AgustaWestland Unveils The AW169
AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica
company, is proud to unveil the AW169, a new generation
multi-purpose twin engine light transport utility helicopter
designed in response to the growing market demand for higher
mission flexibility and multi-role capability in the 4.5 ton class.
The AW169 has been designed to meet the current and anticipated
stringent requirements of commercial and government operators
worldwide. The aircraft incorporates several new technology
features, incorporated to provide the highest levels of safety and
operational benefits for customers. A new generation, advanced
aerodynamic rotor design will deliver excellent performance in the
most demanding operating environments. The AW169 eco-friendly
design also benefits from extensive use of composites, advanced
airframe aerodynamics, next generation navigation avionics and
state-of-the-art systems.
Speaking at the unveiling ceremony
Giuseppi Orsi, CEO, AgustaWestland said “We are unveiling the AW169
hear at Farnborough because of the real and exciting potential this
aircraft will have for the UK in terms of the market and
industrially. Our Company’s commitment to the UK industrial base I
believe is widely recognised and the AW169 is another opportunity
for the UK to support and participate in a major new
programme.”
Pier Francesco Guarguaglini, Finmeccanica
Chairman and CEO, commented “Unveiling a brand new state-of-the-art
helicopter fitted with the very latest in technology at Farnborough
provides clear evidence of Finmeccanica’s committment to innovation
and particularly to the United Kingdom where our industrial base is
strong and offers a major contribution to our success both in the
country and worldwide.”
Graham Cole, Managing Director, AgustaWestland
went on to say “I am delighted that AgustaWestland in Yeovil is to
play an important role in the design, development and production of
the AW169. We see a large market for the AW169 and the real
prospect of a production line for a AgustaWestland commercial
helicopter in Yeovil. He added “ We have already formed a UK
parapabulic team which will vigorously pursue with the AW169 and
our other products, all UK parapublic opportunities. AW169s which
are acquired within the UK will be built and supported in the UK
and will be key to opening the production line early.”
Dr Vince Cable MP, Secretary of State for
Business, Innovation and Skills, said “The Government recognises
and appreciates the significant investments Finmeccanica have made
into the aerospace and defence industries in the UK in recent years
and is delighted that this continues with the launch of the AW169.
The AW169 is indeed an exciting project that typifies the type of
project which will sustain and grow our domestic high technology
engineering and manufacturing base into the future.”
The AW169’s avionic suite introduces the very
latest technology for maximum situational awareness and all-weather
operations, including a full digital NVG compatible cockpit with
three 8” x 10” large area displays (AMLCD) with enhanced graphics
capability. A 4-axis digital automatic flight control system
(DAFCS) with dual Flight Management System (FMS) minimises crew
workload allowing single/dual pilot VFR/IFR operations.
The avionics suite also complies with satellite-based navigation,
communication and surveillance requirements and has the capability
to perform satellite-based IFR LPV (localizer performance with
vertical guidance) approaches to maximize round-the-clock
utilisation of the helicopter. Safety enhancing avionics such as
Terrain Awareness Warning Systems, airborne collision avoidance
systems and the innovative ‘Guardian’ obstacle detection device can
be added to the standard avionic configuration.
Environmental friendliness is core to the
AW169 design. New generation advanced turboshaft engines for
maximum efficiency/low emissions and advanced rotor aerodynamics
producing very low external noise, well below regulatory limits,
make the AW169 an eco-friendly helicopter according to the very
latest standards. This eco-friendly design also benefits from a
wide use of composites, advanced airframe aerodynamics, next
generation navigation avionics and state-of-the-art
technology.
The two new generation advanced
FADEC-controlled Pratt & Whitney Canada PW210 turboshaft
engines deliver high power with maximum efficiency and low
emissions. The AW169 can carry two pilots and up to 8/10
passengers, or alternatively two stretchers, in the large
unobstructed main cabin accessible via two large sliding cabin
doors. The AW169 has been developed in accordance with the latest
FAA/EASA Part 29 certification standards and complies with the most
stringent safety requirements, including a full crashworthy
structure and seats, engine burst containment and one engine
inoperative (OEI) capability in the entire envelope. The AW169 has
been engineered with maximum maintainability in mind with high TBOs
(Time Between Overhaul) for the power plant and main components, a
reduced number of life-limited parts, high reliability and low
maintenance requirements to maximise operational effectiveness.
Thanks its modern design features and
capabilities, the 4.5 ton class AW169 is aiming to be the most
advanced and cost/effective answer for EMS/SAR, law enforcement,
passenger and offshore transport and utility markets. According to
mission requirements, the AW169 can be customised with a wide range
of equipment including weather radar, FLIR, rescue hoist,
cargo hook, search light and medical interior just to name a few.
The AW169 is the first brand-new type introduced in its market
segment in decades and AgustaWestland forecasts a potential market
for almost 1000 aircraft over approximately 20 years.
For further information please contact:
Geoff
Russell Roberto
Caprarella
T: +44 (0) 1252
386429
T: +39 0331 225101
F: +44 (0) 1252
386457
F: +39 0331 229984
E: [email protected] E:
[email protected]