Will Feature New Generation Aneto-1K Engines By Safran Helicopter Engines

Leonardo has introduced a new variant of its AW189 helicopter with a new engine at Helitech in London this week. The AgustaWestland AW189K will feature the new generation 2,500 shp class Aneto-1K engine, which was also unveiled by Safran Helicopter Engines at Helitech. The AW189K is the first helicopter to be powered by a model in this family of new generation engines developed by Safran Helicopter Engines, and offers a further option in the super medium category.

"This new turboshaft engine will offer our customers a high level of performance and further extend the capabilities and versatility of our super medium platform, particularly in hot & high conditions," said Gian Piero Cutillo, MD Leonardo Helicopters. "Operators will also benefit from Safran’s longstanding experience in the helicopter market as well as from its strong worldwide support network.”

“With the Aneto engine family we are today bringing to the market a new generation and competitive engine solution for the super medium and heavy helicopter market, offering a new level of performance coupled with reduced operating costs," said Bruno Even, Safran Helicopter Engines’ President. "We’re convinced the AW189K, powered by the Aneto, will prove to be very attractive to many operators due to its outstanding capabilities‘”   

A dedicated AW189K prototype performed its maiden flight at Leonardo’s Cascina Costa plant in Italy on 9 March 2017 and has so far demonstrated excellent performance in a wide range of conditions. Early assessments show  very good performance capabilities in demanding weight, altitude and temperature (WAT) conditions, and excellent Performance Class 1  capabilities also from offshore are also expected. The flight test program continues to validate aircraft performance estimates in high and low temperature conditions and at high altitudes. EASA type certification is expected in the fourth quarter of 2018.

The AW189K’s increased performance capabilities in hot and high conditions makes it ideal for  various customer requirements across a range of geographies and allows to better leverage the versatility of the super medium platform, not just for long range offshore transport or SAR but also for VIP transport, firefighting and various parapublic duties.

More than 30 AW189s are in service worldwide and over 25,000 flight hours logged to date.  

(Image provided with Leonardo Company news release)

FMI: www.leonardocompany.com