AW189 SAR European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has certified the Search and Rescue (SAR) variant of the AgustaWestland AW189 medium wei...
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| AW189 SAR |
The range of kits for the SAR variant, certified by EASA, include a dual rescue hoist with camera system, search radar, high definition FLIR system, searchlight, increased capacity fuel system, Flight Management System (FMS) & Automatic Flight Control System (AFCS) SAR modes, cabin mission console and various additional communication systems.
The SAR variant has been certified with a maximum all up mass of 8,600 kg (18,959 lb), an increase of 300 kg (661 lb), to provide increased payload.
The 11.2 m3 (395 ft3) reconfigurable cabin can accommodate two stretchers and six seated survivors alongside the two rear crew with easy access via the aircraft large sliding doors. Additionally the 2.4 m3 (85 ft3) baggage compartment can be accessed from the cabin and used to store equipment.
The AW189 has a maximum cruise speed of 155 knots (287 km/h) and with the increased fuel capacity, it has an endurance of 5 hours 40 minutes or a maximum range of 600 nm (1,111 km).
Additional safety features include a 50 minute ‘run-dry’ capable main gear box, exceeding current certification standards and offering unmatched safety and reliability for long range offshore operations.
Following EASA certification in early 2014, AW189 have already been delivered to customers in Europe, Asia and the Middle East including Bristow, Weststar Aviation Services, LCI, Gulf Helicopters and Bel Air.
The certification will allow Agustawestland to deliver AW189s to Bristow Helicopters for UK civilian search and rescue program.
