The new generation of AguestaWestland helicopters made its first ever public appearance at the Farnborough International Airshow this week. The family, comprising the AW139 intermediate twin together with the first prototypes of the AW169 light intermediate and AW189 8-tonne class performed in the flying display on the first three days of the show.
The aircraft are also being represented in the static display area by an offshore configured AW139, utility configured AW169 full size mock-up and a SAR configured AW189 full size mock-up. The AW189 is contender for the UK’s SAR-H program, offering a new technology design with significant industrial benefits for the UK.
AgustaWestland is the first rotorcraft manufacturer to introduce a family of new generation helicopters. The AW169, AW139 and AW189 offers the market a family of products spanning the 4 to 8-ton weight classes. Sharing a common design approach and cockpit, complying with the latest safety and certification standards and with maintenance and training commonalities; the family concept offers a range of benefits to operators of more than one type. Establishing the advantage of this common design philosophy serving a wide range of missions, minimising operating costs and enhancing operational flexibility, AgustaWestland is providing new cost saving opportunities for helicopter fleet operators.
Commonality in performance across a fleet allows operators to develop/use similar procedures and operational approaches. Similarities in equipment packages ensure common procedures & training are built for the family-based fleet, enhancing flexibility in planning. A common stock of removable items across the fleet, for example passenger seats, offers greater flexibility. Similarities in systems architecture and positioning in the airframe provide a common approach to the helicopters maintenance. Fleet management in hangar is also optimized thanks to a common set of ground support equipment and maintenance tools. Savings in training are achievable due to a reduction in time for pilot type ratings when moving from one platform to another within the family.
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