Frag Out! Magazine
Issue link: https://fragout.uberflip.com/i/1150145
of them purchased in the future. In past C295M and M346 programs, the number of the aircraft could be increased. Theoretically, AW101 should be based in 44.Naval Air Base Darlowo, where they will replace the Mi-14s. The helicopter procurement should also unlock the air base development. Couple years ago, there was a plan to build new hangars and other objects, but it was put on hold since the Caracal pur- chase was cancelled. Polish MOD denies answering questions about final config- uration of new helicopters. According to some vague com- ments, the AW101 will come with complex ASW suite. This allows us to speculate about surveillance payload, wave radar, sonobuoys, magnetic anomaly detector (MAD), etc. Helicopters will be integrated with ASW weapon systems such as MU90 Impact torpedoes currently used by Polish Navy Mi-14s and SH-2G Super Seasprite helicopters. Will be AW101 delivered with other systems such as guid- ed missiles? This will be unveiled soon. The configuration of the mission bay is unknown too. Except the sonar and sonobuoys launcher, the space for ASW equipment operator and for SAR equipment, seats for survivors and stretchers attachment points must be provided. Information about en- gines also wasn't disclosed and AW101 might offered with Rolls-Royce/Turbomeca RTM322 or General Electric CT7. Some of the facts will be unveiled when the first of Polish AW101 will be officially shown. MERLIN HM2 Leonardo AW101 is multi-role helicopter which can be con- figured according to the customer requirements. Closest configuration to the future Polish AW101 is the British AW101 Merlin HM2 operated by Royal Navy. Thirty of Merlins HM2 are HM1 deeply upgraded by Lockheed Martin as a prime contractor. The Merlin Capability, Sustainment Programme (MCSP) included new mission system, digital night-vision compatible cockpit, electro-op- tical payload and multi-static processing for the sonar sys- tem. New mission computer and wires improved data flow and data analytics. The Selex Blue Kestrel with new crew stations can track more seaborne objects. All the changes required to remove one crew member. The HM2 are primarily used in ASW missions, but can also con- duct SAR and cargo flights. All of them are fitted with winch and enough space for stretchers or seats. 12.7 mm M3 ma- chine guns can be fitted in side doors. www.fragoutmag.com