FIRST ITALIAN AIR FORCE HH-101A "CAESAR" ENTERS SERVICE

The Italian Air Force celebrated today the entry into operational service of their first AgustaWestland AW101 helicopter, designated the HH-101A “CAESAR”, during an official ceremony at Cervia Air Base. A total of four HH-101A “CAESAR” helicopters, out of a total requirement of 15, have been delivered from the Finmeccanica Helicopter Division’s assembly line in Yeovil (UK) to date, and will be used to perform personnel recovery and special forces missions. The HH-101As will also support search and rescue (SAR), medical evacuation (MEDEVAC) and slow mover intercept operations, countering small aircraft threats, to provide effective support to the Italian community.
finmeccanica

First Italian air force HH-101A breaks cover

The first AgustaWestland AW101 destined for the Italian air force has been displayed to service officials.
To be designated the HH-101A Caesar in Italian service, Rome has ordered 15 of the type to replace its current fleet of Agusta/Sikorsky HH-3 Pelicans for use on personnel recovery and special forces operations.
They will be handed over to the Italian air force in the fourth quarter.
The HH-101A will be equipped with three M134 7.62mm pintle-mounted miniguns, armoured cockpit seats, ballistic protection for the door gunners as well as for the helicopter's critical systems. It will also feature an air-to-air refuelling kit for extended range operations.
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