AgustaWestland AW101

The AgustaWestland AW101 is a medium-lift helicopter utilized in both military and civil capacities. First flown in 1987, it emerged from a joint venture between Westland Helicopters in the United Kingdom and Agusta in Italy, addressing the need for a modern naval utility helicopter. The helicopter is known as the Merlin by several operators, including the armed forces of Britain, Denmark, and Portugal. It is produced at factories in Yeovil, England, and Vergiate, Italy, with licensed assembly also occurring in Japan and the United States.

Before 2007, the AW101 was marketed under the designation EH101, which originated from a transcription error of its initial designation, EHI 01, named after the joint venture European Helicopter Industries. The merger of Westland Helicopters and Agusta in 2000 to form AgustaWestland led to the current designation of the AW101.

Entering service in 1999, the AW101 has replaced several older helicopter types, such as the Sikorsky SH-3 Sea King. It performs various roles, including medium-sized transport, anti-submarine warfare, search and rescue, and ship-based utility operations. The Royal Canadian Air Force operates the CH-149 Cormorant variant for air-sea rescue missions. Another variant, the Lockheed Martin VH-71 Kestrel, was produced for the United States presidential transport fleet before the program was canceled, and the aircraft were sold to Canada for parts. Civil operators also use the AW101 for passenger and VIP transportation. The helicopter has been deployed in active combat theaters, supporting coalition forces during the Iraq War and the war in Afghanistan.

The origins of the AW101 trace back to 1977, when the UK Ministry of Defence issued a requirement for an anti-submarine warfare (ASW) helicopter to replace the Royal Navy’s Westland Sea Kings, which were becoming outdated due to advances in Soviet submarine technology. In response, Westland Helicopters proposed the WG.34, a three-engined helicopter with greater autonomy and range than its predecessor. Concurrently, the Italian Navy was also looking to replace its Sea Kings, leading to discussions between Westland and Agusta about a joint development project.

Agusta and Westland formalized their collaboration by forming EH Industries Limited (EHI) to develop and market the new helicopter. The UK government confirmed its participation in 1981, allocating an initial budget of £20 million to develop nine pre-series examples. By 1984, a major agreement secured funding for most of the EH101’s development program. At the 1985 Paris Air Show, Agusta showcased a mock-up of a utility version of the helicopter, leading to a more versatile design that could be customized for various civilian and military needs. The first prototype flew on October 9, 1987.

In 1987, Canada selected the EH101 to replace its Sea Kings for ASW and search and rescue roles. The helicopter’s third engine and increased range were advantageous for North Atlantic operations. However, the EH101 became a political issue in Canada, with the Liberal Party criticizing the purchase as too costly, leading to the order’s cancellation in 1993 and a $470 million cancellation fee.

During the late 1980s and early 1990s, several pre-production aircraft were assembled. The first pre-production flight occurred on October 9, 1987, powered by General Electric CT7-2A engines. Flight tests were temporarily suspended following the crash of the second pre-production aircraft in January 1993. The first EH101 with Rolls-Royce Turbomeca RTM322 engines flew on June 6, 1993. Nine prototypes explored both military and civil applications, including a “heliliner” configuration. In 1995, the UK and Italy placed their first orders for the EH101, with Britain ordering 22 units and Italy 16. Despite some controversy and competition from other helicopter models like the Boeing Chinook, deliveries to the Royal Air Force and Royal Navy began in 1997 and 1998, respectively.

Following the merger of Westland and Agusta to form AgustaWestland in 2000, the EH101 was rebranded as the AW101 in 2007. By April 2009, over 180 AW101s had been sold worldwide, with the operational fleet accumulating 170,000 flying hours.

In November 2007, Algeria signed a contract for six AW101 helicopters. By 2012, an agreement for up to 80 helicopters, including 42 AW101s, was reported. These helicopters were initially manufactured by AgustaWestland, with plans for local assembly in Algeria.

By 2013, AgustaWestland was seeking civil certification for the AW101, targeting offshore oil platform operators and VIP clients. In 2014, the company considered adapting the AW101 into a heavyweight unmanned aerial vehicle, allowing for optionally crewed operations.

On June 7, 2010, Boeing acquired a manufacturing license and the rights for US production of a localized AW101 variant, designated the Boeing 101. Although the aircraft was submitted in a U.S. Air Force competition to replace the HH-60 Pave Hawk in 2012, the bid was dropped three months later. The AW101 Merlin follows a conventional design layout but incorporates advanced technologies, such as innovative rotor blades, avionics systems, and extensive use of composite materials. The fuselage is made from an aluminum-lithium alloy, providing a lightweight yet durable structure. The helicopter is designed to operate in extreme weather conditions, featuring a de-icing system and the capability to function in temperatures ranging from -45 to +50 °C.

An active vibration control system, known as the active control of structural response system, significantly reduces airframe vibration, enhancing crew comfort and minimizing stress on the airframe. The cockpit is equipped with armored seats and dual flight controls, although the helicopter can be flown by a single pilot. The instrument displays include six full-color high-definition screens, with options for a digital map or forward-looking infrared (FLIR) display.

The AgustaWestland AW101 has evolved from a collaborative project aimed at replacing aging naval helicopters into a versatile platform used by military and civil operators worldwide. Its advanced technology, adaptability, and proven performance in various roles have solidified its place in aviation history.