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
Advanced Navigation 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
Advanced Engineering RT

 

 

 

Advertisement
Advanced Navigation LB 1
NATO DIANA expands network

Defence

NATO DIANA expands network

18 March 2024

NATO Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA) is significantly expanding its transatlantic network of accelerator sites and test centres - doubling in size to more than 200 affiliated sites - which includes five additional UK test centres.

DE&S partners with McLaren Racing to drive innovation

Defence

DE&S partners with McLaren Racing to drive innovation

18 March 2024

DE&S’ Future Capability Innovation team will collaborate with McLaren Racing to apply motorsport innovation, insights and a high-performance mindset into projects across DE&S and the wider MoD.

DE&S procures 14 extended-range Chinooks

Defence

DE&S procures 14 extended-range Chinooks

18 March 2024

The UK’s heavy-lift helicopter capability will be bolstered by the purchase by DE&S of 14 extended-range Chinooks H-47(ER), which will pump an estimated £151 million into the economy.

BAE Systems to continue US Navy MDC5ISR support

Defence

BAE Systems to continue US Navy MDC5ISR support

18 March 2024

The US Navy has awarded BAE Systems a contract worth approximately $86 million to continue supporting its Mobile Deployable Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Combat Systems, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (MDC5ISR) programmes.

Advertisement
Farsound RT Brain
Rolls-Royce to open new offices in Cardiff and Glasgow

Defence

Rolls-Royce to open new offices in Cardiff and Glasgow

14 March 2024

Rolls-Royce Submarines have announced plans to open new offices in Cardiff and Glasgow to attract the best talent and meet growth in demand from the Royal Navy and the recent AUKUS announcement.

ODU to showcase AMC range at DPRTE 2024

Defence Events

ODU to showcase AMC range at DPRTE 2024

14 March 2024

ODU will be showcasing their latest military connector technology solutions at DPRTE - being held 27th March 2024 at the Farnborough International Exhibition and Conference Centre - including their Advanced Military Connector (AMC) range.

Advertisement
Advanced Engineering RT