AgustaWestland is preparing to submit a version of its successful AW101 Merlin to meet a Malaysian requirement for an S-61 Sea King Nuri replacement, and the company is energetically marketing this triple-engined heavyweight at Dubai.
AgustaWestland revealed at Dubai that Malaysia has issued an RFI for an initial 12 helicopters (of what is expected to be an eventual 40-aircraft requirement), and RFQs are expected to be issued to down-selected companies next April.
AgustaWestland claims the AW101, previously known as the EH101, is the most advanced and capable helicopter in its class. The helicopter is now in service with customers around the world including the UK, Italy, Canada, Denmark, Portugal and Japan, performing a wide range of roles, and demonstrating extraordinary levels of reliability and availability in combat operations in Iraq.
The Merlin did not enjoy the easiest start, with the disappearance of the Cold War ASW role for which it had been designed, a tail rotor hub cracking problem, poor availability figures, and some high-profile accidents.
But even in a difficult marketplace, the Merlin’s versatility and performance have has re-written the script, winning the aircraft plaudits and customers. It has won valuable export orders in the face of tough competition; has been selected as the US Presidential helicopter; and has even been reported to be the operators’ preferred choice for the USAF’s combat search and rescue requirement. The Merlin was the first European design to win a significant order from the Japanese defence forces.
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Source: Flight Daily News
