Anglo-Italian aviation major AgustaWestland has closed a deal with the Indian Air Force for supply of 12 AW101 helicopters which will ensure a comfortable and secure travel for VVIPs across the country

VVIPs in India will soon have 12 AW101 helicopters for swanky travel. A EUR 560 million (Rs 3,400 crore) contract was signed between Anglo-Italian aviation major AgustaWestland and the Indian Air Force (IAF) on March 11, 2010, for procurement of the AW101 helicopters to be operated by the Air Headquarters Communication Squadron located at Palam airport. The agreement also includes logistic support for five years and initial training of technicians and aircrew.

The IAF will replace its existing fleet of helicopters used for VVIP transport with state-of-the-art anti-missile and advance communications system equipped AW101 helicopters which will enhance safety of VVIP travel. The deal has created a glimmer of hope for European industries looking forward to big business in the Indian defence market.

“Several years ago we identified India as one of the pillars of our expansion strategy, from both the market and industrial points of view. Today, we have a significant and growing presence in both the military and commercial markets. This significant order by the Indian Air Force confirms the correct vision and strategy of AgustaWestland in India,” Giuseppe Orsi, CEO, AgustaWestland said.

An Anglo-Italian helicopter company owned by Italy’s Finmeccanica, AgustaWestland caters to the global demand of 180 AW101 helicopters ordered by customers for their exceptional performance and high levels of safety standards followed. The AW101 is being engaged in a wide range of government and military missions. As of now, the AW101, flying in Italy, the UK, Denmark, Portugal, Japan and Canada has completed about 200,000 flight hours in service.

AW101 for VVIP use

According to AgustaWestland officials, the AW101 provides unmatched role flexibility providing customers with a cost-effective solution to a wide range of VVIP requirements. It combines the most advanced technologies, mission systems and manufacturing expertise with a proven, mature aircraft design to deliver a superior helicopter. It is a safe, mature and technologically superior helicopter with three powerful engines providing significant safety margins in critical moments of flight. Besides large capacity with a 6.5 m long main cabin providing space for 2-3 distinct accommodation zones, it also has long range (1,000 km range with 4 fuel tanks) and high speed (150 knots cruise speed) with all weather operations (-45 degree celsius to +50 degree celsius).

AW101 offers the following crucial advantages for VVIP operations:

• It has unique safety characteristics provided by three-engine configuration and advanced monitoring systems.
• Provides unrivalled space for VVIPs.
• Has low level of cabin noise and vibration, equivalent to fixed wing aircraft.
• New engines with increased performance capabilities to achieve essential demands for “hot and high” operations.
• Proven availability, reliability and maintainability levels that surpass all similar helicopter types.
• Unsurpassed flexibility demonstrated by multirole operations in the world’s most demanding environments.
• Enhanced environmental cooling systems for comfort in high temperature environments.