AgustaWestland's AW139 medium twin-engined helicopter has become the first aircraft in its category to be certificated to fly in known icing conditions following approval from the European, Canadian and US aviation authorities for its Goodrich-designed rotor-blade ice protection system.
"The development of a completely integrated civil certified ice protection system was a 'first time' for both companies," says AgustaWestland. Rotor-blade ice protection is a key part of the full ice-protection system and gives the AW139 full-weather capability. The automated system uses DuraTherm electrothermal mats designed to tolerate damage including punctures and continue to provide ice protection.
 |
|---|
© AgustaWestland |
Goodrich's ice-detection and ice-protection products are already used on many rotorcraft, including the Bell Boeing V-22 tiltrotor, Boeing Apache AH-64, NH Industries NH90, Korea Aerospace Industries Surion utility helicopter and the Sikorsky Black Hawk, CH-/MH-53, S-76 and S-92.
Meanwhile, AgustaWestland has won an order from US oil and gas support and emergency medical services company PHI for 10 AW139 helicopters. The 15-seat aircraft will be used to support PHI's offshore crew transport contracts throughout the world. According to the Anglo-Italian manufacturer, almost 480 AW139s have been sold to more than 130 customers.
Source: Flight International
