AgustaWestland is to assemble the AB139 medium twin helicopter at its plant in Philadelphia, USA, after buying back Bell Helicopter’s 25% stake in the programme. Under the Bell Agusta Aerospace (BAAC) joint venture, Bell had planned to assemble the AB139 next year at its plant in Amarillo, Texas.
Italy’s AgustaWestland will assume 100% ownership of the AB139, paying an undisclosed sum for Bell’s 25% stake. The US manufacturer’s parent, Textron, says the transaction will contribute about 15¢ per share – about $20 million – to its earnings in the fourth quarter.
The BA609 civil tiltrotor will remain within the BAAC joint venture, with AgustaWestland expected to raise its stake in the programme from 25% to up to 40% by increasing its investment during development. Now in flight test at Bell, and to fly shortly in Italy, the BA609 is planned for certification in 2008.
Although the AgustaWestland-developed AB139 came under the BAAC umbrella, each company was responsible for its own sales and support. Consolidating ownership of the programme “will provide a single face to the customer” to increase sales and improve support, says AgustaWestland chief executive Giuseppe Orsi. The company will also be free to offer the AB139 packaged with its other helicopters.
Both companies say the decision to split was taken before they separately entered the US Army’s Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) contest with the AB139 and Bell 412. US production of the AB139, key to the LUH competition, is now planned at the Agusta Aerospace plant in Philadelphia.
AB139 production is now under way in Italy against a 135-aircraft orderbook.
Source: Flight International
