The head of Leonardo’s UK helicopter division has applauded the awarding of the New Medium Helicopter contract and the sustained investment in autonomous systems, characterizing the decision as an enduring commitment to both operational capability and the sector.
Nigel Colman, Director of UK Rotorcraft Operations at Leonardo, declared that the pact to acquire the AW149, coupled with continuous backing for the Proteus uncrewed rotorcraft, represented a major advancement for the firm’s alliance with the Ministry of Defence.
“We commend the choice to grant the New Medium Helicopter contract for furnishing mid-lift rotorcraft to the Ministry of Defence, in addition to the sustained funding in Proteus – our self-governing rotary-wing unmanned air system being developed alongside the Royal Navy,” Colman remarked.
Colman indicated that Leonardo intends to furnish a mid-lift apparatus derived from the AW149, fashioned to assist British forces for many decades. “Leonardo pledges to supply the UK Armed Forces with a top-tier medium-capacity rotorcraft, based on our foremost AW149 platform, which will support our military personnel for numerous years ahead.”
He further emphasized the economic ramifications of the initiative, directly connecting the rotorcraft granting with job creation and the steadiness of the supply network.
“The Administration’s acquisition of the AW149, alongside the sustained capital in autonomous technology, is set to bolster upwards of 3,300 roles in Yeovil, a key hub for British rotorcraft, in addition to 12,000 throughout the entire UK provision network.”
As part of the broader pact, Yeovil is designated to evolve into a hub of expertise for self-governing rotorcraft, capitalizing on the inaugural flight of the Proteus prototype earlier in the current year. This arrangement furthermore paves the way for subsequent international sales of the AW149 to be manufactured within the UK, broadening national involvement and fostering prospective expansion of as many as 3,900 positions in the South West.