Leonardo successfully performs high-altitude AW101 performance tests
The trials in the US for the AW101 are part of the company's Performance Improvement Program for that helicopter type
It is intended to increase power on the aircraft and raises the main gear box’s torque rating to 117 per cent.
The tests employed a Norwegian AW-101-612 All-Weather Search and Rescue (AWSAR) helicopter, shipped from its UK site in Yeovil and reassembled in Baltimore prior to testing.
They demonstrated ‘safe landing and recovery techniques in the event of an engine failure’, which ‘pushed the aircraft’s capabilities to a certifiable-solution status’. Additionally, power consumption testing ‘future-proofed’ the aircraft for impending certification requirements.
Following the completion of these tests, the Leonardo crew subsequently flew west across the US for further handling, performance and certification testing in Buena Vista and Leadville.
The aircraft completed its 21-day trial plan in just 16 days.
Kristian Daines, AW101 Performance Improvement Program Manager at Leonardo Helicopters UK, said: “The testing ran to plan from day one, an astounding success for the teams in Colorado and Yeovil, and a phenomenal execution by all who made it happen.”
The aircraft went on a self-ferry back to Leonardo in Yeovil, UK. The Norwegian AW101 NAWSAR helicopter will then continue its journey at the end of the year for delivery to the Norwegian Ministry of Justice and Public Security.
The Norwegian government is currently in the process of phasing in the new AW101s to replace their ageing Sea King fleet.
Oliver Cuenca
Oliver Cuenca was a Junior Editor at the Voyageur Group. He was previously a News and Features Journalist for the rail magazine IRJ until 2021, and studied MA Magazine Journalism at Cardiff University. His favourite helicopter is the AW169 – the workhorse of the UK air ambulance sector! He also led the creation of Waypoint: The AirMed&Rescue podcast, serving as its Production Editor and co-host.