The first of the Norwegian Air Force’s new AW101 search and rescue (SAR) helicopters have arrived at the Sola SAR base near Stavangen to replace the Sea King helicopters.
The Sea King, which have performed close to 40,000 rescue missions since they started flying in 1973, are bowing out after decades of service.
Sola is the first base to induct the new helicopters that have been dubbed SAR Queen. An additional six bases will welcome the new helicopter by the end of 2022.
Norway ordered a total 16 AW101s from Leonardo in 2013. The helicopters are equipped with an advanced SAR equipment package including Leonardo-Finmeccanica’s Osprey AESA radar. Other equipment includes a four-axis digital automatic flight control system (AFCS), two rescue hoists, searchlight, electro optical device, mobile telephone detection system and a fully integrated avionics and mission system.
They also feature a laser obstacle avoidance system (LOAM) and obstacle proximity LIDAR system (OPLS) which provide warnings of wires and other obstacles.
As noted by the Norwegian defense ministry, the new rescue helicopters will provide more security for people at sea, along the coast, in the mountains and in remote areas across the country. They will be noticeably faster significant improvements in medical treatment capabilities.
