News
Northrop Grumman, AgustaWestland sign strategic pact
September 21, 2012 By Carey Fredericks
Sept. 21, 2012, Falls Church, Va. - Northrop Grumman and AgustaWestland have signed a teaming agreement to compete for the new U.S. Air Force Combat Rescue Helicopter and the U.S. Navy’s recently announced program to develop a new “Marine One” Presidential Helicopter. A U.S. built helicopter based on the AW101 platform will be offered by Northrop Grumman for both programs.
“This is a strong partnership between two companies that combines each company’s strengths,” said Paul Meyer, vice president and general manager of advanced programs and technology at Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems sector. “While Northrop Grumman has broad expertise in systems integration of large aircraft programs, AgustaWestland has world-leading expertise in global rotorcraft and vertical-lift. We believe that this industry partnership will bring together the best experience, expertise and resources, ensuring that the customer receives the best solution.”
Promoting the AW101 as a mature, reliable, highly capable and combat-proven multi-mission aircraft, the partnership said the platform would affordably meets the needs of the U.S.’s combat search and rescue forces and serve U.S. Presidents far into the future.
“We are delighted to have Northrop Grumman as a partner, with their impressive history of supporting the U.S. Department of Defense," said Bruno Spagnolini, CEO of AgustaWestland. "We strongly believe that the AW101 is the right aircraft for both missions and that this team can succeed."
