RNAS Culdrose was pleased to welcome this cheerful looking new helicopter – which is visiting the air station and will be nosing its way around Cornwall this week.
The aircraft, with its distinctive red markings, is owned by UK-based Leonardo Helicopters and destined to become part of a new fleet of Norwegian search and rescue aircraft.
Members of the new crew are being trained by Leonardo Helicopters and testing out their skills around the county's beautiful coastline. They expect to be around Falmouth, Mount’s Bay and the north coast.
Officially known as an AW101 aircraft, it’s the same type of helicopter as the navy’s Merlins.
Training at Culdrose continues throughout the summer as the Royal Navy gears up for new operations ahead, including preparations for joining the fleet’s two new aircraft carriers.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here