Leonardo announces US support centre plans
Leonardo will build a comprehensive customer support centre adjacent to Naval Air Station Whiting Field in Florida in an aim to strengthen its bid for the US Navy’s TH-73 Advanced Helicopter Training System.
Leonardo is proposing its purpose built, US manufactured TH-119 IFR single engine helicopter to replace the navy’s TH-57 training helicopters.
The service is expected to make its selection for the 130 helicopter tender by the end of 2019.
‘Leonardo continuously makes investments that bring the company closer to its customers. We hope to soon invest in Santa Rosa County,’ said William Hunt, Leonardo Helicopters Philadelphia. ‘The TH-119 helicopter is the ideal training platform for the navy. With this announcement, exceptional aircraft performance and superior maintenance go hand-in-hand.’
Planned as a Part 145 Repair Station, the new facility will provide 24/7 service including spare parts, warranty processing and renewal, technical and product engineering and component and airframe repair. Through a limited-access use agreement between Santa Rosa County and the US Navy, tenants of Whiting Aviation Park will be able to use the US Navy’s airfield facilities for efficient aircraft transfers which will reduce service time.
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