Frag Out! Magazine
Issue link: https://fragout.uberflip.com/i/840553
The radius of potential AW101 based in Gdynia, with full fuel tank may cover the whole area of Poland's SAR and ASW responsibility. With both requirements satisfied, the intention to find a heavy helicopter, something to replace the Mi-14PL and Mi-14PL/R, seems only natural. This, combined with a significant asset in the form of three engines ensuring an appropriate load capacity, safety, and speed, results in a almost perfect helicopter for naval operations. In the context of SAR operations, its advantages have been appreciated already by Canada, Italy, Denmark, and Portugal, soon to be joined by Norway, seeking for replacement of Westland Sea Kings. The 2012 was important year for AW101 program - the Italy ordered another 15 AW101 for Italian Air Force in CSAR version. The first HH-101A Caesar, as this variant was named, was shown for the first time in 2014. They will replace aging Agusta/Sikorsky's HH-3F Pelican used in the 81° Centro Addestramento Equipaggi (81st Search and Rescue Training Center). Currently HH-101A is the most advanced helicopter of this class with best operational parameters. It can carry up to five crew members and 20 special forces operators. For self-defense purposes, it will be equipped with three 7.62 mm multi-barrel machine guns. The most vital components of the structure, the pilots' seats, and the crew member seats are additionally armored. HH-101A has been equipped with a number of active and passive self-defense systems plus electro-optical observation suite. Refueling probe for in-flight refueling will increase the helicopter's already impressive AVIATION