Frag Out! Magazine
Issue link: https://fragout.uberflip.com/i/1150145
Symboliczne podpisanie umowy, którą zawarł minister Mariusz Błaszczak w Świdniku – fot. Leonardo What is important, HM2 upgrade decrease the crew work- load and the costs of use. Helicopters capabilities were deeply improved and are expected to stay in service until late 2020's. After delivery of 24 helicopters out of 30, the op- erational readiness was SUMMARY Without doubt, another contract for brand new helicopters signed by Polish MOD is huge success. Fact of Four helicopters will increase capabilities of Polish Navy avi- ation but the questions is why only four and not eight as it was initially planned. The choice of AW101 opens posis- bilites for another helicopters for Navy based on boards of Miecznik-class vessels which probably will be ordered soon. The helicopters would ultimately replace the Kaman SH-2G Super Seasprites. Another "Polish" vs. "Polish" plants com- petition can be expected, between PZL Mielec (owned by Lockheed Martin) and WSK PZL Swidnik (part of Leonardo). AW101 around the globe Według koncernu Leonardo, klienci na całym świecie zamówili 200 AW101, któAccording to Leonardo official information, ment over 200 AW101 helicopters used worldwide, mostly forces in Europe, North America, Africa and Asia. In Europe, join UK, Italy, Portugal, Norway and Denmark currently using in different version. Other users include Algeria, Canada, Japan, Nigeria, Saudi Arabia and Turkmenistan. Helicopters for VIP transport, utility or ASW depending on end user. AW101 deployed in combat zones in Balkans, Iraq and Afghanistan. based variants of Royal Navy and Marina Militare took -pirate and counter-drug operations. Japan use some of (assembled in Kawasaki plant) to support national Antarctic program. AW101 fulfil important role in search and rescue systems Portugal, Denmark and Norway. In crisis situation they support humanitarian operations in different parts of the How intensive is the use of AW101 helicopters? In the end 2019, Royal Navy reported that fleet of helicopters reached hours of flights. www.fragoutmag.com