In the UK
AgustaWestland’s major UK facility in Yeovil, the home of Westland since 1915, employs more than 4,000 people. The UK is also home to AgustaWestland’s new headquarters in Farnborough. The merger of Agusta and Westland in 2001 created a leading force in the helicopter industry, serving commercial and government customers world-wide.

The company’s skills and resources in the UK are unique, with the ability to design and develop complete rotorcraft and integrate complex avionic and mission systems. It is also a leading provider of training systems and through-life support solutions..

The company’s commitment to innovation is demonstrated in:
- Naval helicopters
- Military utility and battlefield surveillance helicopters
- Commercial helicopters
- Public service helicopters
- Integration of avionic and weapon systems
- Integrated operational support
- Training systems

Developments
In the UK, AgustaWestland is engaged in major developments such as the VH-71, a version of the AW101 for the US Presidential helicopter replacement programme, Future Lynx and the new AW149 multi-role helicopter. Additionally, it is involved in upgrading the Royal Navy Merlin fleet, as well as delivering urgent operational capability enhancements for other elements of the UK Ministry of Defence’s helicopter fleet.

Each of these developments features the design, development and integration of advanced avionic and mission systems, and the incorporation of advanced technology. These include the world-leading British Experimental Rotor Programme, now in its fourth generation, which produced the rotor-blades that enabled the Lynx to set, and retain, the world helicopter speed record.

Partnerships
TThrough its customer training academies and joint ventures and partnerships with leading training equipment and system providers, AgustaWestland has a strong portfolio of training products and services. It is delivering training solutions and developing systems that support activities in live, virtual and synthetic environments.

Integrated Operational Support schemes, in place for the UK Merlin and Sea King fleets, have set new and high standards for incentivised aircraft availabilitybased contracting for in-service support. The contracts have given front-line operators improved aircraft availability, whilst also providing cost savings.

These developments underline two key themes within the company today: a partnered approach with the UK Ministry of Defence and the drive to win in international markets. The ground-breaking Strategic Partnering Arrangement, signed by AgustaWestland and the UK Ministry of Defence in 2006, demonstrates the commitment on both sides to the implementation of the Defence Industrial Strategy. The VH-71 US Presidential helicopter replacement programme is one of the most high-profile international successes of UK industry in recent years.