Bell Agusta has started final production of the AB139 corporate helicopter at its Cascina Costa plant outside Milan. The production line has moved to full capacity following successful test flights late last month of the third prototype.
The helicopter has a useful load of 2,500kg (5,500lb) and a maximum range of 750km (405nm) with no reserve at a maximum speed of 167kt (310km/h) when configured in six-seater VIP version.
Source: Flight International
Airbus Helicopters and partner PHI Aviation will shortly begin route-proving trials with the former’s H160 medium-twin in the Gulf of Mexico.
Piasecki Aircraft has secured new work for its ‘Heliplex’ facility in Coatesville, Pennsylvania, signing a collaboration agreement with Columbia Helicopters to upgrade Model 107 tandem-rotor helicopters to a new more fuel-efficient standard.
MD Helicopters has promoted Ryan Weeks to the role of president, overseeing the day-to-day operations of the rotorcraft manufacturer.
