Italian navy to deploy AW101s to Afghanistan

[Stratofreighter]

http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/20 ... istan.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

DATE:16/03/10

SOURCE:Flight International

Italian navy to deploy AW101s to Afghanistan

By Luca Peruzzi

Italy will deploy three of its AgustaWestland AW101 amphibious support helicopters to Afghanistan in October for a 12-month tour of duty.

The "Task Group Shark" detachment will involve aircraft from the navy's 1st Helicopter Squadron at Luni, plus 55 personnel and an aeromedical evacuation team, assigned to the International Security Assistance Force's Regional Command West structure.

The aircraft are meanwhile being equipped with improved ballistic protection, defensive aids equipment and 7.62mm machine guns.

The navy has previously deployed Agusta-Bell AB212s and Sikorksy SH-3D Sea Kings to Afghanistan, but the high terrain and medical evacuation mission demands mean a more capable aircraft is required.

[ehusmann]

Are the Italians really AW.101s or still EH.101s? I mean, the renaming only took place after (most) of the Italians had already been delivered as far as I know.

Erwin

[Le Addeur noir]

Are the Italians really AW.101s or still EH.101s? I mean, the renaming only took place after (most) of the Italians had already been delivered as far as I know.

Erwin

The EH.101 was re-branded AW.101 some time ago.

[ehusmann]

I know that, but I wonder if helicopters delivered as EH.101 (which most of the Italians are) are still called EH.101 or also AW.101 now.
Just like what happened with the SE.3160 to SA.316. Helicopters delivered as SE.3160 are not called SA.316 now.

Erwin

[Spike]

Italian Navy is still using EH-101 to name their helos.

[ehusmann]

Thanks Spike!

Erwin