Agusta Westland helicopters star in Skyfall

Two Agusta Westland helicopters — an AW101 and an AW159 Lynx Wildcat — played star roles in Skyfall, the 23rd James Bond movie, which had its world premiere in London last month. Ray Edwards, Agusta Westland’s managing director, said: “Quintessentially British, James Bond is one of the world’s best-known and most successful movie characters ever, so we are delighted to have partnered with this iconic brand in its 50th year. Our new-technology and high-performance AW101 and AW159 helicopters, which are built in Britain, fit perfectly with the Bond image.”

The dramatic flying sequences — flown by Agusta Westland test pilots — required very precise flying, due to the proximity of the film set and the camera helicopter. Almost 15hr of flying was required to rehearse and film all the scenes earlier this year (at various UK locations). The AW101 is a new-generation three-engine helicopter that has a wide range of military and government applications; it can carry up to 40 troops (or 10 VIPs in ‘ultimate luxury’). The AW159 Lynx Wildcat is the latest helicopter to be purchased by the Ministry of Defence (for operation by the Army and Royal Navy).

Agusta Westland is building 62 of the new-generation helicopters at its Yeovil factory, and it is in discussions with Eon Productions about opportunities for its rotor-craft to feature in the 24th James Bond movie.