Leonardo-Finmeccanica has announced that the AW169 light intermediate twin engine helicopter has obtained certification by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) for an increased maximum gross weight kit; and achieved basic certification by the National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC) of Brazil.
AW169 obtains maximum gross weight increase certification by EASA
The Leonardo-Finmeccanica (formerly AgustaWestland) AW169 light intermediate twin engine helicopter obtained certification by the EASA for an increased maximum gross weight kit to 4,800 kilograms (10,582 pounds) on Oct. 31. Operators will be able to benefit from up to 200 kilograms (441 pounds) of extra payload compared to the standard 4,600 kilograms (10,141 pounds) maximum gross weight, which also translates into a 100-nautical-mile range extension.
Existing customers will be able to retrofit the 4.8 tonne increased gross weight kit to enhance their aircraft’s capabilities.
The 4.8-tonne AW169 responds to the evolving market demand for extended range and endurance in the light intermediate category combined with new generation mission capability, safety standards and state-of-the-art technology. All main applications for which the AW169 has already proven greatly successful will take advantage from this latest enhancement, from public utility to private customers, including those operating in the corporate and offshore markets and will allow even greater competitiveness.
Deliveries of 4.8-tonne AW169s are expected to start shortly to customers worldwide. Agreements for over 150 AW169s, including firm orders, options and framework contracts, have been signed to date by customers worldwide.
The type has already been selected for a range of duties including air ambulance, executive/corporate transport, offshore transport and utility roles and is delivered to customers worldwide. The AW169 is part of the family of new generation helicopters that includes the AW139 and AW189 models, which possess the same high performance flight characteristics and safety features as well as sharing a common cockpit layout, design philosophy and maintenance/training concept. This commonality will allow more effective operations for customers operating helicopter fleets across the four- to nine-tonne categories.
AW169 obtains Brazil’s National Civil Aviation Agency certification
The AW169 helicopter has also achieved basic certification by ANAC of Brazil with deliveries to soon begin. Of the more than 150 agreements signed for the AW169 to date, including firm orders, framework contracts, and options, over 20 of them are from operators in Brazil, with significant success in the executive/private transport sector.
The company maintains a leading position in the global VIP transport market with a 50 percent share in the multi-engine segment, which will be further reinforced through AW169 deliveries worldwide.
A versatile, new generation twin engine light intermediate category helicopter, the AW169, has been designed in response to the growing market demand for an aircraft that delivers high performance, meets all the latest safety standards and has multi-role capabilities. The AW169 incorporates several new technology features in the rotor system, engines, avionics, transmission and electric power generation and distribution systems.
