Leonardo Search and Rescue Helicopter Completes U.S. High Altitude Trials

A team of pilots and engineers tested the high-altitude capabilities of the AW101 helicopter in Colorado at Buena Vista and Leadville, which sits nearly two miles above sea level (9,933 feet msl at the airport, KLXV).

Michael Wildes

Monday, October 31, 2022 at 04:07 PM ET

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The Norwegian AW101 All-Weather Search and Rescue helicopter, built by Leonardo, undertook high altitude trials in the United States to demonstrate an increase engine power and raise the Main Gear Box torque rating. [Courtesy: Leonard]

Key Takeaways:

Leonardo's Norwegian AW101-612 All-Weather Search and Rescue (AWSAR) helicopter successfully completed high-altitude trials in the U.S.
The trials, conducted in Colorado, demonstrated increased engine power and raised the main gearbox torque rating to 117%, expanding its high-altitude performance envelope.
The cross-departmental team completed the 21-day trial plan efficiently in just 16 days.
These trials are part of Norway's order for 16 AW101 AWSAR helicopters for its Ministry of Justice and Public Security.

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Leonardo’s Norwegian AW101-612 All-Weather Search and Rescue (AWSAR) helicopter successfully completed high-altitude trials across the U.S. late last week, according to the Italian aerospace and defense company.

The trials included demonstrating an increase in engine power and raising the main gearbox torque rating. The gearbox is responsible for lowering an engine’s high input speeds and transferring the appropriate torque to a helicopter’s rotors and some engine accessories.