Kongsberg, AgustaWestland team for Norwegian SAR
AugustaWestland has signed an agreement to collaborate with Kongsberg Defence Systems if the AW101 is selected for the Norwegian Search and Rescue (SAR) competition to replace the existing Sea King fleet.
Norway intends to procure up to 16 new SAR helicopters with an option for additional 6. The contract is expected to be awarded by the end of 2013 and the last Sea King phased out by end 2020.
Kongsberg has been responsible for maintenance of the drive line (rotorheads and gearboxes) on the current fleet of Sea King helicopters for 30 years.
Under the agreement, if the AW101 candidate is selected for the programme, the long-term helicopter activities at Kongsberg will be significantly expanded to include maintenance and test of rotorheads and gearboxes for the AW101 helicopter.
The agreement also includes transfer of technology for advanced test equipment facilitating full-functional testing of gearboxes and other new technologies in helicopter maintenance. With this new test equipment in house, it will open new possibilities for Kongsberg to maintain other gearboxes in the AgustaWestland portfolio.
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