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Agusta AW139

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Old 21st Mar 2009, 15:01
  #741 (permalink)  
 
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Geoffers,

I don't have access to the latest RFM. My copy is about three years out of date!!

Simply quoting JimL, perhaps he is mistaken

Could it be a CAT A limitation?


VL
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Old 21st Mar 2009, 15:18
  #742 (permalink)  
 
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Cat A

Cat A crosswind limit is 10 knots but the rig take off technique may feature that number (17 kts) - we are at the end of the food chain here so don't have a copy of the offshore profiles yet.

G
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Old 21st Mar 2009, 15:32
  #743 (permalink)  
 
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Cat A crosswind limit is 10 knots
Ouch . That must effectively limit the aircraft to CAT B. Yet it's power margins are so good?

Is it simply a case of AW not getting their finger out and expanding the envelope as much as possible.

My impression of AW a few years ago was far from impressive. Limitations like this simply re-inforces that! However I want to believe that the have gotten better.....


VL
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Old 21st Mar 2009, 15:39
  #744 (permalink)  
 
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As with all new aircraft there is a list of things that are still to be done - this is one that's in the pipeline. It is only recently that the S92 had this limit lifted.

Jim
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Old 21st Mar 2009, 17:15
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Crosswind limitations for Offshore Operations, both in PC2e and Cat A, is 20 kts as maximum lateral wind component (90° right and left).
PC2e is already available and Cat A will be certified before year's end.

So far we had very little complain about crosswind limitations in Cat A operations at 10 kts.

My impression of AW a few years ago was far from impressive. Limitations like this simply re-inforces that!
The AW139 is much more than that, I hope you'll appreciate that.
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Old 21st Mar 2009, 17:30
  #746 (permalink)  
 
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Crosswind limitations for Offshore Operations, both in PC2e and Cat A, is 20 kts as maximum lateral wind component (90° right and left).
PC2e is already available and Cat A will be certified before year's end.

So far we had very little complain about crosswind limitations in Cat A operations at 10 kts.
Sorry pbaggi, that simply does not make sense. For a start do you really have Cat A offshore! Either the onshore Cat A is 20 kts or it is 10 kts. Also "not many complaints" does not mean it is not an issue! I did not intend this to become a list of complaints about the aircraft or AW. If you want to turn it into one I can head back to my old files and maybe dish the dirt
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Old 21st Mar 2009, 18:23
  #747 (permalink)  
 
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Gentlemen please......

.....I think a little something is getting lost in the translation. The Cat A crosswind limit of 10 knts refers to the original CAT A clearance obtained for no less than 4 take off profiles made available to you guys - the customers - as of initial deliveries. That's more profiles (and therefore more options) than any other helicopter I know of. Naturally the envelope is capable of expansion but with so many things on the go and a lack of pressure from the largely non-Cat A operating world (and no perceived lack of satisfaction from those that have come in from the cold - and work to Cat A) other priorities have prevailed.

I think I am right in saying that due to a lack of first hand offshore experience in the AW set-up they imagined that the Cat A vertical Helipad profile would be ideal for offshore, however, it wasn't. This had to be revisited and as you hear is about to hit the streets. Obviously the revised procedure has achieved a wider crosswind capability but I guess it's only valid for the offshore profile.

BPaggi is right, AW are emerging as an extremely innovative and capable bunch of designers and engineers. Do they get everything right? No. Will they fix it if it's wrong? Yes. And this is just the beginning I feel.

By the way I don't work for AW - I just have the pleasure (not as often as I would like) of getting my hands on the only machine that leaves an irrepressible smile on my face instead of a stiff back (S76), a sore bum (S61), tinitus (S76A+) and a longing for terra firma (anything Russian). The AW139. I had that pleasure yesterday so I am motivated to sing that song a little louder today.

G

edited for grammar

Last edited by Geoffersincornwall; 21st Mar 2009 at 20:47.
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Old 21st Mar 2009, 19:01
  #748 (permalink)  
 
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Geoffers. The AW139 is a fine helicopter. But to say you don't get a sore bum in it only means you have better than the original seats, or you don't get to fly it for very long at a time!
The original seats are truly shocking. A real pain in the bum.
I conseed you may have rather more natural padding than myself, but thats a whole different story
Red
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Old 21st Mar 2009, 19:20
  #749 (permalink)  
 
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Re padding...

Ref, padding and time on task - right on both counts.

If you buy cheap you get cheap and we have all been victims of that version of the economic puzzle chosen by those on the western side of the NS. Those £20,000 a go seats that the Norwegians chose for their S61's were a blessing.

May I suggest that a little more pasta in your diet may solve the padding issue. Try a little gentle exercise in between flights and spend less time in that Ercol recliner in front of the TV.

That advice sounds so good I might even take it myself.

Trust you are well.

G
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Old 26th Mar 2009, 21:17
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Mmmm ....

I believe the 2 "Helicopters NZ" machines in NW Australia do ??

Stand to be corrected if otherwise ... as per usual!


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Old 27th Mar 2009, 08:42
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Outhouse

In the event of zero oil pressure in the main gearbox the 225 RFM / Emergency Check-List says "Land as soon as possible, maximum flight time 30 mins"

Out of interest, what does the 139 RFM / Check-List say?

Thanks
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Old 27th Mar 2009, 09:11
  #752 (permalink)  
 
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"Reduce power as soon as operational conditions permit. Land as soon as possible."
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Old 9th Apr 2009, 13:48
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Sartu 139

Date: 08/04/2009
FB Heliservices Takes Delivery of Its First AW139 Helicopter

AgustaWestland is pleased to announce that FB Heliservices has recently taken delivery of its first AW139 medium twin helicopter at AgustaWestland’s Vergiate plant in Italy. This aircraft will be used to provide search and rescue training for AgustaWestland export customers and it will be operated from RAF Valley in Wales where FB Heliservices already perform SAR training for the UK military services. FB Heliservices signed a contract for two AW139 helicopters in 2008 and the second unit is expected to be delivered next month. The AW139 is equipped for over land and over water SAR operations and includes a rescue hoist, search radar, FLIR camera, cabin mission console, emergency flotation system, life-rafts, comprehensive communications system and a NVG compatible cockpit.



The AW139 has rapidly become the medium twin helicopter of choice for SAR duties and has been ordered by or is already in service with operators in Europe, Asia, Australasia and the Middle East. AW139 SAR customers include the UK Maritime Coastguard Agency, Spanish Marine Safety Agency (Sesamar), Japanese Coast Guard, Australian Queensland Government, Italian company Airgreen, Italian Civil Protection Agency and Coast Guard, Irish Air Corps, Korean Coast Guard, Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency and government agencies in the UAE, Oman, Estonia and Cyprus. The AW139 has also become the benchmark medium-twin helicopter on the world market and orders for over 430 helicopters have been placed by more than 100 commercial and government customers in over 40 countries to carry out a number of roles including search and rescue, emergency medical services, offshore transport, VIP/corporate transport, law enforcement, homeland security and military utility transport.



FB Heliservices is a joint venture company between Cobham Air Services and Bristow Helicopters Ltd that specialise in the provision of helicopters and associated services to military and government markets. FB Heliservices operate over 60 helicopters and have operations in the UK, Belize, Brunei, Cyprus and the Middle East.

AGUSTAWESTLAND

Last edited by Senior Pilot; 9th Apr 2009 at 22:45. Reason: Add text as quote
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Old 24th Apr 2009, 19:28
  #754 (permalink)  
 
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Fbh 139

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Old 25th Apr 2009, 05:24
  #755 (permalink)  
 
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One for Crab...

Hey Crab,

Suck it up buddy... wether you like it or not, warts and all, it's the future of medium twin SAR for the foreseable future. Existing CUSTOMER feedback, especially from those in the SAR role will help this aircraft to fulfill a vital role in rescue ops throughout the world (yes, outside the British channel).

With a vested interest as an operator in the SAR role, I welcome all future improvements from AW that can increase our ability to implement the role in a safer and more professional manner. Perfect it ain't..
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Old 26th Apr 2009, 13:46
  #756 (permalink)  
 
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it's the future of medium twin SAR for the foreseable future
Possibly, but not for the UK after 2012. Both remaining SAR-H bidders, having spend several years now on looking at what is available and refining their bids, have decided that they do not want it.

Are these the first NVG compatible 139s?
Max Contingency is offline  
Old 27th Apr 2009, 17:27
  #757 (permalink)  
 
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Devil ... Crab & the Valley 139 ...

Suck it up buddy
This can only go one of two ways ...

(conspiracy theorists will be trying to work out whether this "in your face" placement is a wind-up for Crab. I saw the aircraft fly past ... nice)
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Old 1st May 2009, 17:19
  #758 (permalink)  
 
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Riding On Italian Gals

I went to AgustaWestland near Milan in Italy to perform an acceptance check.

Milano Malpensa A/P



Typical Euro scene as almost of you know?...


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Old 1st May 2009, 17:21
  #759 (permalink)  
 
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Acceptance Ceremony. The ship is gonna be operated by ANH (All Nippon Helicopter) that is one of the group companies of ANA(Airliner operator).


Nose compartment


Aft cabin seats


3000PSI Hydraulic Module


Main rotor head


Main Gearbox


P&WC PT6C-67C


Stab tip


Tail rotor hub


Heading to the apron... the beginning of the 3 days acceptance test flight


Another one
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Old 1st May 2009, 17:23
  #760 (permalink)  
 
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The 1st day/Hovering on a hover spot


Over Verese near Milan



Heading to Lake Maggiore





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