AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, is pleased to announce that Russian civil certification for the AW139 medium twin helicopter has been successfully accomplished fulfilling MAK requirements. MAK has now issued the Russian AW139 Type Certificate Data Sheet. This adds to Russian civil certification already received for the single engine AW119Ke as well as for the AW109 Power and Grand light twin models.
Extensively tested in the most extreme conditions, such as those encountered in Canada and in the Middle East, the AW139 meets Russian operational requirements whilst delivering the highest levels of technology, safety and operational capability. The AW139, thanks to its outstanding features, has been identified and selected by Russian industry as the benchmark helicopter in the light medium weight category to meet various demanding civil requirements in the region. The first order for the AW139 in Russia was placed by HeliClub in May 2010 and the helicopter will be used to perform corporate and passenger transport missions.
A final assembly line in Russia for the AW139 civil helicopter is being set up to be run by HeliVert, a Russian Helicopters and AgustaWestland Joint Venture. The final assembly line is aimed at satisfying the requirements of the civil markets in Russia and CIS countries primarily and through the AgustaWestland network other markets around the world. The forecasted output is in excess of 20 helicopters per year, with production expected to progressively increase from 2011 to 2015.
An AW139 recently completed a four week demonstration tour across Russia allowing many potential customers to have a close look at the AW139 and experience its capabilities. Private customers, agency representatives, institutions, dignitaries and pilots flew the helicopter to experience the aircraft’s unprecedented levels of comfort, performance and manoeuvrability. The AW139 arrived in Moscow on May 19th and later stopped in some of Russia’s major cities including Kazan and Ufa before reaching Tymen and Surgut in Siberia where an intensive flying programme was undertaken as part of a framework agreement with the major Russian helicopter operator UTair. Personnel from UTair were given in depth briefings on the helicopter and had the opportunity to fly in the helicopter.
The sole new generation helicopter in its class with over 300 units already in service and orders for over 480 aircraft placed by more than 130 customers from almost 50 countries worldwide, the AW139 is the best seller in the medium twin category and a proven platform performing a wide range of roles including offshore transport, emergency medical service, search and rescue, VIP/corporate transport, shuttle services and public service duties. The largest cabin in its category provides room for 15 passengers or up to four stretchers and four medical attendants.
The all new AW139’s full de-icing configuration based on the Full Ice Protection System (FIPS) further expands the already impressive capabilities of the AW139 by providing a real all weather capability. The certification of the system by TCAA, EASA and FAA has been achieved after an extensive four year test programme. Additionally, a Maximum Gross Weight (MGW) of 6,800 kg (14,991 Ib), a 400 kg (882 Ib) increase on the basic MGW, is also available as an optional kit. The increased MGW and payload enable the AW139, with a maximum range of over 500 nm (926 km), to target the long range offshore transport market currently being met by larger 19-seat types.
.
.
.
