First Italian Air Force AW101 makes maiden flight

AgustaWestland AW101

The first of two AW101s for the Italian Air Force, designated the HH-101A “CAESAR”, has flown for the first time.

AgustaWestland AW101

The first AW101 for the Italian Air Force, designated the HH-101A CAESAR, has flown from AgustaWestland’s Yeovil facility in front of Italian Air Force and RAF senior personnel. The aircraft will be delivered in the last quarter of 2014 configured for Personnel Recovery and Special Forces missions along with a second HH-101A.

“We are delighted to show the Italian Air Force the first aircraft of its future new fleet of personnel recovery-dedicated helicopters,” said Daniele Romiti, chief executive officer, AgustaWestland said:  This event marks another major milestone in providing our contribution to the Italian Air Force’s rotary wing fleet modernization programme which in recent years has the launch, development and delivery of the HH-139 for Search and Rescue.”

Gen. Pasquale Preziosa, Italian Air Force Chief of Staff, said: “The HH-101A will respond to the Italian Air Force’s needs for Personnel Recovery and Special Forces Operations. It will also support SAR, MEDEVAC and Slow Mover Intercept operations which are extremely important to provide effective support to the Italian community. Thanks to its performances, versatility and reliability, the HH-101A is the best solution for the Italian Air Force’s future operational capability requirements.”

The HH-101A helicopter will be able to carry up to five crew members and 20 fully equipped troops or six crew members plus with eight 8 troops for special operations.

The helicopter can also be refueled in the air.