The first of 15 Italian Air Force HH-101A CAESAR (AW101 Mk611) helicopters completed its maiden flight at AgustaWestland's manufacturing facility in Yeovil, Somerset, on March 19. Registered with UK military serial number ZR352/,15-01 the first aircraft was presented in full Italian Air Force markings, which included Aeronautica Militare titles and the badge of 15° Stormo 'Stafano Cagna' (Cervia-San Giorgio air base) on the tail. The first two HH-101A aircraft produced (c/n CSAR01 and CSAR02) are scheduled for delivery during the final quarter of 2014, configured for personnel recovery and special forces missions. This latest variant of the multi-mission AVV101 extends the type's operational capability. With a proven track record and offering long-range, large capacity and advanced technology, more than 220 AW101 helicopters have been ordered for a variety of roles which include personnel recovery, special forces operations, SAR, combat SAR, utility, troop transport, anti-surface warfare, anti-submarine warfare, airborne early warning, mine sweeping and WIP transport. Personal recovery and combat search aid rescue mission-specific systems include three M134 7.62mm Gatling guns are pintle-mounted on the sides of the rear ramp; armoured cockpit seats and ballistic protection for machine gun operators and critical systems; an integrated electronic warfare system offering self-protection against radar, laser and infrared threats (note the nose-mounted electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) turret); and an air-refuelling kit for extended range operations.
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