AgustaWestland has unveiled the AW169, a new multi-purpose twin-engine light transport utility helicopter in the 4.5 ton class. The AW169 aims to be of "eco-friendly" design and makes extensive use of composites. The AW169 is powered by 2 FADEC-controlled Pratt & Whitney Canada PW210 turboshaft engines. The AW169 can carry 2 pilots and up to 8/10 passengers, or alternatively 2 stretchers, in the unobstructed main cabin accessible via 2 sliding cabin doors.
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 uses the latest technology for maximum situational awareness and all-weather operations, including a full digital NVG compatible cockpit with three 8” x 10” (20 x 25 cm) large area displays (AMLCD) with enhanced graphics capability. A 4-axis digital automatic flight control system (DAFCS) with dual Flight Management System (FMS) will allow single/dual pilot VFR/IFR operations. The avionics suite 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. Avionics such as Terrain Awareness Warning Systems, airborne collision avoidance systems and the ‘Guardian’ obstacle detection device can be added to the standard avionic configuration.
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. The AW169 can be customised with a wide range of equipment including weather radar, FLIR, rescue hoist, cargo hook, search light and medical interior. AgustaWestland forecasts a potential market for almost 1000 aircraft over approximately 20 years.
