The Royal New Zealand Air Force’s (RNZAF) new A109 helicopter has completed its first integration trial with the navy’s HMNZS Canterbury multirole vessel.

The trial was intended to test the helicopter in non-operational conditions as well as its ability to operate and be maintained on the ship.

The test flight results raised some issues with the aircraft that will be rectified, while the aircraft undergoes further trials before being deemed operational, according to Scoop.co.nz.

The AW109, built by AgustaWestland, is a light-weight, twin-engine, eight-seat multipurpose helicopter capable of performing light transport, medevac, search and rescue, and military roles.

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