The helicopters that arrive over the moor in Skyfall are not Bond’s. They belong to Silva, played by Javier Bardem, who uses an AgustaWestland AW101 for the attack on Skyfall lodge. The AgustaWestland AW101 is a three-engine medium-lift helicopter, flown by military and civil operators, and Leonardo, which now makes it, publicised its part in the film.
In the film
In Skyfall (2012), Silva and his men use the AW101 in the assault on Skyfall lodge. The helicopter is the aircraft that brings the attack, and Leonardo’s press material says it performs several dramatic sequences in the film. It is a villain’s vehicle, not Bond’s, and we treat it as such.
The details of the AW101
Three engines. The AW101 flies on three engines, with a transmission rated for 30 minutes of running dry. The maker presents this redundancy as the reason it can work in harsh weather and hostile places.
Built to be survived. The structure is designed to be crashworthy to 20g, and the aircraft first flew in 1987. It was designed from the outset for military and civil work.
Room inside. A military layout carries two pilots, one air crewman and more than 25 troops on crashworthy seats, loaded through a large sliding door and a rear ramp. A charter listing for a private configuration gives typical seating for ten, a cruise speed of 150 knots (278km/h) and an IFR range of 610 nautical miles (1,130km).
Owning it now
Few readers will buy one, and the honest advice is that you do not need to. The AW101 is built to order for governments and large operators, and for private use it is a charter proposition: some operators list a private configuration for hire. Leonardo is the place for a serious enquiry. Our button runs an eBay search for the type, which turns up models and memorabilia rather than aircraft. For a model on a shelf, see our Italeri AW101 Skyfall model kit; Italeri has produced the Skyfall helicopter as a 1:72 kit and a 1:100 die-cast.
Specifications
| Maker | AgustaWestland, now Leonardo |
|---|---|
| Type | Three-engine medium-lift helicopter |
| First flight | 1987 |
| Military crew and load | 2 pilots, 1 air crewman, 25+ troops |
| Private charter configuration | Typical seating for 10; cruise 150 knots; IFR range 610nm |
| Maximum takeoff weight | 14,600kg (charter listing) |
| Price | On enquiry |
Full details are on Leonardo’s AW101 page. See more from Skyfall and the vehicles collection.
Questions
Which helicopter is in Skyfall?
The AgustaWestland AW101, used by Silva and his men in the attack on Skyfall lodge.
Who makes the AW101 now?
Leonardo. The type was built by AgustaWestland, and is known in the UK as the Merlin.
Can you charter an AW101?
Some operators list a private configuration for charter. Ask them about availability and cost.
