Poland is put into operation new AW101 Merlin helicopters: what is known about machines

These devices are designed to detect the enemy submarines, as well as to perform Navy rescue operations in combat. The Polish Navy and the Main Command of the Armed Forces from December 8 began to be adopted by the first of the four Leonardo AW101 Merlin helicopters, which were ordered in 2019 to meet the needs of the IMS in the Protetic War (ASW) and combat search and rescue (CSAR). About it reports the edition of Polska Zbrojna.

The helicopters are intended to replace the Soviet Mi-14 helicopter helicopters in the Republic of the Republic of the Republic. There are three cars of this type at the 44th Naval Aviation Base of Poland, journalists say, and the fourth must be set early next year. Over the next few months, Polish crews will train until they reach combat readiness. "The acquisition of AW101 is revolutionary for us.

New helicopters will greatly expand our capabilities," the Polish Navy Lieutenant Martin Brashak said at the ceremony. Polish experts say that the leonardo AW101 Merlin protical helicopters are unique and combine the features of ZOP, CSAR and SAR cars. In other words, they are adapted to search for submarines, conducting rescue operations in combat, as well as especially difficult actions in peacetime.

Machines can also be adapted to perform specific tasks by drawing up and disassembling certain modules. A helicopter is a medium -ton car capable of accommodating up to 30 servicemen or 16 lying wounded. Crew-1-2 people, speed-309 km/h. The machine can carry weapons on special suspensions. When performing combat mission, AW101 uses a water -locking station that is lowered into the sea, as well as active and passive hydroacoustic buoys.

Two people of the crew are responsible for the work: one pilot makes a decision on the use of specific equipment and weapons and analyzes the readings of the devices, the other - monitors the work of the equipment. The helicopters are equipped with combat systems, including autopilot with SAR modes, data transmission, tactical navigation system and a complex set of both passive and active self -defense. The AW101 systems already have ready -made search scenarios.

The pilot can specify the search area, determine the starting point and enable the appropriate mode. As a result, the helicopter can move autonomously along the selected route. The machine is also equipped with modern communication and processing systems and data transmission that maintain constant crew contact with other platforms - from helicopters and aircraft to ships.