Northrop Grumman Corporation and AgustaWestland, announced today that they have signed a comprehensive teaming agreement to respond to anticipated requests for both the new Air Force Combat Rescue Helicopter and the Navy’s recently announced program to develop a new “Marine One” Presidential Helicopter.
A US built helicopter based on the AW101 platform will be offered by Northrop Grumman to meet these requirements.
The teaming of Northrop Grumman’s management and systems integration expertise with AgustaWestland’s rotorcraft manufacturing and advanced helicopter design/development, offers both programs to bring the best possible new combat rescue helicopter to the Air Force and the best possible new Presidential helicopter to the Navy-Marine Corps team.
Northrop Grumman and AgustaWestland are partnering to offer advanced mission suites, integrated onboard sensors and communications systems available in the world today. The AW101 system meets the needs of the nation’s combat search and rescue (CSAR) forces and will serve the Nations’ Presidents far into the future.
“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.”
“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."
