News
AgustaWestland AW101 wins Norway competition
November 11, 2013 By Carey Fredericks
Nov. 8, 2013, Oslo, Norway - The Norwegian Government has decided to commence final negotiations with the company AgustaWestland Ltd. for the delivery of new search and rescue helicopters to replace the current Sea King.
"I am very pleased that we are now coming forward in the acquisition
process for the new search and rescue helicopters," the Minister of
Justice and Public Security Anders Anundsen states.
The Ministry of Justice and Public Security has today informed the
four bidders Eurocopter, NHI, Sikorsky and AgustaWestland Ltd. that the
latter is chosen as the preferred bidder for new SAR helicopters with
related equipment and maintenance solutions to replace the current Sea
King. The aim is that the contract following final negotiations will be
concluded by the end of the year. The contract includes 16 new SAR
helicopters with an option for further 6, and ensures that the Sea King
will be phased out across the country by the end of 2020.
AgustaWestland AW 101 is the candidate that in total, after intensive
negotiations, best meets the demands for Norway's future SAR
helicopter. The new helicopters will be able to relieve significantly
more people in distress, be noticeably faster and with longer range than
today – under virtually all weather conditions. Additionally, search
capability and the possibility for medical treatment are significantly
improved.
The acquisition process started on 21. October 2011 with the
announcement of prequalification. Tender documents were released on 12.
July 2012 and the offers was received from four bidders on 18. December
the same year.
Introduction of the new SAR helicopters will start in 2017. In 2020,
the new helicopters will have replaced the Sea King throughout the
country.
