AgustaWestland has begun full scale production of its new generation AW169 light intermediate 4.5-tonne class helicopter.
The first customer aircraft is now under final assembly at AW's Vergiate facility in Italy. The event marks a major milestone ahead of EASA certification, with deliveries to the first batch of customers set to start in the 2nd quarter of 2015.
The AW169 is being certified in accordance with EASA CS-29 / FAR Part 29 latest Amendments.
The AW169 is the first all new aircraft in its weight category to enter the market in nearly 40 years.
The AW169 flight test programme, utilizing four prototypes, has so far amassed over 1200 flying hours during flight testing in Italy, the UK and USA.
A second AW169 final assembly line is planned at AW’s Philadelphia plant in the US, while AW’s Yeovil plant in UK is already playing a key role in the production of rotor blades and tail rotor transmission system.
The AW169 can comfortably accommodate up to ten passengers in its large, unobstructed cabin, fitted with a range of customized equipment and entertainment systems. The powerplant features an Auxiliary power unit (APU) mode ensuring the continued operation of the environmental control system, radios and medical equipment when the rotors are stopped.
The AW169’s avionic suite introduces state-of-the-art technology including a full digital NVG compatible cockpit with three 8” x 10” large area displays (AMLCD) and touch screen technology with enhanced graphics capability for maximum situational awareness. 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.
Over 120 AW169 helicopters have been ordered by customers around the world to date, including framework contracts and options, for a wide range of applications including executive and private transport, air ambulance, law enforcement, offshore transport and utility roles.
