New Agusta AW169 announced at Farnborough

[Shawn Coyle]

Normally reliable sources tell me that Agusta is about to announce a new 10 pax machine at Farnborough in about 10 minutes. Standby!
And not a Ferrari, more of a pickup truck philosophy!

[gazbert]

A picture of the AW169 under wraps prior to the unveiling - FARN10: AgustaWestland to unveil "new" helicopter at high noon - As The Croft Flies (http://www.flightglobal.com/blogs/as-the-croft-flies/2010/07/farn10-agustawestland-to-unveil-new-helicopter-at-high-noon.html)

[Ian Corrigible]

Presumably the 169, originally introduced as the XX9 at F'boro '08.

I/C

[CS-Hover]

Only picture until now

Agusta Westland AW169 unveil #FARN10 on Twitpic (http://twitpic.com/26sm2g)

[Savoia]

It seems to be cross between the 109 and 139.

Well done - please keep the Farnborough news flowing.

S.

[nimby]

AgustaWestland Unveils The AW169 | AgustaWestland (http://www.agustawestland.com/news/agustawestland-unveils-aw169)

[SARREMF]

Had a good look round it today after the big reveal. Awesome potential and good news about Uk production.

[Earl of Rochester]

Here here.

I'm of the belief that AW have hit the nail on the head in terms of identifying the potential of the '4.5 ton' market as they call it.

EoR

[Sliding Doors]

Heard a rumour that Bond have ordered 4 already and that they will be taking most, if not all, of the Southern North Sea work from CHC in the very near future????

[Low Flier]

buzzwordbuzzwordbuzzword:


proud to unveil
new generation
multi-purpose
designed in response to the growing market demand for higher mission flexibility
multi-role capability
designed to meet the current and anticipated stringent requirements
worldwide
incorporates several new technology features
the highest levels of safety
operational benefits for customers
new generation
advanced aerodynamic rotor design
will deliver
excellent performance
the most demanding operating environments
eco-friendly design
benefits from extensive use of composites
advanced airframe aerodynamics
next generation navigation avionics
state-of-the-art systems
real and exciting potential this aircraft
Unveiling
brand new state-of-the-art helicopter
the very latest in technology
avionic suite introduces the very latest technology
full digital
enhanced graphics capability
digital automatic
minimises crew workloa
The avionics suite also complies with satellite-based navigation
capability to perform satellite-based IFR
Safety enhancing avionics
can be added to the standard avionic configuration
Environmental friendliness
New generation advanced
maximum efficiency
low emissions
advanced rotor aerodynamics
very low external noise
eco-friendly helicopter
according to the very latest standards
eco-friendly design
advanced airframe aerodynamics
next generation navigation avionics
state-of-the-art technology
new generation advanced
maximum efficiency
high power
can carry two pilots
or alternatively two stretchers
large unobstructed main cabin
complies with the most stringent safety requirements
crashworthy structure and seats
engineered with maximum maintainability in mind
high reliability
low maintenance
maximise operational effectiveness
modern design features and capabilities
the most advanced and cost/effective answer
mission requirements
can be customised with a wide range of equipment including weather radar
the first brand-new type introduced in its market segment
YadaYadaYadaHas the iPhone MkIV got an app which collects every saleswally's cliche ever said and then randomly mashes them all up into a sales spiel?

Have the salesmen just added a few conjunctives and verbs to the randomised rubbish?

It certainly looks like that when you read the rubbish that the saleswallies are spewing about the cut-down 139 bauble which they're trying to tout.

[Brian Abraham]

From Aviation International News today

Agusta Launches AW169 at Farnborough Airshow
In a surprise announcement yesterday at the Farnborough airshow, AgustaWestland unveiled its newest helicopter–the medium twin AW169. Nestling between the GrandNew and AW139 in the company’s line-up, the Pratt & Whitney Canada PW210-powered AW169 is aimed primarily at the government, parapublic and commercial markets, offering an eight- to 10-seat cabin that can be rapidly reconfigured for a variety of roles. “The AW169 keeps us in line with the latest market needs, and ahead of our competitors,” said AgustaWestland CEO Giuseppe Orsi. What was revealed yesterday in mockup form is the outcome of the XX9 project that AgustaWestland has talked about since at least 2008. The detailed specifications of the twin-engine AW169 have yet to be finalized, but should be completed in time to be revealed at Heli-Expo in March next year. AgustaWestland is coy about the planned date for the helicopter’s first flight, but said it is aiming toward FAA/EASA Part 29 certification and service-entry in the 2014 to 2015 timeframe. Prospective customers include law enforcement and security agencies, including those with special forces, search-and-rescue organizations and emergency medical responders. The type also has natural applications in the commercial world, both onshore and offshore.

[MightyGem]

AgustaWestland Unveils The AW169 | AgustaWestland (http://redirectingat.com/?id=42X487496&xs=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.agustawestland.com%2Fnews%2Fagustawestl and-unveils-aw169&sref=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pprune.org%2Frotorheads%2F421453-new-agusta-aw169-announced-farnborough.html)

Which UK Police force do they reckon is going to buy it?

[HeliCraig]

Dyfed-Powys operate an A109E which is now 7 years old (G-DPPF), maybe they will have bundles of cash for the AW169 when its released? :}

[sunnywa]

For me, the perfect machine, apart from not being able to get one now. Bugger.......................:(:(

[Aser]

After the 139 & 189, we need a thread for the 169

INAER signs for ten AW169s | Helihub - the Helicopter Industry Data Source (http://www.helihub.com/2011/06/23/inaer-signs-for-ten-aw169s/)


Regards
Aser

[Aser]

Capitale Helicoptere Orders Three AW169 Helicopters | AgustaWestland (http://www.agustawestland.com/news/capitale-helicoptere-orders-three-aw169-helicopters)

AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, is pleased to announce that Capitale Helicoptere of Canada has signed a contract for three AW169 helicopters. These aircraft will be used to perform charter, VIP transport, utility and medevac operations. This contract marks the first Canadian order for the AW169 helicopter. A significant number of firm orders have already been logged worldwide for a range of applications. The AW169 helicopter program, which was unveiled at the Farnborough International Air Show in July 2010, is progressing as planned with the first flight scheduled in 2012 and certification with a range of mission equipment in 2015. Deliveries are expected to follow immediately after certification is obtained.


Regards
Aser

[Aser]

Warwickshire & Northamptonshire Air Ambulance Signs Contract for Two AW169 Helicopters (http://www.agustawestland.com/news/warwickshire-northamptonshire-air-ambulance-signs-contract-two-aw169-helicopters-%E2%80%93-first-uk-sal)

UK Government Confirms £22m Loan to AgustaWestland in Support of the AW169 Commercial Helicopter Programme | AgustaWestland (http://www.agustawestland.com/news/uk-government-confirms-22m-loan-agustawestland-support-aw169-commercial-helicopter-programme)

:ok:

Regards
Aser

[Grand Ops]

Blimey, the fundraisers at that charity will have their work cut out if they are to find the cash for them!!!!! Or is there a Govt. involvement we are not aware of...........One wonders.......:confused:

[HeliCraig]

WNAA / DLRAA's current aircraft (A109E's & A109S) are showing as OWNED by Sloane Helicopters, who are heavily involved with the charity providing a/c, pilots, maint etc...

... so what puzzles me is that WNAA are signing contracts to buy them; unless the model is changing going forward to owning the a/c (as some charities do).

But the cynic in me says that it's not so much of a PR hit for AW announcing they've sold 2 a/c to their UK dealer for use as HEMS machines. Sounds much better if the HEMS operator buys them!! But I am known to be a cynic.

[Thud_and_Blunder]

Interesting - according to the pic included with the press release, the Sloane Air Ambos will have a hoist/winch fitted.

Must dust off some previous threads - or possibly not.

[HeliCraig]

Believe the current machines have the mounting points fitted. :confused:

[Grand Ops]

Thud, the AW press release pic is not a pic of the current setup, but what appears to be a CGI mock of what the AW169 would look like....................therefore your hoist comment irrelevant.!

Craig - Its worth noting that Sloane are not an appointed AW169 distributor, so surely AW can sell this type to whom ever they see fit.???? You cynic you.!!! lol

[chopper2004]

Just seen on the AgustaWestland website that Warwickshire & Northamptonshire Air Ambulance have ordered 2 x AW169 as of last thursday.

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g209/longranger/AW896_web_0.jpg

[Grand Ops]

Not a rumour......:rolleyes:

[PANews]

Still trying to clarify whether its actually a 'buy' .... current aircraft 109s are leased via Sloane.... 'buy' is a major step forward for any charity in a recession let alone buying two brand spanking new untried and expensive airframes where you are first footing the EMS variant......

The equivelent today would be an AA buying two EC145s off the shelf..... no sign of that any day soon....

[NorthernKestrel]

Here's an in-depth report on the AW169 announcement from last Thursday

‘Rebirth’ of the UK civil helicopter industry | Aerospace Insight | The Royal Aeronautical Society (http://www.aerosocietychannel.com/aerospace-insight/2011/07/rebirth-of-uk-civil-heli-industry/)

Anyone disagree and think it may end up another WG-30...?

[Grand Ops]

The similarities between the two (AW169 - WG30) are there arent they.!!!

Time will tell......but we've been here before havent we.........and i for one really cannot see a "charity" buying these two machines.........thats alot of tin shaking, especially when the opposition will still be operating cheaper alternatives in the county next-door.........residents of Warks and Northants will feel a little overspent in comparison to those of Bucks, Beds, Herts etc....... whats wrong with what they have got, and whats wrong with replacing them with the next generation of A109S Grand New aircraft........?
:confused:

[SilsoeSid]

Dyfed-Powys operate an A109E which is now 7 years old (G-DPPF), maybe they will have bundles of cash for the AW169 when its released?

Same Dyfed-Powys that are having to get rid of their helicopter in budget cuts? ;)

BBC News - Dyfed-Powys Police helicopter 'to be scrapped' (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-mid-wales-11631164)

[Aser]

New Generation AW169 Helicopter Lands in London | Vertical - Helicopter News (http://verticalmag.com/news/article.php?aid=18341)

Regards
Aser

[switch_on_lofty]

Grand Ops:

Yes, all AW medium helos look to me like a big Lynx or WG30.

Not that that's a bad thing!

[Aser]

Auckland Rescue Helicopter signs up for AW169 | Voxy.co.nz (http://www.voxy.co.nz/national/auckland-rescue-helicopter-signs-aw169/5/104665)

The Auckland Rescue Helicopter Trust has signed a contract to acquire a state-of-the-art AW169 helicopter for delivery in 2015.

The new helicopter will significantly enhance the Rescue Helicopter Trust's operational capabilities and service level.

ARHT chief executive Bob Parkinson welcomed the acquisition, saying the high performance helicopter will mean superior outcomes for rescues and a better level of care for all patients who come onboard.

He says the new machine demonstrates the Trust's commitment to investing in modern, world class equipment.

"The AW169 will be specifically configured for EMS/SAR and be able to fly in more marginal weather conditions, reach destinations much faster and carry more equipment, fuel and crew members," says Mr Parkinson.

The high performance aircraft, built by Agusta Westland, a Finmeccanica company based in Italy and the United States, was unveiled for the first time at an international air show in July 2010. The AW169 is scheduled to commence test flights in 2012 with customer deliveries starting in 2015.

It features a versatile, new generation twin engine, new technologies in rotor systems and avionics and meets the latest safety standards and is the most advanced and cost effective helicopter in its class for EMS and SAR missions.

The final delivery price of the machine will be subject to ARHT finalising the exact configuration of equipment and capabilities. The exchange rate will also be a factor but the final price is expected to be between NZ$12-15 million.

Senior vice president of AgustaWestland's Commercial Business Unit, Emilio Dalmasso, says: "It gives us great pleasure to receive an order for the state-of-the-art AW169 from the Auckland Rescue Helicopter Trust which has an excellent reputation for delivering EMA and SAR services in New Zealand."

The Auckland Rescue Helicopter Trust currently operates two helicopters, servicing the greater Auckland region and the Coromandel, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Approximately 750 missions will be undertaken this year.

For more information on the Westpac Rescue Helicopters or to donate to the service provided by the Auckland Rescue Helicopter Trust, please visit Auckland Rescue Helicopter Trust - Home of Auckland's Westpac Rescue Helicopter (http://www.rescuehelicopter.org.nz)

Regards
Aser

[chopper2004]

According to AW website it flew yesterday :)

New Generation AW169 Helicopter Completes Its Maiden Flight | AgustaWestland (http://www.agustawestland.com/news/new-generation-aw169-helicopter-completes-its-maiden-flight)

http://www.agustawestland.com/sites/default/files/AgustaWestland/AW961_1web.JPG

http://www.agustawestland.com/sites/default/files/AgustaWestland/AW961_3web.JPG

[maverick-13]

hi,
it seems to me that the tail rotor is a little side-rotated like on its AW139 brother... any idea of the angle? :rolleyes:
regards

[maverick-13]

I-PTFB agustawestland AW169 C/N 69002 - Helicopter Database (http://www.helis.com/database/cn/27148/)

[helihub]

http://www.helihub.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/aw169-2ff1-2x.jpg

[Savoia]

Linfox Order Three AW169's

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-V1Fw4OCJ1wQ/T_7uTKogmuI/AAAAAAAAJRs/g3-gqUL2rZw/s0-d/Linfox-Orders-Three-VIP-AW169-Helicopters.jpg
Linfox will take delivery of Australia's first corporate AW169

AgustaWestland is proud to announce that Linfox has signed a contract for three AW169 helicopters in corporate configuration. The aircraft will be used to perform corporate transport missions in the Melbourne area of Australia. This order marks the entrance of the AW169 into the Australian corporate/VIP transport market. AgustaWestland have also received an order for two AW169 helicopters from the Auckland Rescue Helicopter Trust in New Zealand further strengthening the success of this model in Australasia.

More (http://www.agustawestland.com/news/linfox-orders-three-vip-aw169-helicopters).

The Linfox lineage ..

Linfox began their Agustarisation with a 119 ..

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-NXUSONNzY_I/T_7uSZgZfoI/AAAAAAAAJRE/rfW47yFwzyk/s400/A119+Linfox.jpg

progressed to a 109E ..

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--6RUH98fjB8/T_7uSR4LEdI/AAAAAAAAJRg/LaCCMU233Kg/s0-d/109E%2BMelbourne%2BEssendon%2B29%2BDec%2B04%2B%2528George%2B Canciani%2529.jpg

then a 109S (or two) ;) ..

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-BCWYTlHTwe8/T_7uSdwQZ3I/AAAAAAAAJRo/GpdwfCMKa3c/s0-d/Linfox%2B109S%2BAvalon%2B13%2BMar%2B09.jpg

Linfox Group (http://www.linfox.com/)

Italian based Mecaer Aviation Group (MAG) have introduced a new cabin design for the AgustaWestland AW169:

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-wN25qWCPL0I/T_70bfJErxI/AAAAAAAAJSM/z0BRhsF4Iqg/s0-d/169%2BInterior.jpg
MAG's club configuration for the AW169 with two forward facing seats at the rear of the cabin for 'personal staff' bringing the cabin accommodation to six

[fluffy5]

Well I do hope when the 169 is operational at some companies that they do not have the extortion maintenance costs, that have and still lurk around the 139.
A few months ago I was having a chat and going through just the parts lists and started to do the sums and at the moment we are on course for running a 139 unit, within 6.5 years we would have paid for a brand new one just in maintenance costs. So with a bit of luck and keep the hours very low on the airframe maybe the 169 will not make to many companies file for bankruptcy.

Top tip. . . Try not to do to much cat a, landing, as the 139 whips itself up into a vibrating frenzy of Italian airframe.

Fluffy

[AdamFrisch]

It looks exactly like a 139.... What did they do - slap a new sticker on or something?

[espresso drinker]

Fuffly, just one minor correction. Polish Airframe

Adam, it's not exactly the same under that shiny 'new sticker', but is meant to be very similar to the 139 as that is the whole concept of the new 139, 169 & 189 family.

http://www.agustawestland.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/aw_resize_media_gallery//images/IMG_6409.JPG


AWFamily - Distinct Capabilities, One DNA | AgustaWestland (http://www.agustawestland.com/content/awfamily-distinct-capabilities-one-dna)

[Savoia]

Try not to do to much cat a, landing, as the 139 whips itself up into a vibrating frenzy of Italian airframe.
Can any 139 drivers qualify this?

[SilsoeSid]

Specialist Aviation Services Orders AW169 Helicopters for Parapublic Missions | AgustaWestland (http://www.agustawestland.com/news/specialist-aviation-services-orders-aw169-helicopters-parapublic-missions)

AgustaWestland is pleased to announce that Specialist Aviation Services has signed a contract today for six AW169 helicopters including firm orders and options. The contract was signed by Henk Schaeken, Group Managing Director of Specialist Aviation Services at the Farnborough International Airshow. The helicopters will amongst others be used for emergency services missions with deliveries commencing in 2015.

http://www.specialist-aviation.co.uk/staff/documents/SASExpandsPortfoliowithAW169Orders11July2012.pdf

Henk Schaeken stated that “We see some of our customers expanding the range of missions that they are offering and this requires a larger more capable helicopter. We remain fully committed to the MD Explorer which we believe is the best helicopter in its class, but we have to be in a position to offer our customers more choice.
“The AW169 offers the latest technology and extra size we are looking for, so is ideal for expanding the range of platforms that we are able to offer.”


Anyone else thinking, Winsor (http://www.whitecase.com/Attorneys/Detail.aspx?attorney=1700), May (http://www.politics.co.uk/news/2012/06/27/rubber-stamping-mps-submit-to-theresa-may-coup), HMIC (http://www.hmic.gov.uk/police-performance/ladder-of-support-and-intervention/), G4S, White & Case (http://www.whitecase.com/press-02292012/)?


The first move by the company’s UK operation into the civil helicopter market came last year when it received £32m of government funding to secure the production at Yeovil of components for the AW169.
AgustaWestland hopes to build civilian helicopter in Somerset | News | The Engineer (http://www.theengineer.co.uk/sectors/aerospace/news/agustawestland-hopes-to-build-civilian-helicopter-in-somerset/1013141.article)


I was once asked if I believed in coincidence !!

[Camp Freddie]

Can any 139 drivers qualify this?

it does tend to vibrate like a b***ard as you pass through LDP down to the hover. and you find that your eardrums tickle or the tip of your nose itches or some other part of your body starts to resonate !

[griffothefog]

If you're looking for a rampant rabbit moment....... The BO105, there is no substitute :{

[noooby]

For sure griffo, as well as the BK117. Same head, just more weight bouncing around!

[chopper2004]

Had a quickie glance at AW web just now and Starspeed has signed up for one.

Starspeed Ltd. Signs Contract for an AW169 Helicopter | AgustaWestland (http://www.agustawestland.com/news/starspeed-ltd-signs-contract-aw169-helicopter)

So thats 4 UK customers so far....with Sloanes / WNAA, Bond (?), SAS and now Starspeed.

On top of that the 3rd prototype flew over a week ago as well.

Third AW169 Performs Its Maiden Flight | AgustaWestland (http://www.agustawestland.com/news/third-aw169-performs-its-maiden-flight)

Cheers

[HeliStudent]

AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, and Mitsui Bussan Aerospace are pleased to announce that Japan's leading newspaper ‘The Asahi Shimbun' has placed an order for one AW169 4.5 ton class helicopter. This aircraft, which adds to a GrandNew light twin helicopter already in service with the same customer, will be used to perform Press and Electronic News Gathering (ENG) missions in Japan.

https://twitter.com/HeliNews1

[chopper2004]

Ten years ago on this day, the AW169 prototype flew for first time (photo courtesy of LeonRdo).


https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/1772x1417/ca96a66b_a94d_43d1_9764_257eb588244b_8009caacf72edba2208ed35 8bf56c5d13e1b5279.jpeg

cheers

[Phoinix]

Happy ten 169! It's slowly transitioning into a reliable twin. PH7 is brutal!

[ericferret]

Happy ten 169! It's slowly transitioning into a reliable twin. PH7 is brutal!

Maintenance doesn't care for it much.

Damper links that last a couple of hundred hours if you are lucky.
A zillion screws to gain access to anything in a return to the 1950's.
If life raft equipped about 10 hours to change a landing light.
Life raft not equipped with a safety system resulting in multiple inadvertant deployments under maintenance.
Hoist not provide with a lifting eye, needs a lash up strop system to remove.

[Phoinix]

Maintenance doesn't care for it much.

Damper links that last a couple of hundred hours if you are lucky.
A zillion screws to gain access to anything in a return to the 1950's.

Let’s see what changes PH6 brought for damper links (min NR = 100% now).
other than that, yes, a screw less would do, but takin apart the 412 each 100 hours is a pain also…

[ericferret]

Let’s see what changes PH6 brought for damper links (min NR = 100% now).
other than that, yes, a screw less would do, but takin apart the 412 each 100 hours is a pain also…


A couple more.
Battery quick access panels that you can't extract a battery through, just loads and loads of screws to remove the larger panels.
Fitting a main rotor head. 1440 torque wrench applications approx required. Then up to five retorques (every five to 10 hours).
If the head fails to seat after 5 retorques take it off and start all over again. Minimum time for the basic task in excess of 10 hours.
I could go on but the blisters on my fingers from just fitting a head make typing painfull!!!!!!

[Senior Pilot]

And ten years on, we’re on Phase 7 with a 350kg payload increase and some intriguing tail changes 🤔
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/780x520/57ab9ec5_c425_432a_b83f_d99ad08601b5_525bfc0465a24e57c795514 f832c96a4d6336cc7.jpeg
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x800/b2d23e83_8bdb_474c_b49e_da52eae14a79_56b55c1fb43f2f4a837e05d 43dca97892758a80c.jpeg

[handysnaks]

I’m not sure about that 350Kg payload increase SP. I think it is more accurately described as a much better hot and high performance, but I don’t think there is any increase over the 4800kg that is currently available.

[Phoinix]

4600 to 4800 is the only MTOM increase, years ago. Mil version will go 5100, but not civy.
The increase is in performance only, not MTOM.