Designed by the European Helicopter Industries (EHI) partnership during the 1980s initially as a naval helicopter to help combat the threat of an attack from Soviet missile submarines the Merlin has evolved into a multi-role helicopter today The AW101 combines the most advanced technologies safety by design mission systems & leading-edge manufacturing to provide a proven platform for long-range Search & Rescue (SAR) operations in certain countries With a typical range of 750 nm (over 1300 km) in standard configuration the AW101 is the most capable SAR helicopter in the world today Other roles include transportation for Heads of State & VVIP operators; Intelligence Surveillance & Reconnaissance (ISR); Maritime Interdiction Operations (MIO); Anti-Surface Warfare (ASu W); Airborne Surveillance & Control (ASa C); Airborne Mine Countermeasures (AMCM); troop transport; utility support CASEVACMEDEVAC; & Combat Search & Rescue (CSAR) Lavishly illustrated throughout Rich Pittman offers a fascinating portrait of an enduring & popular aircraft & traces its journey from design to the front line