Agusta Westland AW101 VVIP

The flagship helicopter built for heads of state and global mobility

Overview

AgustaWestland United Kingdom ICAO: EH10 1990–Present Active $21 million (2015)

The AgustaWestland AW101 VVIP transforms the proven Merlin platform into a high-end transport helicopter for government and executive missions. Combining long-range capability, three-engine safety redundancy, and a spacious cabin, it is designed to move heads of state and senior officials with comfort and security. Its blend of performance and customization has made it one of the most prominent VVIP rotorcraft in service.

Live Fleet Activity (EH10)

📡

Fetching live data…

Specifications

Units
Engine
3 × Rolls Royce RTM322-01
Engine type
Turboshaft
Power
3 × 2,100 shp · 1,566 kW
Avionics
NVG compatible glass cockpit
Wing tips
No winglets
Seats
24
Crew
—
Cabin width
8 ft 2 in  ·  2.49 m
Cabin height
6 ft 0 in  ·  1.83 m
Cabin length
21 ft 4 in  ·  6.50 m
Exterior length
74 ft 10 in  ·  22.80 m
Tail height
21 ft 10 in  ·  6.65 m
Fuselage diameter
9 ft 2 in  ·  2.80 m
Wing span
61 ft 0 in  ·  18.60 m
Baggage volume
999 ft³  ·  28.3 m³
Gross weight
—
Empty weight
—
Max takeoff weight
34,400 lb  ·  15,600 kg
Max landing weight
—
Max payload
12,000 lb  ·  5,450 kg
Fuel capacity
1,380 gal · 5,200 L · 4,200 kg (Jet A)
Max cruise speed
167 kt  ·  192 mph  ·  309 km/h
Maximum speed
—
Cruise speed
—
Approach speed
—
Range
750 nm  ·  860 mi  ·  1,390 km
Fuel burn
0.54 nm/gal  ·  0.26 km/L
Ceiling
15,000 ft  ·  4,600 m
Rate of climb
2,000 ft/min  ·  10 m/s
Takeoff distance
—
Landing distance
—
(/) tap to zoom
(/)
AW101 VVIP

Live fleet activity details

📡
Fetching live data…
All Active Aircraft Types
Flight Airline Reg Alt Speed Heading V/S

Operational Context

AgustaWestland AW101 VVIP — executive transport with military-grade capability

The AW101 VVIP is a specialized executive transport version of the AW101 Merlin, developed to meet the requirements of government, royal, and presidential operators. Based on the same three-engine airframe used in military service, it offers enhanced safety margins for overwater and urban operations while delivering extended range compared to many twin-engine VIP helicopters.

Powered by variants of the Rolls-Royce Turbomeca RTM322 or General Electric CT7 turboshaft engines, the AW101 provides strong performance in hot and high conditions. Its large cabin allows for highly customized interior layouts, including private seating areas, conference spaces, and advanced communication systems. Soundproofing, climate control, and luxury materials are typically tailored to client specifications.

The helicopter incorporates advanced avionics and defensive systems derived from its military heritage, offering enhanced situational awareness and security. Its range and endurance enable longer nonstop missions, reducing the need for intermediate stops during official travel.

Several nations have selected the AW101 for presidential or royal transport roles, reflecting its reputation for reliability and capability. By combining executive comfort with proven operational performance, the AW101 VVIP stands among the most capable and prestigious government transport helicopters in the world.