AgustaWestland Expands Flight Test Programme Activities in the US

AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, is expanding its flight test activities in the US with the addition of the new generation AW189 8 ton class twin engine helicopter programme following the AW609 TiltRotor. One of the five existing prototypes suitable for the AW189 programme development is involved in a 9 months flight test campaign across various US States including Arizona, Texas and Alaska. Started in July earlier this year, the AW189 US flight test campaign is intended to support key development phases which comprise airfield performance testing (medium & low altitude), hot&high and cold trials. The airfield performance testing activities encompass handling qualities around the hover, hover performance, HV diagram, Cat A/B take-off and landing. All trials are expected to be completed within spring next year, with the AW189 certification expected in the second half of 2013. 

The AW189 programme has logged over 800 flight hours with more than 160 hours totalled in the USA. Through this programme AgustaWestland is rapidly introducing into the market latest generation technologies embedded into an advanced platform designed to meet a number of market requirements for longer range, higher payload and outstanding mission versatility and safety standards combined with lower operating costs. The AW189 is optimized for offshore transport, SAR, parapublic and passenger transport missions. Several operators across the globe have already signed contracts for more than 60 units (firm orders and options), also including Era Group, Bristow Group, Bond Aviation, Gulf Helicopters, Weststar, Belair. 

The AW189 is part of AgustaWestland’s family of new generation helicopters that also includes the AW169 4.5 ton light intermediate and the AW139 6.4/6.8 ton intermediate models, and benefits from the lessons learnt and the unequalled market success of the AW139, the best selling aircraft in its category with order for more than 660 units from customers worldwide and over 500 helicopters already in service. Helicopters across the Family concept all possess the same high performance flight characteristics and safety features and share the same common cockpit layout, design philosophy and maintenance concepts. This approach will deliver real cost savings in areas such as training, maintenance and support for customers operating at least two out of the three Family’s types.

Meanwhile the AW609 TiltRotor development has significantly further progressed since programme acquisition by AgustaWestland in 2011, logging more than 750 flight hours with its first two out of four prototypes, and the basic flight envelope expansion now nearing 90%. An Integrated Development Team consists of around 250 people based in Arlington (TX) and Cascina Costa (Italy). Aircraft No. 3 ad 4 are being built in Italy with No. 3 expected to take to the air for the first time within 2013 and No.4 expected to join the programme in 2014. With the addition of all new avionics featuring Rockwell Collins Fusion EDS, upgraded powerplant and flight controls as well as new STOL capabilities, the AW609 is now set to achieve certification in 2016.