Sat, Nov 28, 2009
"A Very Important Milestone" For The AW159-Based Aircraft
The first of 62 Wildcat helicopters which have been ordered
for the Royal Navy and Army has successfully undertaken its first
test flight at AgustaWestland's Yeovil plant in Somerset.
With AgustaWestland's Chief Test Pilot, Don Maclaine, at the
controls, the aircraft undertook a short flight to assess handling
characteristics and performed well.
The Wildcat represents a considerable advance over its
well-established predecessor, Lynx, benefiting from simpler and
more robust airframe construction, fully integrated avionics and
glass cockpit, and upgraded engines. Improved reliability and
reduced maintenance time will be amongst the many benefits.
"This is without doubt a very important milestone," said Stewart
Deakin, Wildcat Program Manager in MOD's Defence Equipment &
Support. "This date was set at contract award in June 2006 and it
is to AgustaWestland and the Lynx project team's credit to have
delivered it on time. This has been facilitated by much joint
working between the two teams under the Strategic Partnering
Arrangement between the MOD and AgustaWestland, dealing with any
issues together in a timely fashion."
Wildcat First Flight
Deliveries of the Wildcat, also known as the AW159, are set to
begin in 2011, with the aircraft entering service with the Army in
2014 and the Royal Navy the following year. Its wide range of tasks
will include reconnaissance, transport of troops and equipment,
force protection and support of amphibious operations.
More News
Chaff Thin, narrow metallic reflectors of various lengths and frequency responses, used to reflect radar energy. These reflectors, when dropped from aircraft and allowed to drift d>[...]
“Today, XB-1 took flight in the same hallowed airspace where the Bell X-1 first broke the sound barrier in 1947. I’ve been looking forward to this flight since founding>[...]
“Teaming up with the EAA and Berlin Express for this event in Cincinnati will give warbird fans a unique opportunity to see the aircraft that helped defend freedom and gave t>[...]
Hazardous Weather Information Summary of significant meteorological information (SIGMET/WS), convective significant meteorological information (convective SIGMET/WST), urgent pilot>[...]
Aero Linx: The Nebraska Aeronautics Commission The Nebraska Aeronautics Commission was created by the 1935 Legislature to oversee the development of aviation in the state. The Comm>[...]