AgustaWestland AW169 makes maiden flight

AgustaWestland has completed the first flight of its new AW169 4.5 ton helicopter.

The aircraft completed its maiden flight on 10 May at the company's Cascina Costa plant in the hands of chief test pilot, Giuseppe Lo Coco, test pilot Giuseppe Afruni, and flight test engineers Massimo Longo and Stefano Rognoni.

AgustaWestland gave brief details of the 25 minute flight saying the aircraft had 'performed as expected' and that it had included an assessment of the helicopter’s general handling and basic systems.

The first prototype (AC1/I-EASF) will be joined by two more aircraft later this year and a fourth prototype in 2013.

Bruno Spagnolini, CEO of AgustaWestland said: 'The AW169 is the only new generation helicopter in its category to be launched in decades, so this is an important milestone for the continued enhancement of AgustaWestland’s product range and for the development of our family of new generation helicopters.

'With both the AW169 and AW189 now flying and the AW139 established as the market leader in it class, we are able to offer the market the most advanced range of helicopters across the four to eight tonne weight classes in the shortest possible timescales.

'Operators will for the first time ever, in the helicopter market, be able to benefit from the advantages of a family concept of three new generation helicopters.'

The AW169 has already logged orders for 50 units and the company says it incorporates new generation technologies including an APU mode in the engine and touch screen cockpit displays.


Source: By the Shephard News Team - 11 May 2012

Photo: AgustaWestland AW169 makes maiden flight (Photo by AgustaWestland)

(11.05.2012)