Arrived last night from Vágar for a night stop. Seen departing this morning from runway 30 en route Yeovil. ZZ102 is the serial worn.

Impressive new heli for Norway: EH-101 "SAR queen"

One of 16 AW.101s on order for the Luftforsvaret (Royal Norwegian Air Force). It carries a British military serial for testing and it was displayed at the Farnborough airshow prior to delivery. It was later allocated serial 0273 in Norwegian service. The badge behind the cockpit is that of Hovedredningssentralen (Joint Rescue Coordination Centre). There are two in Norway - South (Stavanger) and North (Bodø). They use the same badge. All rescue helicopters are allocated to 330 Skv whose motto is Trygg Havet. There is a double meaning. The English translation may differ depending on the task of the squadron. 'Secure the Seas' in MAROPS and 'Safety on the Seas' in SAROPS.

Picture taken just after her first very short flight. Delivered to RNorwAF as 0273

Scheduled to be the eleventh AW101 for Norway (as 0279) but unusually just wearing 'RESCUE' titles. During testing normally the Norwegian flag is visible and the new serial under black tape but on this machine all other markings have been carefully blanked out.

Test flying at AgustaWestlands before delivery

To be 0277.

New Norwegian search and rescue helicopter resting in Humberside.

For Norway as 0275. Seen here still owned by AgustaWestland.

One of 16 AW.101s on order for the Luftforsvaret (Royal Norwegian Air Force) with British serial for testing, arriving at the Farnborough show prior to delivery. Allocated serial 0273 in Norwegian service.