The Italian Air Force is utilising its Leonardo HH-101A Caesar helicopter for pandemic-response operations in Italy as the country is impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Italian Minister of Defence, Lorenzo Guerini also made the AW101 variant available during this emergency.
The Caesar helicopters are operated by crews from Grazzanise Air Base, Cervia Air Base and Specialised Air Force medical team to transport patients with the virus to hospital or medical establishments.
The helicopter will be equipped with an Aircraft Transit Isolator and an insulated stretcher which is designed for bio-containment air transportation. Combining advanced technologies, mission systems and manufactured design, it will offer the largest cabin in its class with stand-up head room and incorporates the latest in vibration reduction technology. It will be able to perform various missions such as search and rescue, personnel recovery, special operations and the interception of slow flying aircraft.
