Norway-based Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace has opened a new MRO and test facility for AW101 and NH90 helicopter transmissions in Kongsberg.

This will provide a domestic capability for the Norwegian helicopter fleet, plus support for other AW101 and NH90 helicopters in Scandinavia and beyond.

A multi-purpose test rig within the facility will enable gearboxes to be fully tested before being returned to service, helping to reduce the time and cost of MRO activities.

Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace and Leonardo Helicopters have been working together for more than 30 years on the MRO of Sea King and Lynx helicopter transmissions.

The new facility will have a key role in Leo-nardo’s support of the AW101 Norwegian All-Weather SAR Helicopter (NAWSARH), 16 of which are in the process of delivery.

Gian Piero Cutillo, Leonardo Helicopters’ managing director, said “We are very pleased to have signed a 25-year agreement with Kongsberg, expanding and extending our collaboration.

“We look forward to working together to ensure that we deliver the MRO services our customers require.”


Eirik Lie, president of Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace, said: “We are proud of this new ‘state of the art’ helicopter MRO facility.

“The expanded co-operation with Leonardo secures in-country support for the Norwegian helicopter fleet, as well as efficient support for international end users.”