New AW109SP for 32(TR) Sqn

[Gary]

23 Oct, 15, Source: HeliHub.com

Previously unannounced by AgustaWestland, it would appear that the Royal Air Force in the UK are soon to receive an AW109SP GrandNew. In a sneak photo here, we can see the full standard 32 Squadron colour scheme including RAF roundels, the British flag on the tail and the squadron crest just below the cabin windows.

32 Squadron currently flies one helicopter – an AW109E Power. This is the last of their original order for three delivered in spring 2006, with operations gradually wound down to one aircraft due to public pressure on UK Government spending. Moving to a GrandNew – we assume this new aircraft will replace, rather than add to – will give a larger cabin

The helicopter is evidently planned for VVIP operations from a base at RAF Northolt. It has external floats and a wire-strike protection system in place. This is AgustaWestland serial 22347 and is flying on a typical Italian test registration.

NOTE – This photo is © Copyright 2015 of Marco Bianchi and used here with his express permission

Jeremy Parkin – HeliHub.com

Info from Helihub

[POL]

Registered as G-ZIOO now and will be delivered to Sywell today.

[egte]

Military serial will be GZ100.
GZ = Squadron code used on 32Sqn Hurricanes during The Battle of Britain.
100 = in 2016 32Sqn will be celebrating it's 100th anniversary.

[TH1213]

Looking forward to seeing this about, does anyone know when it's due into service?

Thomas

[Gary]

It's been active in the Sywell area recently, was showing a fair bit yesterday

[page_verify]

Floats and wire strike protection - not your usual kit for taking big wigs to and from the office?

[Northolt Nobbler]

Floats and wire strike protection - not your usual kit for taking big wigs to and from the office?

The current A109s have floats fitted when required.

[Seahornet1]

Floats and wire strike protection - not your usual kit for taking big wigs to and from the office?

I should think that wire strike protection would be a wise precaution on almost any helicopter!

[acw367]

Floats and wire strike protection - not your usual kit for taking big wigs to and from the office?

I should think that wire strike protection would be a wise precaution on almost any helicopter!

With MOD Total Safety and the regulated Duty Holding construct, MOD will now take any and all optional extras which have a 'safety' tag on them.
Fuel Tank Inerting, Collision Warning System, Survival equipment et al.

If a MOD aircraft in future hits power cables or lands on water and the Service Inquiry finds Wire Strike protection/floats were available but were not procured as a cost saving measure, the new view is that is a Total Safety failure with individuals in the safety chain personally and in some cases legally responsible.

[EGDR]

Showing airborne on FR24 right now

[apgphoto]

Has shot a few approaches at Coventry still civilian registered

[CHINOOKER]

Just arrived at Northolt as "Sloane01"

[apgphoto]

Passed through the zone here today on a Kittyhawk callsign still civilian registered