AgustaWestland has been awarded a contract for the supply of its AW109 Power lightweight, multi-purpose helicopters to the Philippine Air Force (PAF).
According to the contract, the company will deliver a total of eight AW109 Power helicopters, along with initial logistics support and training for aircrew and maintenance personnel, to the air force.
Equipped with a dedicated mission package and equipment, including a combination of weapon systems, the PAF’s AW109 Power helicopters are scheduled to be used for homeland security, armed reconnaissance and close air support (CAS) missions.
AgustaWestland chief executive officer Daniele Romiti said the contract further reinforces the company’s already strong partnership with the Department of National Defence (DND).
”This latest achievement provides clear evidence of the customer’s confidence in the product while we’ve demonstrated that we are a reliable partner, able to offer a cost-effective solution,” Romiti said.
The contract makes PAF the second military service in the Philippines to operate the AW109 Power after the Philippine Navy, which placed an order for three helicopters in March 2013, to help enhance its maritime operational capability.
Powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada 206C or Turbomeca Arrius 2K1 turboshaft engines, the AW109 Power is an eight-seat multi-purpose helicopter designed for light transport, medical evacuation (MEDEVAC), and search-and-rescue (SAR) missions.
The three-tonne class helicopter is fitted with a fully separated fuel system, dual hydraulic boost system, dual electrical systems and redundant lubrication and cooling systems for the main transmission and engines, and has been ordered for a range of roles, including parapublic, military and commercial applications by customers in approximately 50 countries worldwide.
Deliveries under the contract are scheduled to commence in 2014.
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Image: An AW109 Power multi-purpose helicopter during its flight. Photo: © 2012 AgustaWestland – A Finmeccanica Company.
