That's a surprise. Though BAAC/Agusta now uses the 120 sq. ft. figure fairly regularly, as it was explained to me the triangular baggage hold offers 78 sq. ft., with the rectangular space in the aft main cabin between the fuel cells representing the other 42 sq. ft. If we're talking about the same space, I'm especially surprised since this is also supposed to accommodate litters.

It's a nice cabin, but I wouldn’t want to be sandwiched in with 14 other pax for anything other than a short hop. Even the 4+4+4 configuration is cosy, esp. for the facing rows.

I/C

I checked again with the Agusta rep re: the availability of the space between the main fuel tanks for cargo and was told there is no restriction despite a placard "NO LOAD AREA" and an arrow pointing to toward the area in question. Apparently the placard is a there to aid in the prevention of damage to the bulkhead between the main cabin and the baggage hold? This would obviously not be an issue when the litter(s) are installed.
Regardless, when loading baggage and freight in the main hold, care must be exercised not to damage the electronics mounted on the side bulkheads. There are light weight covers installed over the electronics but the covers IMO will be of minimal protection.
By the way in the CHC North Sea a/c with 4+4+4 configuration, all 3 rows of seats in the main cabin faced forward.

Ain't it the A139.............

Since Bell have left the show.........

Yeah, you're right. It's the A139 now. I'm not too sure if that is official or not though. I suspect it is. Bell left the "show" with Agusta late last year. Our helicopter has AB139 plastered on each side of it.

Bell left the show??
 

It would be really interesting to find out why Bell pushed out of the 139 project?

They probably wanted to put a Bell 205 tail rotor and boom on it, or they thought it would compete with their newest and "modern" Bell 210!

Tell you what if the Bell people don't get their act together soon they will be in serious trouble, we just had local operator purchase thier first 5 koalas and 2 powers to replace their fleet of 412, 407 and 206's. This used to be all Bell territory, is now being invaded by Agusta and EC.

Just like in the USA....

Maybe it's because the American government won't allow spares to be supplied for American helicopters operating in countries which they don't approve of :bored: With Bell mixed in, the A139 had a much more limited market, but now, like the French,they'll doubtless allow their helicopters to get spares back-up (well, if you can call Eurocopter's a back-up :} ) and be able to sell a lot more to countries whether America approves or not.

I think AW139 is the new designation (AgustaWestland). Have seen it on the Maintenance Simulator in Italy

139 to fly or not to fly
 

I heard recently that a Lufttransport 139 due for operation out of Bodo has not flown since its arrival last year due to major problems!
Would anyone care to add?:confused:

The CHC 139 has gone commercial last Monday and is doing just fine.
We will see how steep the learning curve will be for all of us (pilots & technicians) with all this new gadgets :ok:

Looks like noooby is right - I'm also now hearing AW139.

I/C

Greatest thing since sliced bread!

La plus grande chose depuis le pain coupé en tranches

The biggest thing from the bread that is cut in the choppings

Translated from english - to french to greek and then back to English again.

Does it lose something in translation ( does the 139 ??).

There's one at Montgomery airfield (KMYF) sitting in transient parking. The horizontal stabilizer is held together with duct tape. Apparently it's due to be sitting there for some while................

VA,

If the boys at Houston see it....it will be doing REV flights in the morning...whats a bit of Hundred Mile an Hour tape. They flew a 76 for weeks with a plywood cabin door window.....or so I heard. That was after it got dunked in the Oggin and took off again when things got sorted out up front. One of the pax being a bit concerned jettisoned the window as he prepared to go swimming with a helicopter strapped to his hind end. Ah, the good ol' days in the Gulf.

The word on the street is that it was heading down that way for HAI in Dallas......maybe no joyrides this year. The crew have apparently disbanded and gone home.

Don't quote me on this though...it is a rumour network.

Yes, the name: AW-139

http://www.shephard.co.uk/Rotorhub/D...9-05f37219112a

Any more news on the AW139, is it living up to its hype?

How is it doing in Den Helder and the GOM?

Seems to be going okay - 28 ships now operational, and AW139's MTBF performance is currently beating its target. That said, it looks like the type's exhaust system is being redesigned, reportedly for thermal issues.

Mods - can we rename this thread as 'AW139 corner' ?

I/C

Good suggestion, Ian - Done!

PedalStop, Rotorheads Moderator

QLD DES
 

Rumour has it that the Qld DES is about to announce that they will purchase 3 X AW139’s to replace their B412’s. The boys where seen in Italy a few weeks ago…

Anyone know any more?