The intermediate light twin-engine helicopter AW169 recently received EASA (European Aviation Safety Agency) certification for landing gear and single IFR modes, as well as single pilot and Advanced Search and Rescue (SAR), further enhancing its operational capabilities and configuration options.
These latest achievements allow for further enhancements such as the introduction of the Phase 8 core avionics software version combined with HTAWS (Helicopter Terrain Awareness Warning System) offshore modes.
The introduction of skids adds to existing retractable and fixed landing gear options, providing the market with all three undercarriage solutions. This makes the AW169 the only modern CS29-certified aircraft capable of offering all options and demonstrates the versatility of the type's design.
This certification will allow the start of deliveries of aircraft with the skid configuration; the first are expected to be delivered to police operators in Italy.
Advanced Search and Rescue (SAR) modes introduce search patterns with dedicated FMS (Flight Management System), allowing the aircraft to automatically fly along a predefined search path, which reduces pilot workload in the search phase of a SAR mission.
The AW169 is the only helicopter in its weight class that has advanced SAR modes. The high level of automation provided has enabled certification of SAR modes with single-pilot capability, making the AW169 the world's first civil certified helicopter with this capability.
Other ongoing developments to expand the range of options and kits also include a modular fuel tank installation with a capacity of 700-880 kg or a 3-seater installation in the third row of seats, increasing cabin enger capacity to 11 and giving operators an even greater degree of freedom to maximize mission versatility in of payload and range.
These latest enhancements are in addition to performance enhancement packages, certified in late 2021, and deliver increased performance across all applications, making the AW169 the best power-to-weight helicopter in its class.
Designed with maximum flexibility in mind, the AW169 continues to provide all-new features for operators looking for an ideal combination of light helicopter cost with higher-category performance in of payload and cabin space, all combined with services comprehensive services and complete and training options.
The introduction of the AW169 further strengthened Leonardo's competitiveness and market position in the global helicopter market. It expanded Leonardo's presence in the area of emergency medical services and added operators who use aircraft for law enforcement, disaster relief and firefighting duties.
The model further reinforces the company's leadership in the multi-engine VIP market, offering operators yet another choice between the popular AW109 series and the currently top-selling AW139 models.
The AW169 also adds a solution for smaller operations to the energy sector and allows Leonardo to play a growing role in the new field of wind farm .
In addition, its dual-use design responds to a range of government, homeland security and defense requirements in Italy and abroad for missions such as surveillance, troop transport, combat operations, disaster relief, emergency response, combat fires, training, mountain rescue and medical evacuation.
More than 300 AW169s have already been ordered and around 150 units delivered from the final assembly line in Vergiate (town in the province of Varese, Italy) to operators in 25 countries. The global fleet has logged more than 125.000 flight hours in total, operating in all types of operations and conditions. The fleet leader has sured 3.000 flight hours in EMS operations in Sweden.
Street: Leonardo
