, obstacle proximity warning system, weather radar, complete medical station and mission console.

Leonardo is providing initial support and training services, including spares at each of the operating bases and has recently completed the aircrew training for the initial group of aircrew. It will then provide performance based logistic support to deliver approximately 90,000 flying hours across the fleet of 16 helicopters over the initial 15 year period.

Leonardo has partnered with Norwegian companies AIM Aviation to provide maintenance services at the Royal Norwegian Air Force’s six operating bases and with Kongsberg Defence Systems to provide helicopter transmission repair and overhaul services in Norway.

An AW101 full flight simulator was commissioned in June 2017 at Sola Airport to provide in country training for aircrew in advance of aircraft deliveries and will be used by Norwegian aircrew and third parties to provide training that will both reduce training costs and improve safety by allowing crews to practice the full range of emergency procedures.

The AW101 continues to lead its class as the world’s most advanced and capable search and rescue helicopter available today featuring a large cabin, over 1,300 km range, high cruise speed, all weather operating capability, high reliability and safety. Its cabin can accommodate 30 -plus survivors, SAR equipment and crew, and the cabin can easily be reconfigured to meet specific mission requirements including for Special Police Operations. Orders for more than 220 AW101 helicopters have been placed by customers worldwide so far for a wide range of applications including search and rescue, personnel recovery, utility, maritime and naval roles and head of state/government transport duties.

About Leonardo: Leonardo is among the top ten global players in Aerospace, Defence and Security and Italy’s main industrial company. As a single entity from January 2016, organised into seven business divisions (Helicopters; Aircraft; Aero-structures; Airborne & Space Systems; Land & Naval Defence Electronics; Defence Systems; Security & Information Systems), Leonardo operates in the most competitive international markets by leveraging its areas of technology and product leadership. Listed on the Milan Stock Exchange (LDO), in 2016 Leonardo recorded consolidated revenues of 12 billion Euros and has a significant industrial presence in Italy, the UK, the U.S. and Poland.



helicopter
Aircraft mentioned in this article :
AW101 612 0268     ( Luftforsvaret )

Location : NO Stavanger - Sola Airport

  See also


AW101 SAR Queen in NO Luftforsvaret
EH101 / AW101 in UK AgustaWestland UK




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