AgustaWestland is pleased to announce that the first AW101 for the Italian Air Force, designated the HH-101A “CAESAR”, made its maiden flight at AgustaWestland’s Yeovil facility in the UK today at the presence of the Italian Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Pasquale Preziosa, the Italian Ambassador Domenico Terracciano, the Director of ARMAEREO Lt. General Domenico Esposito and other representatives and dignitaries from military services and public authorities. This and the second aircraft will be delivered in the last quarter of 2014 configured for Personnel Recovery and Special Forces missions.

With the HH-101A “CAESAR” the Italian Air Force will introduce into service the most advanced and capable aircraft available for this demanding operational requirement, developed and tailored to meet specific customer requirements ensuring a quantum leap forward in capability.

The AW101 is the most advanced medium lift helicopter available today and is in service, in production and in demand for its proven performance. The AW101 offers long-range, large capacity and advanced technology, all combined in a cost-effective, multi-mission aircraft opening up a new era in rotary wing operations. Over 220 AW101 helicopters have been ordered so far by customers worldwide to perform a large number of roles including Personnel Recovery, Special Forces Operations, SAR, Combat SAR, utility, troop transport, Anti-Surface Warfare, Anti-Submarine Warfare, Airborne Early Warning, mine sweeping and VVIP transport.