Leonardo is thrilled to declare that the Polish Navy’s inaugural AW101 (ZR285) successfully completed its maiden flight yesterday at the Company’s facility in Yeovil. The flight showcased operational checks of the primary airframe systems as well as the control systems, with engine-handling assessments conducted throughout to track the speed range of the aircraft. The flight envelope will now be further expanded with evaluations investigating the custom mission equipment integrated into the aircraft.
This milestone exemplifies a unified Leonardo team extending across the United Kingdom, Poland, and Italy. It underscores the power of cooperation between Leonardo and its primary industrial partner in Poland, PZL-Świdnik, which serves as the key contractor, as all teams collaborate closely across the three nations to deliver this high-end capability for the Polish Ministry of National Defence.
In April 2019, the company revealed its commitment to provide four AW101s along with a comprehensive integrated logistics and training package to the Polish Ministry of National Defence. These aircraft are set to significantly elevate the operational helicopter capabilities of the Polish Navy.
PZL-Świdnik functions as the primary contractor and is tasked with the complete execution of the contract, whereas the Leonardo team in Yeovil is responsible for assembling the aircraft. The AW101 will undertake a variety of missions for the Polish Navy, including Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) and Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR).
The AW101 designated for the Polish Naval Aviation Brigade will be outfitted with state-of-the-art mission systems, including an autopilot featuring SAR modes, a data transmission system, a tactical navigation system, and advanced protection and defense mechanisms (both passive and active). Additionally, the AW101 will include a tactical radio, reconnaissance radar, an observation head (FLIR), and an S-mode transponder. It will also be fitted with a 12.7 mm machine gun.
Furthermore, a searchlight and arrayed lights will be installed, ensuring excellent visibility under all weather conditions. The aircraft will be optimized with medical and rescue apparatus, featuring two winches and an external load-carrying system. Additionally, the AW101 fleet will come equipped with an emergency floatation system, life rafts, and a cold climate survival package.
“This marked the inaugural flight of the new AW101 ASW aircraft constructed here in Yeovil for the Polish military. The flight symbolizes not only the peak of the design and manufacturing phases but also the onset of a comprehensive testing period for the aircraft’s development. We anticipate a total of 700 hours of flight testing across the four airframes, which will validate the functionality of each aircraft and refine a wide range of mission-specific adaptations from the standard AW101,” stated Miles Barnett, Senior Test Pilot at Leonardo Helicopters (UK).
Engineered with advanced avionics and mission systems, combined with extended range and endurance, due to its capability of utilizing two out of three engines for cruising, the AW101 helicopter ensures operational longevity for all missions. This versatility renders the AW101 the most sophisticated, adaptable, and capable multi-role helicopter available today. The helicopter is already operational in some of the most pivotal NATO nations, including Italy, the UK, Canada, Denmark, Norway, and Portugal.
