AgustaWestland completed the first flight of its prototype AW189 twin-engine 8t class helicopter on 22 December. The helicopter made its public debut at the Paris Air Show last year and the first prototype made its maiden flight ahead of schedule. AgustaWestland aims to achieve civil certification for the AW189 in 2013 and to start deliveries in early 2014.
The AW189 was flown by the company’s chief test pilot, Giuseppe Lo Coco, at its Cascina Costa plant in Italy. It performed as expected during the flight which included an assessment of its general handling and basic systems. The first prototype will be used for avionic system testing and certification of offshore equipment options, while the second prototype, set to fly this year, will be dedicated to a load survey programme.
The all-new AW189 was launched in 2011 in response to the growing market demand for a versatile, affordable, multirole helicopter in the 8t class. A number of sales have already been secured from leading operators serving the offshore oil and gas markets.
The AW189 is part of AgustaWestland’s family of helicopters that includes the AW169 and AW139 models. They all share the same flight characteristics and safety features as well as common cockpit layout, design philosophy and maintenance concepts.
The new-generation AW189 will meet the latest international regulatory safety requirements (EASA/FAA Part 29, JAR OPS 3/EU-OPS).
- Photograph supplied by AgustaWestland