The AgustaWestland AW101 is a medium-lift helicopter used in both military and civil applications. It was developed by a joint venture between Westland Helicopters in the UK and Agusta in Italy in response to national requirements for a modern naval utility helicopter. Several operators, including the armed forces of Britain, Denmark, Norway and Portugal, use the name Merlin for their AW101 aircraft. It is manufactured at factories in Yeovil, England and Vergiate, Italy; licensed assembly work has also taken place in Japan and the United States.
Prior to 2007, the aircraft had been marketed under the designation EH101. The original designation was EHI 01 but a transcription error of a handwritten note changed this to EH101 and the designation stuck. In 2000, Westland Helicopters and Agusta merged to form AgustaWestland, leading to the type's redesignation as AW101. The AW101 first flew in 1987, and entered into service in 1999. Since the AW101's introduction, it has replaced several older helicopter types, such as the Sikorsky S-61, performing roles such as medium-sized transport, anti-submarine warfare, and ship-based utility operations.
The Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) operates a variant of the AW101, designated CH-149 Cormorant, in the air-sea rescue role. Another variant, designated VH-71 Kestrel, was developed to serve in the US presidential transport fleet; however, the program was cancelled. Civil operators also use AW101s in roles such as passenger and VIP transportation. The type has been deployed to active combat theatres, such as in support of coalition forces during the Iraq War and the War in Afghanistan.
General characteristics:
- Crew: 3–4
- Capacity: 26 troops (38 passengers) or 5 tonnes of payload or 4 stretchers (with sonar removed) for Merlin HM1
- 30 seated troops or 45 standing fully equipped combat troops, or 3,050 kg (6,724 lb) of internal payload, 5,520 kg (12,169 lb) of external payload, or 16 stretchers for AW101
- Length: 19.53 m-fuselage length (64 ft 1 in)
- Rotor diameter: 18.59 m (61 ft 0 in)
- Height: 6.62 m (21 ft 8¾ in)
- Disc area: 271.51 m² (2,992.5 ft²)
- Empty weight: 10,500 kg (23,149 lb)
- Max. takeoff weight: 14,600 kg (32,188 lb)
- Powerplant: 3 × Rolls-Royce Turbomeca RTM322-01 turboshafts, 1,566 kW (2,100 shp) (take-off power) each
Performance:
- Never exceed speed: 309 km/h (167 knots, 192 mph)
- Cruise speed: 278 km/h (150 knots, 167mph)
- Range: 833 km (450 nmi,[178] 517 mi)
- Endurance: 5 hours
- Service ceiling: 4,575 m (15,000 ft)