The Norwegian AW101 Search and Rescue helicopter, constructed by Leonardo, undertook excessive altitude trials in america to exhibit a rise engine energy and lift the Most important Gear Field torque ranking. The AW101 Efficiency Enchancment Programme certifies elevated engine energy and raises the Most important Gear Field (MGB) torque ranking to 117%. The plane was put by its paces in Colorado at Buena Vista and Leadville, which is 1 mile above sea stage, to increase the excessive altitude aspect of the take-off and touchdown envelope that can contribute to the general 117% functionality. A cross-departmental staff from Leonardo in Yeovil has efficiently undertaken excessive altitude trials, which have been accomplished on schedule with the Norwegian AW101 helicopter within the US. The plane accomplished its 21-day trial plan in simply 16 days.
Kristian Daines, AW101 Efficiency Enchancment Programme Supervisor at Leonardo Helicopters UK, mentioned, “The testing ran to plan from day one, an astounding success for the groups in Colorado and Yeovil, and an exceptional execution by all who made it occur.”
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The testing on the excessive altitude places demonstrated protected touchdown and restoration methods within the occasion of an engine failure, which pushed the plane’s capabilities to a certifiable-solution standing. Energy consumption testing future-proofed the plane for impending certification necessities. The aircrew then optimised the take a look at scope and sequencing towards the climate to exceed the plan. Nick Wharmby, Take a look at Pilot at Leonardo Helicopters UK, commented, “the plane’s inherent functionality and tools match, coupled with very good work from the FSR staff meant the transit went precisely as deliberate.” Leonardo buyer engineers, often known as Subject Service Representatives (FSR) – led by Mark Davies, rebuilt the Norwegian AW101-612 All-Climate Search and Rescue (AWSAR) helicopter on the East coast of America, in Baltimore, after it was shipped to the US by sea.
Leonardo plane efficiency and dealing with engineers, Jonathan Lane, Jennifer Miles, and Harry Thompson supported the info seize of all take a look at factors. Demonstrations to staff members from the Italian Secretariat Common of Defence and Nationwide Armaments Directorate validated the plane’s expanded capabilities. Materials, logistical, and delivery assist from Leonardo in Yeovil, together with hand-carry volunteers, like Sophie Furniss, prevented dropping a single day’s flying, and ensured an distinctive 100% plane availability. The plane is now on a self-ferry again to Leonardo in Yeovil, UK, by way of Canada, Greenland, Iceland and Scotland, arriving into Somerset by mid-October. The Norwegian AW101 NAWSAR helicopter will then proceed its journey on the finish of 12 months for supply to the Norwegian Ministry of Justice and Public Safety.
