I heard there was an awkward moment when Pres. Obama complimented Prime Minister Cameron on the helicopter, and the Prime Minister was happy to point out that the President could have been flying in one by now as well......if Obama had forced the Navy to do their job, and not take the easy way out by cancelling the VH-71 after just a month in office.
AW101 helicopter flies Prime Minister David Cameron during NATO Summit in Wales
The Finmeccanica-AgustaWestland AW101 helicopter will transport the Prime Minister David Cameron and the UK delegation during the two day NATO Summit, which will be attended by more than 60 world-leaders.
Finmeccanica CEO and General Manager Mauro Moretti met Prime Minister David Cameron and NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen at the opening reception hosted by HRH Prince of Wales at Celtic Manor in Newport.
Jointly-developed in Italy and the UK, the world-class AW101 helicopter combines the most advanced technologies, mission systems and manufacturing expertise with proven aircraft design. With the largest cabin in its class and with stand-up head room, excellent safety features and incorporating the latest in vibration reduction technology the AW101 is ideally suited to both the VVIP Head of State transport and to Commercial roles including long range Search and Rescue and Disaster Relief.
Last year the AW101 was chosen by Norway for demanding Search and Rescue missions, following an extremely stringent tendering process. The helicopter has a successful, long-standing track-record in military operations as the result of its agility, range, and endurance coupled with a comprehensive advanced avionics and mission system suite enable the aircraft to fulfil multiple tasks in one mission.