Finmeccanica CFO says not expecting India to blacklist group
Source: Reuters, 16-May-13
Finmeccanica(SIFI.MI) is not expecting India to blacklist either the group or its helicopter unit AgustaWestland for the time being as a consequence of a corruption probe, Chief Financial Officer Gian Piero Cutillo said on Wednesday. (See Full Story)
First VVIP AW101 delivered to Turkmenistan
Source: AgustaWestland, 26-Apr-13
AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, is pleased to announce the delivery of the first AW101 VVIP helicopter to Turkmenistan Airlines. The contract for two AW101 VVIP helicopters was signed at the 2010 Farnborough International Air Show. Assembly of the aircraft took place at AgustaWestland’s Yeovil facility in South West England. AgustaWestland has also provided pilot and [...]
Indian Air Force may have no VVIP helicopters after 2014
Source: Daily Mail India, 22-Apr-13
After February 2014, VVIPs may not be able to fly in an Indian Air Force helicopter, as there may not be a single one left in the IAF’s elite squadron, which ferries the Prime Minister, the President, senior ministers and other top dignitaries. (See full story)
Portuguese AW101 sets new SAR distance record
Source: AgustaWestland, 10-Apr-13
[Electronic Translation from Norwegian] A Portuguese AW101 helicopter has set a new record. It saved a man at a distance of 360 nautical mil, which is 670 km. In February this year capsized the Portuguese sailor Javier Sanso when he participated in the Vendee Globe solo race. This happened about the middle of the Atlantic Ocean and [...]
AgustaWestland hands over contract with alleged middleman to Indian military
Source: The Pioneer, 25-Mar-13
AgustaWestland has handed over its contract with alleged middleman Christian Michel regarding the VVIP helicopter deal to the Defence Ministry and maintained that it had not committed any wrongdoing (see full story).
India wrestles with dilemma of blacklisting AgustaWestland
Source: Reuters, 18-Mar-13
Indian Defense Minister A.K. Antony is leaning toward barring Anglo-Italian helicopter firm AgustaWestland from doing business in the country because of a corruption scandal, but he could be outvoted by cabinet colleagues, several government sources said. Some cabinet ministers and even officials within the defense ministry fear such a move could set back India’s efforts [...]
India AW101 – CBI registers case against 6 companies and 13 individuals
Source: CBI, India, 15-Mar-13
The Central Bureau of Investigation has registered a case U/s 120-B r/w 420 IPC and Section 7, 8, 9, 12 & 13 (2) r/w 13 (1) (d) of PC Act, 1988 against the then Chief of Air Staff; four private persons; a Chandigarh-based private company & its then CEO; a aw101-india1 -based private company, its [...]
India asks AgustaWestland to explain linkages with 2 firms
Source: The Hindu, 08-Mar-13
The Defence Ministry has asked AgustaWestland to explain within one week its linkages with software companies allegedly used as a cover for paying kickbacks in the VVIP AW101 deal. (see full story)
India’s AW101s – AgustaWestland has 7 days to respond
Source: HeliHub.com, 18-Feb-13
The Indian military have commenced legal proceedings which they hope will lead to the cancellation of their order for twelve VVIP AW101 helicopters. Through the formality of issuing a “show cause notice”, AgustaWestland now have to respond to the court within seven days on specific points to determine whether the contract remains valid or not. [...]
India’s AW101s – Focus on the middlemen
18-Feb-13
“Haschke [the middleman] sold AgustaWestland a story based on my relationship with (cousin) SP Tyagi. We have strained ties. He (Haschke) used my name to siphon off money. The CBI probe will bring out the truth. I welcome the CBI probe,” said the former Indian Air Force chief. (see full story) A new angle has [...]
India to scrap AW101 order if any wrongdoing found
Source: DD India, 14-Feb-13
A day after ordering the CBI probe, Defence Minister A K Antony told reporters that strong action will be taken against those found guilty. “Nobody will be spared whatever may be the consequences,” he told reporters on the alleged Italian chopper scam. (see full story) So far three of the twelve VVIP AW101s ordered have [...]
India AW101 – Alleged middleman met Air Force chief 6 or 7 times
14-Feb-13
The middleman, Guido Haschke, has also said that he received 20 million euros as commission and of this, 12 million euros were passed on to S P Tyagi’s Delhi-based businessmen cousins Julie Tyagi, Docsa Tyagi and Sandeep Tyagi. (see full story)
AgustaWestland – Orsi and Spagnolini arrested
Source: HeliHub.com, 12-Feb-13
Finmeccanica have issued a short statement confirming that Italian Police have arrested former AgustaWestland CEO Guiseppi Orsi, and his successor (and current CEO) Bruno Spagnolini. Orsi is now Chairman and CEO of parent company Finmeccanica. “With reference to the precautionary measures issued today towards the Chairman and CEO of Finmeccanica and the CEO of the [...]
US Combat Rescue program questions as Boeing, Bell and AgustaWestland all pull out
Source: Reuters, 12-Dec-12
Industry executives said the Air Force bidding rules were so narrowly framed that they effectively excluded their aircraft from the competition. They said the terms favored Sikorsky’s Black Hawk and would not reward extra capability offered by bigger aircraft. (see full story)
Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force awards AW101 contract to SAIC
Source: SAIC, 07-Nov-12
Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) [NYSE: SAI] today announced it has been awarded a contract to provide the Mine Warfare and Environmental Decision Aids Library (MEDAL) tactical decision aid in support of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) MCH-101 helicopter Airborne Mine Countermeasures (AMCM). In addition to providing the MEDAL software system, SAIC will be [...]
Canadian Forces members receive International Award for Gallantry
Source: GAPAN, 02-Nov-12
At a ceremony in London, U.K., Canadian Forces Search and Rescue personnel received the Award of Gallantry from the Guild of Air Pilots and Air Navigators for their heroic actions in saving the lives of two Inuit hunters stranded in icy waters near Igloolik, Nunavut, on October 27, 2011. “This award highlights the exemplary skill, [...]
AW101 stars in latest James Bond movie “Skyfall”
Source: AgustaWestland, 01-Nov-12
AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, is pleased to announce that its AW101 and AW159 Lynx Wildcat helicopters play star roles in Skyfall, the 23rd James Bond adventure, which had its world premiere in London on 23rd October 2012. Staring Daniel Craig as James Bond, Skyfall sees the AW101 helicopter performing several dramatic sequences in the film. [...]
EASA and FAA approve H+S Aviation to repair/overhaul GE CT7-8 engines
Source: H+S Aviation, 31-Oct-12
H+S Aviation, a BBA Aviation Engine Repair and Overhaul (ERO) company, has added the new generation General Electric CT7-8 series turboshaft engine to its EASA 145 and FAA approvals list. The CT7-8 is currently in production for Sikorsky S-92 and AgustaWestland AW101 multi-engine helicopters. H+S Aviation now offers full scale support for engine repair, overhaul [...]
Terma to upgrade EW suite on Danish AW101 fleet
Source: Terma, 30-Oct-12
Terma and the Danish Defence Acquisition and Logistics Organization (DALO) recently signed a contract for upgrading the Electronic Warfare (EW) suite on the Air Force’ TTT Westland 101 Merlin helicopters (EH-101). The EW upgrade program will be carried out during 2013 with delivery from Terma to DALO at the end of 2013. The comprehensive system [...]
Swiss arrest linked to alleged Indian AW101 kickback payments
Source: Reuters, 22-Oct-12
In an emailed statement, Swiss authorities said they had asked magistrates to arrest an Italian-U.S. citizen on allegations of money laundering and corruption in connection with the supply of helicopters to India by an Italian state-owned company. (see full story)
Finmeccanica boss has no intention to step down, says lawyer
18-Oct-12
Finmeccanica Chairman and CEO Giuseppe Orsi has no intention of resigning, his lawyer said on Monday after media reports at the weekend over allegations concerning the Indian AgustaWestland VIP AW101 contract (see full story)
AgustaWestland marks 10 years of AW101 with Royal Canadian Air Force
Source: AgustaWestland, 10-Oct-12
AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, is pleased to announce that its fleet of AW101 (formerly EH101) “Cormorant” search and rescue helicopters has achieved dual milestones of 10 years active service with the Royal Canadian Air Force and 50,000 operating hours. “Canada’s Cormorants are the benchmark for AW101s around the world,” said Jeremy Tracy, AgustaWestland’s Head of [...]
Treacherous Arctic Rescue Earns “Rescue 915” the 2012 Cormorant Trophy
Source: AgustaWestland, 04-Oct-12
AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, is pleased to announce that a treacherous nighttime icy Arctic sea rescue of two hunters by a Canadian Forces Search and Rescue team has been selected as the winner of the 2012 Cormorant Trophy for Helicopter Rescue. This year’s awarding of the Cormorant Trophy for the October 27, 2011 rescue serves [...]
Northrop Grumman and AgustaWestland team for USAF CSAR and US Navy “Marine One” Programs
Source: Northrop Grumman, 18-Sep-12
Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) and AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company (FNC IM, SIFI.MI) announced today that they have signed a comprehensive teaming agreement to respond to anticipated requests for both the new Air Force Combat Rescue Helicopter and the Navy’s recently announced program to develop a new “Marine One” Presidential Helicopter. A US built helicopter based [...]
Change of Command for Canada’s 442 Squadron
Source: Royal Canadian Air Force, 31-Aug-12
Flanked by yellow and red search and rescue (SAR) aircraft and before the formed ranks of blue-uniformed members of 442 Transport and Rescue Squadron, Lieutenant-Colonel Todd Sharp took command from LCol Jonathan Bouchard in a ceremony held today at 19 Wing, Comox. “Operations are not always easy on our families and I truly appreciated the [...]
UK – Marines learn about AW101s from the Royal Air Force
Source: Royal Navy, 04-Jul-12
More than forty aircrew and engineers are laying the foundations for the future of the Commando Helicopter Force by getting to grips with its new aircraft – learning from the RAF. In under four years, the Merlin, not the redoubtable Sea King, will be the mainstay of global operations by the force, the wings of [...]
Portugal’s 751 Squadron passes landmark 2,751 rescues
Source: HeliHub.com, 24-May-12
Portugal’s 751 Squadron, responsible for the country’s SAR helicopters, had achieved a milestone 2,751 rescues. The key rescue was made in the Azores chain of islands in the Atlantic on 20th May when they transported a pregnant woman from the island of Graciosa to a hospital at Angra do HeroÃsmo on the island of Terceira. [...]
India helicopter deal: Italy probes Euro 51M ‘payoff’
Source: Indian Express, 24-Apr-12
Italy probes 51 m Euro ‘payoff’ to agent Guido Haschke for VVIP AW101 deal with India – the 62-year-old consultant is believed to have dual citizenship of Switzerland and the US (see full story)
Norway – SAR tender bidding process delayed
Source: AgustaWestland, 24-Apr-12
The tender announcement in connection with the purchase of new rescue helicopters will go out in the market over the next few weeks, says Justice Minister. Member of Parliament Jan Arild Ellingsen (Progress Party) asked the Minister of Justice a written question before Easter in which he asked the minister confirm or deny that she [...]
Sikorsky point finger at AgustaWestland over Indian VVIP order, says press
15-Apr-12
The Indian press continue to have AgustaWestland in their firing line over the order for twelve VVIP helicopters which they won with the VVIP. Now the Express quotes an un-named Sikorsky official saying “There’s enough conclusive evidence. Let the law take its own course. The ministry has ordered a probe and the law of the [...]
AgustaWestland congratulates Canadian SAR crew for winning international award
Source: AgustaWestland, 10-Apr-12
AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica Company, extends congratulations to the members of Royal Canadian Air Force 442 Squadron at CFB Comox, on winning the SAR Award for Operational Rescue Excellence at the 2012 Shephard’s Search and Rescue Conference in Dublin. “The crew of Royal Canadian Air Force Cormorant, call sign “Rescue 907” of 442 Squadron were the [...]
UK helicopter fleet trains in “Pashtun Jaguar” exercise
Source: Flightglobal, 14-Mar-12
Seventeen aircraft from the UK’s Joint Helicopter Command (JHC) are taking part in a major pre-deployment exercise on Salisbury Plain, Wiltshire, providing support for British land forces due to begin operations in Afghanistan during April. (see full story)
Indian defence minister orders enquiry into AgustaWestland corruption allegations
Source: HeliHub.com, 26-Feb-12
The Indian Defence Minister, A K Antony, is reported in local newspaper The Times of India as having asked his ministry officials to investigate Italian media reports alleging corrupt and unethical practices by Finmeccanica, in the light of deliveries of their 12 VVIP AW101s due to start later this autumn. Separately, the Indian Express reports [...]
Japan orders Northrop Grumman’s Airborne Laser Mine Detection Systems
Source: Northrop Grumman, 03-Feb-12
The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force has purchased four helicopter-mountable, laser mine detection systems to help protect its coastline and the daily maritime traffic coming in and out of the country’s ports. This is the first direct commercial sale of Northrop Grumman Corporation’s (NYSE:NOC) Airborne Laser Mine Detection System (ALMDS) to an international navy. “ALMDS will [...]
AW101 in pre-qualification phase for Norwegian SAR
Source: AgustaWestland, 30-Dec-11
AW101 is included in the pre-qualification to tender to submit the new generation of rescue helicopters in Norway. The documents were handed over to the Selection Committee on Monday 19 December. AgustaWestland took no chances. Already the day before the deadline expired, met regional director Steve Powell in Selection Committee’s offices at Sola near Stavanger [...]
Selex Elsag to equip Danish AW101s with Laser Obstacle Avoidance & Monitoring
Source: Selex Elsag, 27-Dec-11
SELEX Elsag, a Finmeccanica company, has been awarded an important contract to supply the Danish Defence Acquisition and Logistics Organization with 8 LOAM (Laser Obstacle Avoidance & Monitoring) systems to detect obstacles in the low altitude flights that will equip the Royal Danish Air Force EH-101 helicopter fleet in Tactical Transportation configuration. The job order [...]
“Most Challenging” Mountainside Rescue wins 2011 Cormorant Trophy
Source: AgustaWestland, 05-Dec-11
The daring cliff-side rescue of a lucky British Columbia which pushed both the rescue crew and their search and rescue helicopter to the limits has been selected for this year’s winner of the Cormorant Trophy for Helicopter Rescue. Members of 442 Squadron stationed at Canadian Forces Base Comox – Capt. Jean Leroux, Aircraft Commander; Maj. [...]
Japan selects AQS-24A Airborne Mine-Hunting System for AW101s
Source: Northrop Grumman, 22-Nov-11
Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) has been competitively selected to supply the AQS-24A airborne mine-hunting system to the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force. Under the initial contract, Northrop Grumman’s Undersea Systems business unit will deliver the airborne mine-hunting system to Kawasaki Heavy Industries for integration into Japan’s new Airborne Mine Countermeasures MCH-101 helicopter. “The combination of our [...]
Northrop Grumman’s AQS-24A mine-hunting system for Japan
Source: Northrop Grumman, 25-Oct-11
Northrop Grumman Corporation has been competitively selected to supply the AQS-24A airborne mine-hunting system to the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force. Under the initial contract, Northrop Grumman’s Undersea Systems business unit will deliver the airborne mine-hunting system to Kawasaki Heavy Industries for integration into Japan’s new Airborne Mine Countermeasures MCH-101 helicopter. “The combination of our proven [...]
Heli-Power 2011: Delays for Danish ambitions in Afghanistan
Source: Shephard Group, 20-Oct-11
Shortages of key components and difficulties in purchasing spare engines for AW101s have limited crew training and delayed preparations by the Danish Air Force to send a pair of aircraft to Helmand towards the end of 2012. (see full story)
R-R Turbomeca RTM322 Powers NH90 and AW101
Source: Forecast International, 19-Oct-11
The Rolls Turbomeca RTM322 series continues in production for its two applications, the NH90 and AW101. Customers for the AW101 include India, who signed a contract in early 2010 for 12 helicopters to be configured for VIP use and transport duties. Deliveries are expected to be complete by the end of 2013. The AW101 will [...]
Atlantis to upgrade Danish AW101 cockpit procedures trainer
Source: Atlantis Systems, 27-Jul-11
Atlantis Systems Corp. (NEX:AIQ.H), a globally recognized training systems integrator in the military and commercial aviation markets, today announced that its wholly-owned subsidiary, Atlantis Systems International, located in Brampton, Ontario has been awarded a purchase order from AgustaWestland Limited to install an upgrade to the System Operator Console (SOC) on the Royal Danish Air Force [...]
UK: Eastbourne hospital extends helipad
Source: Eastbourne Herald, 28-Jun-11
Eastbourne District General Hospital is the most-used landing site for air ambulance and other emergency helicopters of any hospital in Sussex. The new pad can now accept helicopters both day and night from Air Ambulance, Police, Coast Guard, Air-sea Rescue and the military. The largest it generally takes is the Coast Guard AW139, but it [...]
Canada buys nine US-101s from suspended VH-71 program
Source: HeliHub.com, 27-Jun-11
One of the pledges made by Barack Obama prior to being elected President was to was to cancel the presidential VH-71 Kestrel helicopter program – which had been awarded by his predessor George Bush after British prime minister Tony Blair had cosied up to him on behalf of AgustaWestland. However, Bush’s administration then changed the [...]
India to receive first six VIP AW101s in 2012
Source: HeliHub.com, 24-Jun-11
India will receive next year the first batch of the 12 helicopters for transportation of VIPs. Half the fleet is expected by the end of 2012 as the assembly of the first two helicopters has commenced at the manufacturer’s facilities in Europe. “We have started assembling the first two helicopters and will be soon moving [...]
Lockheed Martin awarded $53M modification to VH-71 development program contract
Source: US DoD, 12-Jun-11
Lockheed Martin Corp., Mission Systems and Sensors, Owego, N.Y., is being awarded a $53,396,891 modification to the previously awarded cost-plus-award-fee VH-71 system development and demonstration contract (N00019-05-C-0030), which was terminated for the convenience of the government. This modification provides funding for post-termination related expenses, including, but not limited to: the physical inventory of contractor acquired [...]
AgustaWestland competes for US Air Force programs
Source: AgustaWestland, 28-Apr-11
AgustaWestland North America, an AgustaWestland company, is pleased that the U.S. Air Force has announced it is moving forward with a competition for the Common Vertical Lift Support Platform and HH-60 recapitalization programs. “AgustaWestland North America is prepared to participate and to vigorously compete for both the U.S. Air Force’s CVLSP and HH-60 recapitalization programs [...]
814 Naval Air Squadron takes part in NATO’s Exercise Proud Manta
Source: Royal Navy, 08-Feb-11
A Royal Navy helicopter squadron is taking part in NATO’s largest Mediterranean anti-submarine exercise, Proud Manta, for the first time. Merlin Mk1 maritime patrol helicopters from 814 Naval Air Squadron (also known as ‘The Flying Tigers’) have flown 1,400 miles (2,250km) across Europe from Royal Naval Air Station Culdrose in Helston, Cornwall, to Sicily in [...]
AgustaWestland chooses Meggitt’s standby flight display
Source: Meggitt, 04-Feb-11
AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, has selected Meggitt Avionics’ latest secondary flight display for its AW101 medium lift, AW139 medium-sized, multi-role twin-engined, and AB212 utility helicopters. This builds on an existing, long-standing supply relationship between the two companies for Meggitt Avionics’ helicopter air data system (HADS). iSFD is Meggitt’s third generation solid-state secondary flight display. Showing [...]
UK helicopter fleet trains in “Pashtun Jaguar” exercise
Source: Flightglobal, 28-Jan-11
Exercise involving Army Air Corps Lynx, RAF Merlin and Chinooks as well as Royal Navy Sea Kings – in view of operations starting in Afghanistan in April. This major pre-deployment exercise is being held on Salisbury Plain, Wiltshire
Danish helicopters off to Norway to practice white-out landings
Source: HeliHub.com, 27-Jan-11
Next week one AW101 Merlin and five AS550 Fennec helicopters will travel from Denmark to Norway to practice landings in the snow Crews from 722 and 724 Squadrons are off to practice landings in the snow during the exercise appropriately called Exercise White Out. Rescue helicopter Squadron 722, had a need arise to be able [...]
AgustaWestland renews Merlin support contract
Source: AgustaWestland, 17-Jan-11
AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, is pleased to announce that it has signed a contract with the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) covering the second five year period of the 25-year Integrated Merlin Operational Support (IMOS) contract. The contract for the period 2011 to 2016 is valued at approximately £570 million. The IMOS contract provides a [...]
AgustaWestland employees awarded Afghanistan campaign medals
Source: AgustaWestland, 10-Jan-11
AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, is pleased to announce that two of its employees have been awarded Afghanistan Campaign Medals during a recent ceremony held at AgustaWestland’s Yeovil facility. Captain Andy Lison RN, the UK MoD’s Merlin Project Team Leader, presented the medals to Mike Sheppard from the Field Service Department and Chris Ferguson from the [...]
Italian Air Force prepares for ten AW139s and twelve AW101s
Source: HeliHub.com, 21-Dec-10
The Italian Air Force has launched an ambitious program to replace some its fleet of SAR helicopters, in particular its Agusta-Bell 212s. Valued at 1.2 billion euros, the plan calls for a total of twenty-two new helicopters from AgustaWestland. The existence of this large order has been not been officially publicised, but Italian journalists at [...]
RAF reviews first year of Merlin ops in Afghanistan
Source: RAF, 30-Nov-10
From Benson to Bastion – today the Royal Air Force Merlin Force marked their first anniversary on Operation HERRICK. Following transportation to Afghanistan, re-assembly and pre-flight checks, the Merlin Force officially declared that they were ready for operational flying on the front line a full year ago. The Merlins have spent those twelve months transporting [...]
Turkmenistan to buy AW101 and AW139
05-Nov-10
Italian defense group Finmeccanica has sold helicopters, including the AgustaWestland AW101 and the AW139, to the government of Turkmenistan, the firm said Nov. 4
Canadian Forces eye Obama’s helicopter cast-offs
Source: Vancouver Sun, 03-Nov-10
The Defence Department is looking at whether it should buy U.S. President Barack Obama’s helicopter cast-offs as spare parts for the Canadian air force’s Cormorant SAR fleet
Italian Air Force reportedly orders 12 AW101s and 10 AW139s
Source: HeliHub.com, 03-Nov-10
Bloomberg are today reporting that the Italian Air Force has ordered 10 SAR AW139s and 12 Combat AW101s, quoting unnamed people close to the company. THe order is valued at about 1.2 billion euros ($1.7 billion). The finances were approved on 13th October by the Italian Senate’s Defence Committee, accoridng to the Italian Government’s website. [...]
1,000th landing in 3 years on Danish hospital rooftop helipad
Source: Royal Danish Air Force, 28-Oct-10
[Electronic translation of Danish language press release] Helicopter platform at the top of the Empire became a reality after a donation from the AP Møller and Chastine McKinney Møller Foundation for General Purposes and has numerous advantages over the previous solution; In the old days landed rescue helicopter Fælledparken and the patient should therefore first [...]
Italian Navy sends three AW101s to Afghanistan
Source: Italian Navy, 28-Oct-10
[Electronic translation of Italian language press release] It ‘began Oct. 4 and will run until 13, the transfer with a C-17 aircraft of the U.S. Air Force three- EH-101 helicopters that the Navy should operate in Afghanistan to support the operations of the NATO-led force, known as ISAF – International Security and Assistance Force. The [...]
First flight of Merlin Mk2 signifies major milestone
Source: Lockheed Martin, 26-Oct-10
Lockheed Martin UK – Integrated Systems and strategic partner, AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, announced today that MCSP01, the first upgraded Royal Navy Merlin Mk2 helicopter has performed a successful maiden flight at the AgustaWestland facility in Yeovil. The 35 minute first flight went as planned and the initial flight test phase will focus on testing [...]
AgustaWestland eyes three US military helicopter programs
Source: AIN, 16-Oct-10
Armed aerial scout helicopter (AAS) with the AW119 – Common Vertical Lift Support Program (CVLSP) with the AW139 – and the former Combat Search And Rescue (CSAR) with the AW101
Helitech: Merlin situation improving says AgustaWestland
Source: Shephard Group, 10-Oct-10
AgustaWestland says it has made huge progress in improving the availability of the Portuguese Air Force’s Merlin fleet.
Royal Navy tests Merlin’s sensors and weapons
Source: Royal Navy, 30-Sep-10
A detachment of Royal Navy aircrew and engineers have spent a week thoroughly testing the Merlin helicopter’s sensors and weapons to ensure that aircrew are ready for any operational deployment that they may be tasked with. The weapon and sensor trials were carried out at the British Underwater Test and Evaluation Centre situated on Inner [...]
AgustaWestland congratulates 2010 Cormorant Trophy winners
Source: AgustaWestland, 28-Sep-10
AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica Company, is pleased to announce that the crew of “Rescue 912” from Canadian Forces Squadron 103 in Gander, Newfoundland has been selected as the winner of the 2010 Cormorant Trophy for Helicopter Rescue. The winning search and rescue crew comprising Major Steve Reid of Centreville, Nova Scotia; Captain Priscilla Jobin of Ste-Foy, [...]
AgustaWestland HH-71 contends for USAF CSAR program
Source: AgustaWestland, 14-Sep-10
AgustaWestland North America, Inc. announces that it has responded to the U.S. Air Force’s request for information, offering the operationally-proven HH-71 for critical combat search and rescue missions. “We believe the HH-71, based on the combat-proven AW101, offers a robust platform that addresses the U.S. Air Force’s combat search and rescue mission needs, without compromise,” [...]
Lockheed Martin awarded $10M post-termination expenses on VH-71 program
Source: US Dept of Defense, 09-Sep-10
Lockheed Martin Corp., Mission Systems and Sensors, Owego, N.Y., is being awarded a $10,077,448 modification to the previously awarded cost-plus-award-fee VH-71 system development and demonstration contract (N00019-05-C-0030), which was terminated for the convenience of the government. This modification provides funding for post-termination related expenses, including, but not limited to, the physical inventory of contractor acquired [...]
Royal Navy deploys Merlin on anti-piracy ops off Eastern Africa
Source: Royal Navy, 07-Sep-10
A Royal Navy Helicopter Squadron is deploying to the Horn of Africa and the Gulf of Aden to carry out specialist anti-piracy operations over the coming months. Personnel from 820 Naval Air Squadron including Aircrew and Engineers and their Merlin helicopter, will be embarked on a Royal Fleet Auxiliary ship (RFA Fort Victoria) and will [...]
Canadian Forces’ Cormorants pass 40,000 fleet hours
18-Aug-10
AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, is pleased to congratulate the Canadian Forces on achieving the benchmark of 40,000 operating hours with its fleet of AW101 search and rescue mid/heavy helicopters. The Canadian Forces has 14 of the helicopters designated the CH-149 “Cormorant” which entered service between 2000 and 2002. The Canadian Forces have a higher flying [...]
Culdrose Merlin Squadron trains with French Navy
Source: Royal Navy, 11-Aug-10
Members of 829 Naval Air Squadron based at Royal Naval Air Station Culdrose took part in exercises and training with the French Navy in Toulon recently. Also known as the “Kingfishers”, 829 Squadron usually provides Merlin helicopters for operations from Type 23 Frigates, such as HMS Sutherland, HMS Westminster, HMS Richmond and for ships of [...]
Canadian Cormorant crew from 442 Sqn win prestigious award
Source: Canadian Forces, 02-Aug-10
COMOX, British Columbia – AgustaWestland is pleased to congratulate members of the Canadian Forces 442 Squadron based Canadian Forces Base Comox, British Columbia, for winning this year’s Prince Philip Helicopter Rescue Award for “Outstanding Courage or Devotion in the Air.” The winners were announced at the base by John Burley, Chairman of the London Guild [...]
RAF Merlin squadron reflects on Helmand deployment
Source: Royal Air Force, 30-Jul-10
After several weeks providing support to troops on the ground in Helmand province, the Merlin helicopter crews from 28 (Army Cooperation) Squadron’s B Flight, based at RAF Benson in Oxfordshire, are coming home. B Flight arrived at Bastion Airfield in late May 2010. Following multiple detachments in Iraq over the past five years, this was [...]
Rockwell Collins delivers cockpit display system for AW101
Source: Rockwell Collins, 23-Jul-10
AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, recently delivered the first AW101 helicopter featuring Rockwell Collins latest generation cockpit display system. This new cockpit first flew on the AW101 in October 2009 and achieved Instrument Flight Rule (IFR) certification in June 2010. “This new cockpit display system provides pilots with enhanced situational awareness while decreasing their workload,” said [...]
Portuguese AW101 fleet achieves combined 10,000 flying hours
Source: AgustaWestland, 17-Jul-10
AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, congratulates the Portuguese Air Force (PoAF) on achieving the milestone of 10,000 flying hours with its AW101 medium/heavy three engine helicopter fleet whilst performing search and rescue and fishery protection duties. This achievement was celebrated last Friday at Montijo Air Base, where the Portuguese AW101 fleet is based. General Araújo, the [...]
CH-53E Super Stallion saves AW101 Merlin
Source: US Marine Corps, 30-Jun-10
CAMP BASTION, Afghanistan — A CH-53E Super Stallion flew across the dawning sun here June 26 as it returned with an 18,000-pound piece of vital cargo slung beneath its belly. The sight of the aircraft against the painted morning sky was impressive on two accounts – the vision of the silhouetted helicopter floating in Afghanistan’s [...]
