AgustaWestland, one of the world''s leading helicopter manufacturers, will be exhibiting a model of its AW101 search and rescue helicopter at Icefish 2008.
The AW101 is the latest and most capable long-range search and rescue helicopter available on the market today, and is being offered to Iceland and Norway as part of a joint programme to modernise their airborne rescue services.
Designed to operate in the most demanding maritime conditions the AW101 is able to rescue up to 25 people 300 nautical miles offshore and up to 10 people more than 385 nautical miles offshore.
This represents a huge increase in capability for Icelandic and Norwegian rescue services and vastly increases the sea areas in which fishermen and oil-workers can operate, knowing that a rescue can be made should disaster strike. In addition, the AW101 can carry comprehensive onboard medical facilities and is capable of delivering emergency equipment, including vehicles to remote areas on-shore to facilitate rescues, disaster relief or evacuation. In a critical situation, the AW101’s top speed of 150 knots (278km/hour) ensures that those with severe injuries will be given the best possible chance of survival. The helicopter is also able to operate in snow, ice and in temperatures as low as -40oC.
