AgustaWestland has unveiled an 18-passenger, eight tonne-class twin-engined helicopter primarily for the oil and gas industry, where it will rival Eurocopter's EC175.
Called the AW189, the helicopter has the same airframe and basic equipment as the AW149 military transport, for which AgustaWestland is searching for customers. Sikorsky won a recent competition in Turkey, with the S-70i beating the AW149 in a $3.5 billion order.
"The AW189 is specially designed for the global oil and gas market to fly longer ranges at the best economics," said AgustaWestland chief executive Bruno Spagnolini. "It is an ideal platform for search and rescue as well."
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Spagnolini said the project is "low risk" due to its AW149 heritage, and that first flight of a development helicopter took place in November. He expects to achieve type certification by the end of 2013, with deliveries starting in 2014.
The helicopter is powered by two GE CT7-2E1 turboshaft engines, each producing 2,000lb of thrust (9kN), and has a Microturbo auxiliary power unit. Cruise speed is projected to be 145-150kt (270-277km/h), with a range that will allow a full load to be delivered to a platform 140nm (260km) from shore and back.
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Source: Flight Daily News
