10-Oct-2012Source: AgustaWestland
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... Read more
4-Oct-2012Source: AgustaWestland
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... Read more
18-Sep-2012Source: Northrop Grumman
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... Read more
31-Aug-2012Source: Royal Canadian Air Force
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... Read more
4-Jul-2012Source: Royal Navy
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... Read more
6-Jun-2012
Emergency field landing due to loose/missing tail rotor blade tape. Stayed overnight and cleared for flight next day... Read more
24-May-2012Source: HeliHub.com
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. ... Read more
24-Apr-2012Source: Indian Express
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)... Read more
24-Apr-2012Source: AgustaWestland
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... Read more
15-Apr-2012
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... Read more
10-Apr-2012Source: AgustaWestland
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... Read more
20-Mar-2012
The downdraft of a Merlin helicopter on a training exercise at Colchester General Hospital damaged support poles holding up a covered walkway linking Gainsborough Ward with the main hospital building so badly it had to be taken down. Cars in the car park – including a police vehicle – suffered broken windscreens.... Read more
14-Mar-2012Source: Flightglobal
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)... Read more
26-Feb-2012Source: HeliHub.com
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... Read more
3-Feb-2012Source: Northrop Grumman
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... Read more
30-Dec-2011Source: AgustaWestland
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... Read more
27-Dec-2011Source: Selex Elsag
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... Read more
5-Dec-2011Source: AgustaWestland
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.... Read more
22-Nov-2011Source: Northrop Grumman
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... Read more
25-Oct-2011Source: Northrop Grumman
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... Read more
20-Oct-2011Source: Shephard Group
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)... Read more
19-Oct-2011Source: Forecast International
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... Read more
3-Oct-2011Source: Royal Navy
The Navy’s largest and most powerful helicopter is celebrating ten years on the front line – as aircrew at Culdrose have been given a chance to glimpse into the future of the Merlin. A prototype of the Merlin Mk2 made its debut at the Cornish air station – which has been home to the first... Read more
27-Jul-2011Source: Atlantis Systems
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... Read more
3-Jul-2011
A woman holding an infant was injured by a sign that came loose when a helicopter was practising its landing at the Summerside, P.E.I., waterfront Sunday before being used to transport visting royalty. The AW101 is known locally in Canada as the CH-149 Cormorant... Read more
28-Jun-2011Source: Eastbourne Herald
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... Read more
27-Jun-2011Source: HeliHub.com
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... Read more
24-Jun-2011Source: HeliHub.com
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... Read more
12-Jun-2011Source: US DoD
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... Read more
28-Apr-2011Source: AgustaWestland
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... Read more
21-Mar-2011
Stranded on hospital helipad after APU failure, fixed next day... Read more
8-Feb-2011Source: Royal Navy
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... Read more
4-Feb-2011Source: Meggitt
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... Read more
28-Jan-2011Source: Flightglobal
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... Read more
27-Jan-2011Source: HeliHub.com
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... Read more
17-Jan-2011Source: AgustaWestland
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... Read more
10-Jan-2011Source: AgustaWestland
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... Read more
21-Dec-2010Source: HeliHub.com
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... Read more
30-Nov-2010Source: RAF
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... Read more
5-Nov-2010
Italian defense group Finmeccanica has sold helicopters, including the AgustaWestland AW101 and the AW139, to the government of Turkmenistan, the firm said Nov. 4... Read more
3-Nov-2010Source: Vancouver Sun
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... Read more
3-Nov-2010Source: HeliHub.com
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.... Read more
28-Oct-2010Source: Royal Danish Air Force
[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... Read more
28-Oct-2010Source: Italian Navy
[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... Read more
26-Oct-2010Source: Lockheed Martin
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... Read more
16-Oct-2010Source: AIN
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... Read more
10-Oct-2010Source: Shephard Group
AgustaWestland says it has made huge progress in improving the availability of the Portuguese Air Force’s Merlin fleet.... Read more
30-Sep-2010Source: Royal Navy
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... Read more
28-Sep-2010Source: AgustaWestland
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,... Read more
16-Sep-2010Source: Defense News
The five NATO-compatible contenders include the AgustaWestland AW101, AgustaWestland Lynx Wildcat, NH Industries NH90, Sikorsky H-92 and the U.S. Navy’s Sikorsky MH-60R Seahawk.... Read more
14-Sep-2010Source: AgustaWestland
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,”... Read more
9-Sep-2010Source: US Dept of Defense
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... Read more
7-Sep-2010Source: Royal Navy
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... Read more
18-Aug-2010
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... Read more
11-Aug-2010Source: Royal Navy
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 “Kingfishersâ€, 829 Squadron usually provides Merlin helicopters for operations from Type 23 Frigates, such as HMS Sutherland, HMS Westminster, HMS Richmond and for ships of... Read more
2-Aug-2010Source: Canadian Forces
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... Read more
30-Jul-2010Source: Royal Air Force
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... Read more
23-Jul-2010Source: Rockwell Collins
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... Read more
17-Jul-2010Source: AgustaWestland
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... Read more
30-Jun-2010Source: US Marine Corps
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... Read more
22-Jun-2010Source: Royal Air Force
Royal Air Force helicopter crews have been training together for the first time in the Jordanian desert. As many prepare to go to Afghanistan for the first time, over 300 personnel from RAF Benson and RAF Odiham took part in Exercise Desert Vortex. Wing Commander John Watson was the Detachment Commander during the month long... Read more
22-Jun-2010Source: US Dept of Defense
Lockheed Martin Corp., Mission Systems and Sensors, Owego, N.Y. is being awarded a $58,590,309 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... Read more
8-Jun-2010Source: Boeing
Boeing announced today that it will secure a license from AgustaWestland for U.S. production of the AW101 medium-lift helicopter as an entry into the U.S. Navy VXX Presidential Helicopter Program. This license will give Boeing full intellectual property, data and production rights for the aircraft in support of the VXX program. Because of this arrangement,... Read more
12-Mar-2010Source: The Times
The jobs of up to 4,000 UK workers were secured yesterday when AgustaWestland revealed that it had won a €560 million (£510 million) contract to supply helicopters to India.... Read more
11-Mar-2010Source: AgustaWestland
AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, is pleased to announce that a contract has been signed by the Government of India for the acquisition of twelve AW101 helicopters that will perform government transport duties. The contract, valued at around € 560 million, includes an extensive five year logistic support service and initial aircrew and technician training. Over 180... Read more
22-Feb-2010Source: Key Aero
AgustaWestland’s Chief Executive Officer, Giuseppe Orsi, has welcomed the issuing of the US Presidential helicopter request for information (RfI)... Read more
17-Feb-2010Source: Brahmand
AgustaWestland said it would be able to deliver the 12 VVIP choppers to the Indian Air Force within four years of signing the contract.... Read more
18-Dec-2009Source: Falmouth Packet
The announcement by the Secretary of State for Defence concerning the future plans for UK military helicopters will have a positive effect on operations at RNAS Culdrose.... Read more
18-Dec-2009Source: QinetiQ
QinetiQ has successfully completed the integration of a beyond-line-of-sight (BLOS) satellite communications system into each of the RAF’s fleet of 22 Mk3 Merlin’s in preparation for their possible deployment to Afghanistan.... Read more
14-Dec-2009Source: The Hill
Rep. Maurice Hinchey (D-N.Y.), in whose district Lockheed Martin assembles the VH-71, said that he secured more than $100 million in the negotiated 2010 Pentagon spending bill to continue some work on the program. The funds would technically allow the work force in Owego, N.Y., to continue outfitting the helicopters with mission systems.... Read more
3-Dec-2009Source: RAF
Having arrived in Afghanistan two weeks ago, the initial RAF Merlin Force has now passed the extensive pre-flight checks enabling them to take to the Afghan skies one month ahead of schedule.... Read more
23-Nov-2009Source: Times
The RAF is to fly its first all-woman combat helicopter crew into action in southern Afghanistan. The four women are expected to fly a number of missions taking troops and supplies to the frontline against the Taliban in Helmand. They will also airlift casualties to the hospital at Camp Bastion.... Read more
17-Nov-2009Source: UK MoD
The Merlin will perform a wide range of military tasks, making it a valuable asset for British forces. The helicopter was stripped down and transported by a C-17 aircraft from RAF Brize Norton and has arrived at Camp Bastion for re-assembly and extensive pre-flight checks before it takes to the Afghan skies.... Read more
