Two newly-commissioned AgustaWestland AW-109Es helicopters are now capable of carrying out their mission with the Philippine Navy (PN
Philippine Navy (PN) public affairs office chief Cmdr. Lued Lincuna, in a message to the PNA Thursday, said the aircraft were commissioned on Monday but the pilots were still undergoing proficiency training to hone their skills for the new equipment..
The PN’s armed AW-109Es are equipped with two .50 caliber machinegun pods and six 2.74-inch rocket launchers each.
The PN’s AW-109E contract for five helicopters, including the two armed units, is worth Php1.33 billion.
The AW-109 “Power” is a three-ton class eight seat helicopter powered by two Pratt and Whitney PW206C engines.
The spacious cabin is designed to be fitted with a number of modular equipment packages for quick and easy conversion between roles.
The aircraft’s safety features include a fully separated fuel system, dual hydraulic boost system, dual electrical systems and redundant lubrication and cooling systems for the main transmission and engines.
The AW-109 has established itself as the world’s best selling light-twin helicopter for maritime missions.
Its superior speed, capacity and productivity combined with reliability and ease of maintenance make it the most cost effective maritime helicopter in its class.
For shipboard operations the aircraft has a reinforced-wheeled landing gear and deck mooring points as well as extensive corrosion protection measures.
The ability to operate from small ships in high sea state enables the AW-109 to perform its mission when many others helicopters would be confined to the ship’s hangar.
Over 550 AW-109 “Power” and AW-109 light utility helicopters have been ordered for commercial, parapublic and military applications by customers in almost 50 countries. (PNA)
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