In a ceremony that took place Thursday at LIMA 2005, the first A109 LOH was handed over to the Malaysian Army Aviation. Accepting the aircraft on behalf of the Malaysian Army Aviation was Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence Honourable Datuk Seri Mohamed Najib Bin Tun Haji Razak.

AgustaWestland was awarded a contract by the Malaysian Ministry Of Defence for the supply of eleven A109 Light Observation Helicopters (LOHs), together with an initial product support and training package, in late 2003. The A109 LOH, a version of the well known A109 LUH, was selected as the best and most cost effective helicopter following a rigorous process of evaluation run by the Malaysian Ministry of Defence against several competitors. The primary purpose of the LOH is to serve as a cost efficient system for observation, reconnaissance, tactical transport and area suppression missions.

The Malaysian Army Aviation will become the first operator of the A109 LOH in Asia and the third customer to start operations worldwide. A109 LUHs are already in service with the South African and Swedish armed forces. The A109 LUH has an order book totaling 61 units.

FMI: www.agustawestland.com