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Publish Date : 21-Dec-2013

AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, is pleased to announce that it has been awarded a contract for 16 AW101 helicopters plus support and training, valued at approximately L1 billion (€1.15 billion), to meet the Norwegian All Weather SAR Helicopter (NAWSARH) requirement. The contract also includes an option for six further aircraft.

The contract was signed at the end of a meticulous selection process that took into account technical features as well as risks and cost evaluations. The AW101 emerged once again as the best solution to meet the stringent requirements issued by the Committee tasked with the selection. The AW101 benefits from three-engine safety, a full ice protection system for flight in known icing conditions, long range and endurance, a proven 30 minute "run dry" gearbox as well as multiple redundancy features in the avionic and mission systems.

The contract signing ceremony was held in Olso today in the presence of Anders Anundsen, Minister of Justice and Public Security, and Daniele Romiti, CEO of AgustaWestland.

Aircraft deliveries to the Royal Norwegian Air Force, who will fly and operate the helicopters, will start in 2017 and continue through to 2020. The aircraft will be assembled at AgustaWestland’s Yeovil facility in the UK.

As part of the contract, a fifteen year "turnkey" support solution will be delivered, comprising spares and technical support and training services, with an option for it to be extended for a further five years.

Daniele Romiti, AgustaWestland’s CEO said: "We are delighted that the AW101 has been awarded the Norwegian All Weather SAR Helicopter contract following a very detailed evaluation process of all the alternatives. The new generation AW101 will bring new capabilities and is a worthy successor to the AgustaWestland Sea King which has successfully served Norway for more than 40 years."

He added: "The AW101 is recognized around the world as the most capable and advanced helicopter in its class and has proven its outstanding all weather and long range SAR abilities in service with the Royal Canadian Armed Forces, Royal Danish Air Force and Portuguese Air Force. Furthermore, the success reaffirms AgustaWestland’s excellence as a provider of advanced rotorcraft and comprehensive support solutions."

"I am very pleased with signing the contract for new rescue helicopters" says the Minister of Justice and Public Security, Anders Anundsen. "This ensures a significantly improved safety for people at sea, along the coast and in remote areas around the country. The new helicopters will be able to rescue significantly more people in distress, be noticeably faster and with longer range than today - under virtually all weather conditions. Additionally, search capability and the possibility for medical treatment are significantly improved."

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