Leonardo’s AW101 flies for the Polish Navy for the first time

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.

This achievement is indicative of an integrated Leonardo team spanning the UK, 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 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.

The AW101 for the Polish Naval Aviation Brigade will be equipped with 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.

Good visibility in all weather conditions

In addition, there will be a searchlight and arrayed lights. 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,” commented Miles Barnett, Senior Test Pilot at Leonardo Helicopters (UK). “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.”