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
Aero Linx: Model Aeronautical Association of Australia MAAA clubs are about fun flying, camaraderie and community. For over 75 years, the MAAA has been Australia’s largest fl>[...]
Touchdown Zone Lighting Two rows of transverse light bars located symmetrically about the runway centerline normally at 100 foot intervals. The basic system extends 3,000 feet alon>[...]
“Discovery and innovation are central to our mission at Virgin Galactic. We’re excited to build on our successful record of facilitating scientific experiments in subor>[...]
How To Get A Story On Aero-TV News/Feature Programming How do I submit a story idea or lead to Aero-TV? If you would like to submit a story idea or lead, please contact Jim Campbel>[...]
Student Pilot Reported That During Rotation, “All Of A Sudden The Back Of The Plane Kicked To The Right..." Analysis: The student pilot reported that during rotation, “>[...]