An AW101 helicopter set to be delivered to the Norwegian Ministry of Justice and Public Security (MoJ) has successfully completed its maiden flight. The rotorcraft is the first of 16 that will be delivered to the MoJ and will commence operations in 2017, with deliveries continuing through to 2020.

“I am very pleased that Finmeccanica has reached this important milestone in the SAR helicopter project and is therefore making good progress for the replacement of the ageing Sea King helicopter with the state-of-the-art AW101 by 2020,” says Minister of Justice and Public Security Anders Anundsen. “It is the dedicated and hardworking team at the company who have made this first flight possible in time.”

In December 2013 the Norwegian MoJ signed a contract for 16 AW101 helicopters plus support and training, to meet the Norwegian All Weather SAR Helicopter (NAWSARH) requirement based on a new-generation aircraft.

Each helicopter will be equipped with an advanced search and rescue equipment package including a multi-panel AESA surveillance radar system, large cabin doors and rear ramp and a 27 sqm cabin with stand-up head room.