Leonardo today announced the delivery to the Norwegian Ministry of Justice and Public Security of the first of 16 AW101 helicopters for search and rescue (SAR - Search and Rescue). The November 17 the first AW101 left the Leonardo plant in Yeovil, UK, at the time of the Sola air base in the south of Norway, where it will begin a period of tests and operational evaluations before entering into service with the Norwegian Air Force in the 2018. Deliveries will continue until the 2020 and the helicopters will be distributed on six different operational bases.
Bjørn Ivar Aarseth, project manager of the Norwegian Ministry of Justice and Public Security said: "The delivery of the first helicopter is a key milestone in the Norwegian research and rescue program and we are happy that the first AW101 has arrived in Norway. with my team at the Ministry of Justice, Norwegian Defense, Leonardo and all other partners in achieving this. "
Jon Clark, program manager at Leonardo, said: "The AW101 we have developed for Norway is undoubtedly the best SAR helicopter in the world and we are proud to have delivered the first unit, which will remain at the service of the Norwegian population for the This contract is based on a long-term partnership between industry, the Ministry of Justice and Public Safety, Military Aeronautics and the Norwegian Defense Agency, with the common goal of providing the best SAR service possible. the time the AW101 goes into operational service in the 2018. "
The AW101 is equipped with three engines to ensure maximum safety, an anti-freeze system for extreme weather conditions, wide range of action and autonomy, a transmission capable of operating for 30 minutes in the absence of lubrication and multiple redundancy of avionics and mission systems for maximum reliability in all conditions. The spacious cabin doorways and rear ramp ensure easy and quick access to the crew, people with help and the necessary equipment.
The AW101 is equipped with an advanced SAR equipment package featuring Leonardo Osprey electronic scan surveillance radar that provides 360 ° coverage, advanced autopilot, two life jacks, searchlight, electro-optical devices and a integrated avionics and mission system. Other equipment includes cellular and barrier detection systems, barometric radar, electromedical equipment and a mission console.
The contract with Norway includes support and spare parts available at each base and the training of the first crews has recently been completed. Leonardo will also provide logistical support for the first 90.000 fleet flight hours for an initial period of 15 years.
Leonardo co-operates with Norwegian companies AIM Aviation to provide maintenance services to the six Air Force Base Operations and Kongsberg Defense Systems to provide helicopter transmissions and maintenance services.
An AW101 flight simulator was made in June 2017 at the Sola base to provide training for crews in anticipation of helicopter deliveries. The simulator can also be used by other operators by reducing training costs and improving preparation, allowing crews to practice with the full range of emergency procedures.
