Maiden
Flight of first Navy Wildcat helicopter

Published: 28 Jan 2013

The first Wildcat Attack Helicopter to be delivered to the Royal Navy
has successfully taken its first flight at Yeovil in Somerset, the MoD
announced today (Monday).

Pictures show the new helicopter’s inaugural flight. The Wildcat has a
more powerful engine allowing it to be flown in extreme conditions all year
round. It is also equipped with a more robust fuselage, a high tech interactive
display and a new radar system that provides 360 degree surveillance.

Wildcat HMA Mk2 will carry Sting Ray torpedoes, a door-mounted 0.5 inch
heavy machine gun and new light and heavy variants of the Future Anti-Surface
Guided Weapon Missiles.

Expected to perform a range of tasks once in-service, the Maritime
Wildcat Attack Helicopter will be used in anti-surface warfare, force
protection and counter-piracy. It will also be able to carry out an
anti-submarine role.

Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Sir Mark Stanhope, said:

“As a ship-borne helicopter, Wildcat will provide Commanders with a
flexible attack capability which can be deployed to tackle a range of threats
at sea and from the sea. With state of the art sensors, equipment and weapons,
it will be an outstanding asset that will maintain Royal Naval units at the
cutting edge of worldwide maritime operations.”

Minister for Defence Equipment, Support and Technology, Philip Dunne,
said:

“The new maritime Wildcat Attack Helicopter is an excellent addition to
the Royal Navy’s arsenal, providing it with greater firepower and a range of
technological enhancements. The support and training contract with Agusta
Westland is also good news for the local economy in Somerset, securing 500
highly skilled jobs in the Defence sector.”

The Ministry of Defence signed a £250m contract with Agusta Westland
last year to provide support and training for the Royal Navy and British Army’s
62 strong fleet of Wildcat Helicopters. The Royal Navy will receive 28 maritime
attack variant helicopters, which will begin operations across the globe from
2015 and replace the existing Lynx Mark 8. The contract is sustaining 500
skilled jobs in the Somerset area.

Dave Clark

FAABA Rep. Scotland
and Overseas.

FNF Representative