AW101 Long-Range Heavy Search & Rescue Helicopter
The AW101 is the long-range end of the rescue fleet: three engines for over-water safety, ice protection for all-weather operations, and a cabin large enough to recover an entire vessel crew in a single sortie. Nations use it where distance, weather, and survivor count exceed what a medium twin can absorb.
Key Features
- Three-engine redundancy for extended over-water legs
- Full ice protection for all-weather rescue
- Multi-mode search radar with small-target tracking
- Automatic flight control with hover trim over a datum
- Active vibration control for long crew days
Mission Use Cases
- Long-range offshore rescue
- Mass-casualty maritime recovery
- Arctic and severe-weather operations
- Government VIP and utility transport
Product Overview
The AW101 is the long-range end of the rescue fleet: three engines for over-water safety, ice protection for all-weather operations, and a cabin large enough to recover an entire vessel crew in a single sortie. Nations use it where distance, weather, and survivor count exceed what a medium twin can absorb.
Search & Rescue Platform Comparison
Planning figures across the combat rescue, maritime rescue, and HEMS rotary-wing platforms plus the fixed-wing rescue extender in the catalog.
| Specification | HH-60W Combat rescue | MH-60T Medium range | MH-65E Short range | AW139 SAR Medium twin |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Role & Crew | ||||
| Primary role | Combat search and rescue | Maritime medium-range recovery | Short-range / shipboard rescue | Civil and coast-guard SAR |
| Typical crew | 2 pilots + 2 special mission aviators | 2 pilots + flight mechanic + swimmer | 2 pilots + flight mechanic + swimmer | 2 pilots + 2 rescue crew |
| Survivor capacity | ≈ 6–10 recovered | 6 litters / 12 seated | Up to 3 litters | Up to 4 litters |
| Performance | ||||
| Powerplant | 2 × T700-GE-701D | 2 × T700-GE-401C | 2 × Arriel 2C2-CG | 2 × PT6C-67C |
| Max gross weight | ≈ 23,500 lb | 21,884 lb | 9,480 lb | 15,432 lb |
| Cruise speed | ≈ 150 kt | ≈ 140 kt | ≈ 130 kt | ≈ 150 kt |
| Range | ≈ 195 nm radius (unrefueled) | ≈ 700 nm | ≈ 400 nm | ≈ 573 nm with aux fuel |
| Rescue Equipment | ||||
| Rescue hoist | 600 lb / 250 ft | 600 lb / 200 ft | 600 lb / 150 ft | Dual 600 lb available |
| Search sensors | Weather radar + EO/IR | Surface-search radar + EO/IR + DF | EO/IR + searchlight + DF | Search radar + EO/IR |
| Coupled hover | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes (4-axis) |
| Aerial refueling | Probe fitted | No | No | No |
| Employment | ||||
| Contested airspace | Armored, defensive suite | Permissive | Permissive | Permissive |
| Shipboard capable | Limited | Cutter capable | Cutter deck with haul-down | Yes with kit |
| Best fit | Military personnel recovery | Offshore national SAR | Inshore and harbor rescue | Multi-role civil SAR fleets |
Figures are drawn from publicly released manufacturer and service data and are provided for comparison and planning reference only, not for mission or flight planning.
Product Line & Options
AW101 Heavy SAR with configurable mission and support options.
- Aerial refueling probe
- Extended-range tank set
- Full intensive-care medical interior
- Deployable rescue swimmer platform
Product Specs
Pricing & Quotation
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