Frag Out! Magazine
Issue link: https://fragout.uberflip.com/i/1308154
unique 60+ min run-dry capable main gear box for unparalleled safety / survivability and reliability, latest certification and safety standards, best in class power margins and performance, best in class cabin space, cabin versatility and modularity, high customization level for weapon systems and self defence suites. 6. The AW159 helicopter operated by the Royal Navy is employed, primarily, in the ASuW role. The ASW mission, meanwhile, has been assigned to the AW101. In the case of Poland, would a similar profile of the naval helicopters fleet be recommended by the manufacturer? Or would both the AW101 and AW159 be capable of carrying out the whole spectrum of missions in the areas of anti-submarine and anti-surface operations (detection and neutralization)? Royal Navy has big fleet and opted to have specific roles allocated between AW159 and AW101. The Polish MOD will define its require- ments and we are ready to support any choice. However, as OEM we think that a fleet with the size of the polish one would gain several benefits by retaining the full capability across the whole fleet, so they may decide how to operate considering the threats and mission (for example, AW101 for long range and endurance, AW159 for opera- tions from ships). 7. Should the AW159 have a full set of ASW capabilities, could Leonardo outline the possible set of equipment that should be inte- grated on a platform as such.. As a specialized naval multirole helicopter designed to meet the most stringent demand, the AW159 features advanced communica- tion and information superiority, tactical awareness, deck lock, 360° electronically scanned radar, integrated ASW and ASuW systems, powerful engines and a rugged airframe with reduced footprint. It has been designed to operate from ships in the most demanding environment, up to Sea State 6. The AW159 is by far the most mis- sion capable naval helicopter in its category and can be customized on client's demand. Armament that can be carried by AW159 are machine guns, mis- siles, torpedoes and any weapon systems required by the mission. AW159 platform is used by many armed forces in various variants, and still the helicopter is modernized according the specific needs as the come. Customer needs are still setting new directions of de- velopment, and we, as a global market player, are able to meet these requirements. The AW159 is designed to operate according to NATO standards and can have manned-unmanned teaming capabilities on customer's demand. Data integration and interoperability of all aircrafts and rotorcrafts is a must today, which is confirmed in various operations and demonstrations also under NATO supervision. It offers perfect interoperability, particularly with the AW101, for example based on the experience gained with one of the most advanced Navies worldwide and within NATO, the Royal Navy. AW159 characterizes of modern design, proven expertise through the Lynx legacy, best in class performance, rugged airframe, desi- gned for naval operations, advanced radar, deck lock, high payload for dedicated mission and weapon systems, selected by prime na- vies to counter demanding threats (Royal Navy and South Korea's Navy for example). In addition, if selected, maintenance and some production capabi- lities may be established in Poland.. AW 101 1. What has been the progress made, when it comes to the manufac- turing of the AW101 platform for Poland? Is the process progressing in line with the original schedule? Or has the COVID-19 pandemic, impacting most of the defense sector businesses globally, become a factor that could create handoff delays? If so, what delay are we dealing with here? Świdnik completed its task and Yeovil continues the assembly pro- cess according to the plan. PZL-Świdnik is a center of excellence in aerostructures, so since the beginning of AW101 production at PZL-Świdnik, we have been manufacturing the Ceiling Plate, Pilots' Floor, Upper Fairing of the Hull, and Floor Panels. We have already produced over 40 sets for va- rious customers also including those in Italy, Norway, Japan among others. Then avionics components such as the Main Instrument Panel, Avionics Boxes, Side and Inter-Console consoles were intro- duced into production. Another large AW101 component that was introduced was the rear ramp, first for the Japanese Program and then for Italian Air Force HH-101A CAESAR and Norway. In 2019, the largest component from AW101 was implemented - Rear Hull for the Italian CAESAR program and then for the Polish program. All is completed for Polish programme. www.fragoutmag.com