First of 62 British AW159 Wildcat helicopters takes to the air
12:33 GMT, November 24, 2009 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.
Stewart Deakin, Wildcat Programme Manager in MOD's Defence Equipment & Support, said: "This is without doubt a very important milestone. 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."
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.
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