AW101 - The breakthrough in the modernization of Polish maritime aviation

Introduction Marine helicopter Leonardo AW101 to the Naval Aviation Base, whose deadline was set for autumn of this year, is a crucial moment in the modernization of Polish maritime aviation. This modern helicopter with unparalleled technological and combat capabilities raises our naval aviation to a completely new operational level.

Naval Air Base is already in the final phase of preparation for the adoption into operation of this modern helicopter. In the first phase of training future crews AW101 intensive language courses were conducted, which began in early 2021 and ended in mid last year.

The pilots and navigators then received training on specialist navigation issues. They are currently located in Yeovil, UK, where they provide practical air training on helicopters AW101. As part of this training, they learn to pilot this type of helicopter and learn its combat applications. Part of the training takes place using a full flight simulator in Norway.

The training cycle will end in the third quarter of this year. The training will result in training four full crews who will be able to train further crews in the country with instructor privileges.

Implementation AW101 will have a positive impact on Polish aviation and military, increasing our capabilities in the field of activities at sea and in the air. Implementation of modern technological solutions, such as AW101, improves the level of Polish military activities and strengthens its position on the international stage.

The training cycle will end in the third quarter of this year, resulting in training four full crews, which will have instructor privileges to provide training for subsequent crews in the country.

According to the established schedule, in the second half of the year the first of Polish helicopters AW101 will arrive at PZL Świdnik, where tests will begin, which equipment must pass before being put into service. The testing programme shall include trials of airframes and specialised equipment. In autumn of that year, helicopters are expected to be included in operation at the 44th Naval Air Base in Darłów.

W The Darłów have prepared 6 hangars along with a warehouse-social part, airport maintenance building and new parking spaces for helicopters. Construction work on the training building is also ongoing.

The contract for the delivery of four heavy ZOP helicopters (submarine combat) with the function of combat rescue CSAR and comprehensive packages of integrated logistics and training was signed in April 2019 with WSK „PZL-Świdnik" S.A. Helicopter AW101 intended for Norwegian SP landed on 12 February 2019 at the 43rd Naval Aviation Base in Gdynia-Babich Dołach, where flights were held to verify the offer made in the proceedings conducted by the MON Armed Forces Inspectorate.

December 6, 2019 Leonardo Helicopters reported the production and assembly of structural components of the first helicopter AW101 for BLMW in PZL Świdnik. The first of the helicopters ordered for the BLMW AW101 conducted a test flight at the British Leonardo plant last July, where the final assembly of these helicopters takes place.

The launch of the operation of these helicopters in the aviation of the MW will be a key moment, which will place Poland among countries with state-of-the-art multitasking marine helicopters capable of performing various tasks in the Baltic Sea area, under various weather conditions and complex operational-tactic situations.

The new platform, along with its sensors and effectors, is a revolutionary weaponry system in all aspects: technological, tactical, rescue and logistical security of operations. This will be a breakthrough in helicopter aviation with numerous consequences. Training, infrastructure requirements, service as well as data analysis and processing after the mission will take place at a completely new level.

In the new helicopter, there is a leap in not only the technological level of the hull, propulsion system and avionics, but also the number of avionics, weapons and electronic combat subsystems. They make the helicopter a full multitasking machine. This evolution also requires changes in the working structure and specialisations. More emphasis is placed on the proper use of the vast amount of data that sensors AW101 They're able to accumulate.

The powerful modernization potential of the helicopter suggests that the study work will not be completed with the introduction AW101 For weapons. There are many possibilities for further development and optimal use of these new capabilities.

AW101 is a completely new quality in terms of the network-centric battlefield. Modern communication and information exchange systems and the ability to cooperate with other platforms, including through the exchange of exploratory data, introduce a new dimension of electronic reconnaissance and combat into maritime aviation. This in turn brings Polish naval aviation into a new era of activities, allowing operations to be conducted in a dynamic and complicated combat environment at sea.

Introduction AW101 is another important step in the modernisation of the Navy. Thanks to its advanced capabilities and innovative solutions, this helicopter allows Polish armed forces to respond effectively to modern sea challenges. Its ability to integrate with other systems and use advanced technologies makes it not only a shock force, but also a powerful reconnaissance tool and support in operational activities.

Introduction AW101 to Polish maritime aviation is a breakthrough that will strengthen Poland's position as a modern player on the international stage. This new generation of helicopters brings with it capabilities and capabilities that have not yet been available. AW101 is a powerful tool for a dynamic and effective response to the changing situation at sea and strengthening the defence capacity of our country.

The introduction of AW101 gives Poland an advantage in maritime aviation, strengthening its position as a powerful player at sea. This modern helicopter opens new operational capabilities and puts Poland at the forefront of countries with advanced naval defence.

Source: Polish Army/MD