Thu, May 06, 2010
EASA Gave FIPS The Nod Earlier This Year, Canada Should Be
Next
The Full Ice Protection System (FIPS) for the AW139 medium twin
helicopter has received FAA certification, AgustaWestland announced
Wednesday. The FAA certification follows EASA certification which
was issued in February of this year. TCAA (Canada) certification is
expected soon.
The AW139 is the first helicopter in its weight category to
receive FIPS Certification. With FIPS, the AW139 is equipped to fly
into known icing conditions with unprecedented all weather
capabilities. In 2010 AgustaWestland expects to deliver 12
FIPS-equipped AW139s. Since 2004, AgustaWestland teams based in
Italy and the United States have worked together under the
supervision of the aviation authorities from Europe, the United
States and Canada, to complete the certification process.
FIPS certification, achieved following three extensive series of
trials in North America, completes the process that makes the
multi-role AW139 suitable to operate in the most adverse and harsh
environmental conditions. The AW139 helicopter has also
demonstrated excellent flight performance and ample margins in a
wide range of demanding icing conditions, well in excess of those
normally encountered by helicopters in typical operating
environments.
The FIPS system is available as an option and includes ice
detectors, automatic activation system with manual back up,
electrical power generators, engine intake protection grids, heated
windshield and blades (main and tail rotor). The AW139 equipped
with the FIPS system retains the performance and procedures for
Cat.A operations and generates no restrictions during IFR
operations, therefore expanding the already impressive all-weather
operating capability.
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