Daniele Romiti, Chief Executive Officer of AgustaWestland, said: "We are thrilled to show the Air Force the first aircraft of its future fleet of personnel recovery helicopters. This event marks another important milestone in our contribution to the modernization program. Air Force rotary wing which in recent years has started the development and delivery of the HH-139 helicopter for search and rescue (SAR). With the HH-101A "CAESAR" the Air Force will introduce the aircraft into service with the most advanced capabilities for this type of operational requirement, tailor-made to meet specific customer needs ensuring a qualitative leap in capabilities. We are committed to supporting the Air Force in the years to come and ensuring that our team provides the level of service required ".
General Preziosa, Chief of Staff of the Italian Air Force, added: "The HH-101A will respond to the needs of personnel and special forces of the Air Force. It will also support SAR, MEDEVAC and Slow Mover Intercept operations which are extremely important to provide effective support to the Italian community. Thanks to its performance, versatility and reliability, the HH- 101A is the best solution for the future operational capability needs of the Air Force ".
At the same time, the Air Force and AgustaWestland signed a letter of intent aimed at further strengthening the already consolidated collaboration in the training of pilots. The partners intend to co-develop new capacities to meet future requirements for rotary-wing training, taking advantage of the synergies between the 72 ° Stormo of Frosinone and the training structure of AgustaWestland, through the already existing plant in the same capital of Lazio.
The HH-101A will be able to accommodate a combination of five crew members, plus around twenty fully equipped passengers or six crew members, plus eight fully equipped passengers for special operations ensuring maximum flexibility. The helicopters will also be able to equip themselves with three M134 7,62 mm Gatling-type machine guns installed on the right and left sides and on the rear ramp, armored cockpit seats, ballistic protection for machine gun operators as well as for critical systems and a built-in self-protection of electronic warfare against radar, laser and infrared threats. The HH-101A will also feature an in-flight refueling kit for long range operations. Over 220 AW101 helicopters have been ordered so far by customers around the world to perform a large number of roles, including personal recovery. , special forces operations, SAR, combat SAR, utilities, troop transport, land warfare, anti-submarine warfare, early warning, mine clearance and VIP transport.
Source: General Office for Communication AM - Public Information Office
