Agusta Westland Says It Was A Success

Agusta Westland says it successfully completed the maiden flight of the Japanese EH101, after just 44-weeks of assembly at Agusta Westland's Yeovil facility in the UK. The helicopter, designated KHI-01, is the first of 14 aircraft ordered by the Japanese Defense Agency to meet its Transportation, Airborne Anti Mine Counter Measures (AMCM) and Antarctic survey requirements.

Assembly of the aircraft at Yeovil was successfully completed in just 44 weeks, a record timescale for a 'first of type' EH101. Alan Johnston, Westland Helicopters Managing Director said: "Since contract award 16 months ago we have achieved all our major program milestones on schedule and we are delighted that the first flight has now taken place."

Deputy Chief Test Pilot Andy Strachan, who took the controls for the 30-minute flight said: "The aircraft performed exactly as expected. We flew a standard initial test schedule including aircraft system checks and aircraft/engine handling as well as forward flight to 120 knots and low speed maneuvers."

Following an acceptance phase in the UK, the first aircraft will support KHI Pilot training prior to being shipped to Japan later this year. The aircraft will then undergo completion work by Kawasaki Heavy Industries (KHI), which will include the installation of radio equipment, defensive aids suite and other customer-specific equipment.

AgustaWestland and KHI signed a licence and purchase agreement in 2003 to produce and support the Japanese EH101s. KHI has established manufacturing, test flight and support facilities at its Gifu works in Japan. Fourteen utility RTM322 powered, rear-ramped variants of the EH101 have been ordered to replace the Japan Maritime Self Defence Force's (JMSDF) fleet of Sikorsky MH-53Es and S-61s.

AgustaWestland will prepare aircraft kits for the remaining 13 aircraft in the UK with final assembly taking place in Japan. The KHI build line is due to receive the first two aircraft in the last quarter of 2005 with delivery of the first aircraft to the JDA in 2006. KHI personnel have worked closely with AgustaWestland in the UK over the last year, undergoing on-the-job training and assembly familiarisation. Two pilots from KHI will start a four-month flight-training program in February at Yeovil.

On January 28th, the USNavy selected the US101, an American variant of the EH101, for a new fleet of "Marine One" helicopters for the President of the United States. The 101 was selected based on its proven capabilities, superior cabin space and excellent safety

The EH101 has also won competitions against its nearest competitor in Denmark, Portugal and Japan highlighting its clear advantage in capability and value for money. Many critical systems are duplicated or triplicated, giving the EH101 a large level of system redundancy and safety margin, something which is especially important when operating in hostile environments.

FMI: www.it.agusta.com