Deliveries of AgustaWestland A109 Power helicopters to Saudi Aramco are underway with five of the seven aircraft ordered already accepted. The remaining two aircraft are expected to be accepted by the end of the year. The first aircraft was delivered to Saudi Arabia last week following earlier acceptance and pilot training in the United States.

The Saudi Aramco offshore utility configured aircraft is part of a large fleet that supports oil field drilling, exploration, security, production and will also provide VIP and medical evacuation transport activities in the Eastern provinces of Saudi Arabia and throughout the Arabian Gulf. The aircraft were customized and completed at AgustaWestland Philadelphia facility in the United States. The A109 Power helicopters are configured with a six-seat utility convertible interior that allows for emergency medical transport of two litters. They are also equipped with emergency floats with integrated life rafts which were specially developed for this customer. The helicopters also have HEELS (Helicopter Emergency Egress Lighting System) to help the crew and passengers find their way out of the helicopter in the event of a ditching.

Additionally they are equipped with the MaxViz EVS1000 Enhanced Vision System that increases safety during low visibility operations by displaying in the cockpit an enhanced outside view for the pilot using infrared technology. This installation on the A109 Power is the only one in the world on a helicopter that is approved for use during taxiing operations.

FMI: www.agustawestland.com