Asian Pacific Region Civil Helicopters Asian Sky Fleet Report Year End 2016

AIRCRAFT SPOTLIGHT: AW169 & AW189
The AW189, which first performed its maiden flight
in 2013, has a large and open cabin, suitable
for varying configurations and up to 18 seats.
Optimized for long range offshore transport and search and
rescue (SAR) missions, the AW189 is unique in having a 50
minute 'run-dry' capable main gear box, exceeding current
certification standards and offering unmatched safety and
reliability for long range offshore operations.
A typical offshore configuration for the AW189 consists of
16 individual crashworthy seats, with separate four-point
safety belts, external life rafts and emergency floats and
weather radar, among a number of inclusions.
For all-weather search and rescue (SAR) and medical
evacuation (MEDEVAC) missions, the AW189’s configuration
features a low-workload fully integrated glass cockpit,
comprehensive sensor options, spacious cabin equipped
to ensure operational capability. Using advanced in-house
developed avionics and systems, the AW189 includes
a variety of search modes and patterns, a hover point
approach (HPA), full mission equipment integration with
flight management system (FMS) and an obstacle proximity
lidar system (OPLS).
cabin. Its cockpit combines the latest-generation avionics
with a full digital glass cockpit, minimizing the workload of
pilots and provides single/dual pilot VFR/IFR capability. In
accordance with its high safety standards, the AW169 is
complete with a crash-resistant airframe, large windows
for emergency egress and one engine inoperative (OEI)
capability, even in challenging hot and high conditions.
Safety on the ground is enhanced by the high clearance
of the main and tail rotors. The auxiliary power unit (APU)
mode ensures the continued operation of electrical end
hydraulic systems.
The configurability of the helicopter allows for adaptability
to a variety of missions. For private and executive
support, the AW169 is designed to relax or to conduct
business comfortably and can be arranged in a variety of
configurations, ranging from a luxurious five-seat design to
an eight-seat design. Its spacious interior, easily accessible
via an automatically deployed footstep, is designed for the
ultimate in-flight experience. The executive configuration
comes complete with a wireless cabin control and
entertainment system.
AgustaWestland announced that production of the AW169
was underway at the Farnborough International Air Show.
At the time of its launch in 2015, the 4.6 ton, twin-turbine,
mid-size helicopter was the first all new aircraft in its weight
category to enter the market in over 30 years. Issued the
European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA) Part 29 certifications for performance
and safety, the AW169 is acclaimed for its reliability and
versatility in even the most challenging conditions.
Accommodating seven to 10 passengers, the AW169 is
positioned between the eight-seat AW109 GrandNew and
the 15-seat AW139, offering a large and rapidly configurable
For law enforcement and emergency medical service (EMS)
operations, the AW169 is suitable for air observation, aerial
support, drug enforcement, border patrol, troop transport,
medical evacuation, disaster relief and utility, among other
operations. The aircraft can be customized into a number
of ways suitable for equipment, cargo hooks, internal
weapons, stretchers, etc. Features, ideal for an EMS or law
enforcement mission, include outstanding performance in
hot and high conditions, high power margins for excellent
hovering and controllability characteristics, high cruising
speed, maximized range and endurance and heavy-duty
landing gear for unprepared terrains.
Offshore operation configurations are also accommodated
by the AW169, compliant with the most rigorous standards
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ASIA PACIFIC REGION CIVIL HELICOPTER FLEET REPORT – YEAR END 2016