Scott Nicholas
Leonardo has delivered the first of 16 all-weather search and rescue helicopters to Norway’s ministry of justice and public security.
The company said Monday the AW101 helicopter deployed from the Leonardo facility in Yeovil on Friday to the Sola Air Base in Norway where it will undergo an operational test and evaluation phase prior to joining the country’s air force in 2018.
AW101 features a full ice protection system, 30-minute “run dry” gearbox as well as redundancy capacities for avionic and mission systems, noted Leonardo.
Jon Clark, Leonardo program manager, the contract represents a long-term partnership between the industry, Ministry of Justice and Public Security, Norway’s air force and defense materiel agency.
Clark added the alliance anticipates the AW101 to join the operational service in 2018.
Leonardo said aircraft deliveries will commence through 2020 and SAR missions will commence when the aircraft have been deployed through each of the six main operating bases in Norway.
