Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide
  • Home
  • /
  • Defence
  • /
  • Leonardo’s Polish Navy AW101 takes first flight

Defence

Leonardo’s Polish Navy AW101 takes first flight

Leonardo has announced that last week the Polish Navy’s first AW101 (ZR285) achieved its first flight at the Company’s site in Yeovil.

Image courtesy Leonardo

The flight demonstrated functional checks of the main airframe systems as well as the control system, and engine-handling checks were taken throughout to monitor the speed range of the aircraft. The flight envelope will now be opened further with testing exploring the bespoke mission equipment fitted to the aircraft.

Advertisement
ODU RT

This achievement is indicative of an integrated Leonardo team spanning the United Kingdom, Poland, and Italy. It highlights the strength in collaboration between Leonardo and the Company’s main industrial presence in Poland, PZL-Świdnik which acts as the prime contractor, as all teams work closely across the three nations to ensure this high-end capability for the Polish Ministry of National Defence.

In April 2019, the company announced it would supply four AW101s and a comprehensive integrated logistics and training package to the Polish Ministry of National Defence. The aircraft will significantly enhance the Polish Navy’s helicopter capability.

PZL-Świdnik, acts as the prime contractor and is responsible for the entire contract execution, and at Leonardo in Yeovil, the team assembles the aircraft.  The AW101 will perform a range of missions for the Polish Navy including Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) and Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR).

The AW101 for the Polish Naval Aviation Brigade will be equipped with the most modern mission systems, including autopilot with SAR modes, data transmission system, tactical navigation system and protection and defence systems (passive and active). In addition, the AW101 will be equipped with a tactical radio, reconnaissance radar, an observation head (FLIR) and an S-mode transponder. It will also be equipped with a 12.7 mm machine gun.

In addition, there will be a searchlight and arrayed lights, which will ensure good visibility in all-weather conditions. The aircraft will be optimized with medical and rescue equipment, including two winches and a system for carrying loads on the external suspension. In addition, the AW101 fleet will be equipped with an emergency float system, life rafts and a cold climate survival kit.

“This was the first flight of the new AW101 ASW aircraft built here in Yeovil for the Polish military. The flight represents not only the culmination of the design and production processes but also the start of the thorough testing phase of the aircraft’s development. It is expected that there will be a total of 700 hours of flight testing across the four airframes which will confirm the correct function of each aircraft as well as develop and validate a broad range of mission and customer specific changes from the standard AW101,” commented Miles Barnett, Senior Test Pilot at Leonardo Helicopters (UK).

Designed with sophisticated avionics and mission systems, coupled with long range and endurance, thanks to its ability to use two out of three engines for cruise flights, the AW101 helicopter provides operational persistence for all missions. This mission flexibility makes the AW101 the most advanced, versatile and capable multi-role helicopter available today. The helicopter is already in service in some of the most important NATO nations, such as Italy, the UK, Canada, Denmark, Norway, and Portugal.
 

Advertisement
DSEI 2025

 

 

 

Advertisement
Cranfield University
PTC unveils Onshape

Aerospace Defence Events

PTC unveils Onshape's advanced MBD capabilities at Paris Air Show

13 June 2025

PTC has unveiled its model-based definition (MBD) capabilities within its Onshape computer-aided design (CAD) and product data management (PDM) platform - with Aura Aero - at the Paris Air Show.

UK Defence Secretary opens artillery factory in Sheffield

Defence Events

UK Defence Secretary opens artillery factory in Sheffield

13 June 2025

The UK Defence Secretary John Healey has officially opened a landmark £25 million BAE Systems artillery factory that is the first to restore critical gun barrel manufacturing capability in the UK.

QinetiQ delivers counter drone training to Royal Navy

Defence Events

QinetiQ delivers counter drone training to Royal Navy

12 June 2025

QinetiQ recently delivered live and virtual operational training for the Royal Navy’s Carrier Strike Group and NATO allies as part of Exercise Med Strike.

Serco to continue supporting USAF in UK

Defence

Serco to continue supporting USAF in UK

12 June 2025

Serco has been awarded three contracts to continue to support the US Air Force in Europe (USAFE) at their key bases in the UK, following a competitive process.

Advertisement
ODU RT
DIO enables multinational amphibious training exercise

Defence Events

DIO enables multinational amphibious training exercise

12 June 2025

The Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) has enabled a major multinational training exercise alongside NATO allies on Braunton Burrows Training Area, demonstrating its crucial role in supporting military capability.

BAE Systems to provide US Space Force missile warning and satellite tracking

Defence Space

BAE Systems to provide US Space Force missile warning and satellite tracking

12 June 2025

BAE Systems has been awarded a $1.2 billion contract by US Space Systems Command to provide the US Space Force with missile tracking satellite capabilities.

Advertisement
DSEI 2025