AGUSTA HAS declined to comment on reports that it is developing an upgraded A.109 turbine twin, which will be available with three engine options. Industry sources suggest that the Italian Company has tested an improved Allison-powered variant and is about to begin flight tests of a Pratt & Whitney Canada PW200-powered version.
Agusta now produces two basic versions of the eight-seat helicopter, the Allison 250-C20R/1-powered A.109C and the Turbomeca Arriel 1K1-powered "hot-and-high" A.109K2. The company delivered seven K2s, but no Cs, in 1994. It is thought that an improved range is under development which will feature avionics upgrades and all three engine options.
The Italian manufacturer will say only that it is looking at several options to improve the A.109, which could include a "fan-in-fin" tail rotor. A totally new helicopter is unlikely, the company admits, given the depressed market and its investment in certification of the A.109.
US-based Agusta Aerospace is scheduled to deliver the first corporate-configured A.109K2 to a Mexican customer by April. The aircraft, the first K2 sold to Mexico, features a new interior offering reduced noise and vibration. The A.109K2 was selected over the Bell 230, based on its hot-and-high performance, Agusta says.
Source: Flight International
