Originally Posted by
KiwiNedNZ
Xmit Do you know what those requirements were and were they done to make sure 101 succeeded ??
At the time, I was involved only on the periphery of the Norway AW101 deal, and it was a while ago now. However, I believe that the key factor in the AW101's favour was range.
If my memory serves me correctly, the S92 required additonal internal fuel tanks to exceed even the Sea King's range, while the AW101 could exceed the required range using its standard fuel tanks alone. There might have been other factors.
As I say, this is only my recollection, and I would not wish it to be taken as 100% factual. Details of the SAR Helicopter procurement process, and its outcome, might be available from the Norwegian Government.