Medium Twin Helicopter Selected As Benchmark

It's official. AgustaWestland announced Friday that it has been awarded Russian civil certification for its AW139 medium twin helicopter and that MAK has now issued the Russian AW139 Type Certificate Data Sheet.

According to a company statement,the AW139 meets Russian operational requirements and has been identified and selected by Russian industry as the benchmark in the light medium weight category.

A final AW139 assembly line in Russia will be run by HeliVert, a joint venture between Russian Helicopters and AgustaWestland. It will target the civil markets in Russia and CIS countries.  Forecasts suggest the facility will produce approximately 20 helicopters per year, with production expected to progressively increase from 2011 to 2015.

The AW139 is capable of performing a wide range of roles including offshore transport, emergency medical service, search and rescue, VIP/corporate transport, shuttle services and public service duties. The cabin can be configured with room for 15 passengers or up to four stretchers and four medical attendants.

AW139 Helicopter File Photo

AgustaWestland says the AW139’s full de-icing configuration based on the Full Ice Protection System  further expands the existing capabilities of the AW139 by providing all weather capability.

The certification of the system by the TCAA, EASA and FAA comes at the end of an extensive four-year test program. Additionally, a Maximum Gross Weight of 14,991 pounds, an 882-pound increase on the basic MGW, is also available as an optional kit. The increased MGW and payload enable the AW139, to target the long range offshore transport market currently being met by larger 19-seat types.

The first AW139 order in Russia was placed by HeliClub in May 2010 and will be used to perform corporate and passenger transport missions.

FMI: www.agustawestland.com