Leonardo Helicopters Aw101

Tri Rotorcraft

The Leonardo AW101, originally developed as the EH101 through a joint venture between Westland of the UK and Agusta of Italy, stands as one of the most capable medium-lift helicopters in service today. What sets the AW101 apart is its unusual three-engine configuration, rare among modern helicopters, which provides exceptional safety margins and allows continued flight even with two engines failed, a critical feature for overwater search-and-rescue and naval operations. First flown in 1987 and entering service in 1999, the type was designed from the outset to replace the Royal Navy's Sea King fleet and has since been adopted by more than a dozen nations for roles ranging from anti-submarine warfare to presidential transport. The UK operates the AW101 as the Merlin, with variants serving the Royal Navy for ASW missions and the Royal Air Force for tactical transport and search-and-rescue under callsigns like SAVER. With a maximum takeoff weight exceeding 34,000 pounds and a never-exceed speed of 167 knots, the AW101 combines heavy-lift capability with a spacious cabin that can accommodate up to 30 troops or 16 stretchers. Its advanced avionics, active vibration control, and all-weather capability make it equally at home conducting long-range maritime patrols, inserting special forces, or serving as VIP transport. The US Marine Corps operates it as Marine One for presidential airlift. The type's rugged design and triple-engine redundancy have earned it a reputation for reliability in the harshest operating environments, from North Sea oil platforms to Arctic rescue missions. SkyMeter has tracked 68 flights across 12 airframes and 2 operators, covering distinct routes.