AW169 is a new generation twin-engine multirole helicopter developed by AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company. The helicopter is intended to meet the demanding requirements of commercial and government operators across the world.
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AW169 was unveiled at the Farnborough International Air Show in July 2010. The maiden flight of the first prototype of the helicopter was completed in May 2012.
The second and third prototypes performed their first flights in July 2012 and November 2012 respectively. The AW169 programme is scheduled to achieve basic civil certification in 2014.
AW169 can be used for law enforcement, patrol, search and rescue (SAR), emergency medical service (EMS), utility and passenger transport missions.
AgustaWestland AW169 design
The AW169 incorporates an eco-friendly design with a crash-worthy airframe made of composites. The helicopter integrates next generation avionics, twin-engine power plant and retractable three-wheel landing gear. It complies with the latest FAA/EASA Part 29 certification standards.
The AW169 can be equipped with a wide range of equipment to suit various mission requirements.
The mission equipment includes weather radar, forward looking infrared (FLIR) system, rescue hoist, cargo hook, emergency floatation and life rafts, search light and medical equipment.
Cockpit and avionics of the helicopter
The full digital glass cockpit of the AW169 houses two pilots. It is equipped with a modern avionics suite integrating three 8"x10" active-matrix liquid crystal displays, a four-axis dual-duplex digital automatic flight control system (DAFCS) and dual aircraft monitoring and mission systems. The automated systems reduce the work load and ensure single or dual pilot VFR/IFR operations.
The avionics suite can be incorporated with safety enhancement systems, such as traffic and terrain avoidance systems, collision avoidance systems, obstacle detection device and emergency avionics systems. It complies with the NextGen satellite-based navigation, communication and surveillance requirements.
The avionics suite also allows satellite-based instrumental flight rules (IFR) and localised performance with vertical guidance (LPV) approaches to optimise the usage of the helicopter.
AW169 cabin and engines
AW169 features a spacious cabin with a volume of 6.3 cubic metres. The cabin has a constant height section and two large sliding doors. The flat floor can be configured to add seating and dedicated mission systems for creating unobstructed working space for a wide range of applications.
The cabin can house up to eight to ten occupants or two stretchers. The low noise and vibration levels in the cabin ensure the utmost comfort for the passengers.
AW169 is powered by two PW210A turbo shaft engines. Each engine develops a power output of 1,000shp. The engines are equipped with a full authority digital engine control (FADEC) system.
Performance of AgustaWestland’s AW169
AW169 has a long range cruise speed of more than 140kts. It has full vertical Cat.A/Class 1 capability in hot and high conditions. It can hover in a wide range of temperatures or altitudes at maximum gross weight.
Orders for the twin-engine multirole helicopter
AgustaWestland has received more than 70 AW169 orders from customers in North and South America, Asia, Middle East, Europe and Australasia.
ITC-Aerospace ordered two AW169 helicopters in October 2012. Starspeed placed an order for one AW169 helicopter in November 2012. Kaan Air ordered two AW169 helicopters during the Airex Istanbul 2012 exhibition in September 2012.
In July 2012, AgustaWestland and Specialist Aviation Services signed a contract for six AW169 helicopters. The contract also includes an unspecified number of options. AgustaWestland also received an order from Linfox for three VIP AW169 helicopters in the same month of 2012.
Exclases Holdings placed a contract with AgustaWestland for six helicopters including two AW169, two AW139 and two AW189 helicopters in February 2012. In September 2011, AgustaWestland received an order from Falcon Aviation Services (FAS) for two AW169 helicopters.
In June 2011, INAER signed a contract with AgustaWestland for ten AW169 helicopters. Deliveries of the same are expected to commence from 2014.
Capitale Helicoptere of Canada placed an order for three AW169 helicopters in July 2011. AgustaWestland also received an order for two AW169 helicopters from Warwickshire & Northamptonshire Air Ambulance in July 2011.
In December 2011, Weststar Aviation Services placed a $150m contract with AgustaWestland for ten helicopters including six AW139s, two AW169s and two AW189 helicopters.
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