AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company announced that its AW101 and AW159 Lynx Wildcat helicopters play star roles in Skyfall, the 23rd James Bond adventure, which had its world premiere in London on 23rd October 2012. Skyfall sees the AW101 helicopter performing several dramatic sequences in the film.

Ray Edwards, managing director, AgustaWestland 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 that are built in Britain fit perfectly with the Bond image.”

The dramatic flying sequences were flown by AgustaWestland test pilots and required very precise flying due to the proximity to the film set and camera helicopter. Almost 15 hours of flying was required to rehearse and film all the scenes. A team of AgustaWestland technicians supported and modified the aircraft for filming at the various locations in the UK earlier this year. 

The AW101 is a new generation three-engine helicopter that can be used for military and government applications including head of state transportAW101 can carry up to 40 troops or 10 VIPS.

The AW159 Lynx Wildcat is the very latest helicopter to enter service with the UK ministry of defense for operation by the army and royal navy. Sixty two of the new generation helicopters are now being built at AgustaWestland’s Yeovil factory in South West England for delivery to the UK Ministry of Defense.

AgustaWestland and Eon Productions, the production company which produces the James Bond film series, are now exploring opportunities for AgustaWestland rotorcraft to feature in the 24th James Bond movie.