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AW169
Currently at Fairoaks is I-RAIF which I understand from a spotter friend is the first production aircraft.
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One gathers it was shuttling fellows to / fro Epsom Derby.
https://scontent.xx.fbcdn.net/hphoto...0c&oe=56296ADC |
Both of these are operated by/on behalf of the Dubai Air Wing aren't they ,even though the 169 carries Italian registration at the moment
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HeliHub's observations on the situation:
AgustaWestland have delivered the first production AW169 prior to the type being given certification approval. Serial 69006 was delivered from Italy very early on Saturday 6th June to the UK, still carrying an Italian test registration I-RAIF and flown throughout by an AgustaWestland pilot. The helicopter was delivered to the Dubai Air Wing. Interestingly, the AW169 was not only delivered into the UK but was actively used through the day to transport members of the Godolphin team between the London Heliport at Battersea, Epsom racecouse (where the Derby is held) and other locations. Yes, prior to certification. Quite whether this is officially a “customer delivery” is perhaps debatable. However, the helicopter is not in an AgustaWestland house colour scheme like the other four flying prototypes, and does not carry AgustaWestland titles. The very fact that it has been delivered from Italy to the UK and used to transport passengers would strongly suggest that it is a customer aircraft. https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B_m8OKjUIAAfnty.png I/C |
The subject AW169 has today returned back to the factory, routing from Fairoaks via fuel stops at Paris Vatry Chalons and Lyon airports
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A little dickie bird tells me that AW are ramping up their turnkey solutions for operators and if you wanted to dry lease an AW ac with crew and pbh these days you could..
Wonder how BRS etc will feel about that.... |
Originally Posted by helihub
(Post 9014907)
The subject AW169 has today returned back to the factory, routing from Fairoaks via fuel stops at Paris Vatry Chalons and Lyon airports
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chevvron
Indeed, during Ascot week. In fact Qatari helicopters (S92+EC155) have been more visible than Dubai helicopters at Ascot this week so far. nowherespecial "Wonder how BRS etc will feel about that...." - remember BRS are leasing 4+ AW139s from AW to cover for late AW189s... Maybe they gave AW the idea? |
My nose is positively twitching that AW are offering 139s in the O&G market direct to small operators who use them to bid vs BRS, CHC etc....
Looks like AW are becoming an operator in all but name. |
Originally Posted by helihub
(Post 9015806)
chevvron
Indeed, during Ascot week. In fact Qatari helicopters (S92+EC155) have been more visible than Dubai helicopters at Ascot this week so far. |
Certification issued yesterday: well done :ok:
http://www.eacott.com.au/gallery/d/7...0_20150715.jpg |
Great news, I look forward to seeing it in operation now
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AW169 Achieves EASA Certification - DETAIL - AgustaWestland
AW169 ACHIEVES EASA CERTIFICATION Share First all new helicopter type in its category in over 30 years set to enter service AW169 Achieves EASA Certification Marks operational readiness of the whole AW Family of new generation helicopters Outstanding capabilities and innovation made available in less than five years Over 150 aircraft already sold to customers worldwide for a wide range of roles Fimeccanica-AgustaWestland announced today the new generation AW169 helicopter has been issued with type certification by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) on 15 July 2015. Delivery of the first production helicopters to customers will now commence. AgustaWestland has achieved EASA type certification less than five years after the AW169 programme launch. This achievement has been made possible also due to the strong collaboration between the EASA and AgustaWestland teams. With the AW169, AgustaWestland has responded to market demand for a new generation versatile light-intermediate twin-engine helicopter and has achieved its aim of greatly reducing the time to market, whilst meeting the most stringent operational and safety requirements set by the certification authorities and by the market. The AW169 4.6 tonne helicopter is the first all new aircraft in its weight category to enter the market in more than 30 years, setting new certification and safety standards and marking the operational readiness of the whole AW Family. The first units will be delivered from the Vergiate final assembly line in Italy. A second AW169 final assembly line is being established at AgustaWestland’s Philadelphia plant in the USA. AgustaWestland’s Yeovil plant in UK plays a key role in the production of rotor blades and the tail rotor transmission system. The AW169 programme has benefitted from UK Government support and has already proven extremely successful in this market for corporate transport and public service duties. A Flight Training Device (FTD) and a maintenance training simulator are already operational at AgustaWestland’s Sesto Calende Training Academy in Italy, while a Level D Full Flight Simulator will be available in 2016. More than 150 AW169 helicopters have been ordered by customers around the world to date, including framework contracts and options, for a wide range of applications including executive/corporate transport, air ambulance, law enforcement, offshore transport and utility roles. Designed with inherent dual-use capabilities, the AW169 is also ideally suited for the wide scope of parapublic and government applications and will be able to meet military and naval requirements. |
https://easa.europa.eu/system/files/...9%20Issue1.pdf
is some one know why only 8 pax??? it's not planed to be a 10pax helicopter? |
I have a copy of an AW-USA presentation for ICAR (75Mb!) that is aimed at SAR and EMS. It reads as follows.
Light transport category - 4.5 tonnes / 10,000 lbs class - 1/2 pilots / up to 10 pax. Elsewhere in the family archives, the 189 type cert states 19 and the OEB Report states two passenger densities: 16 & 19. |
AW169
Hi, any 169 pilots around? Interested in knowing the performance?
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First hand report from a 169 driver (not me!):
0: Good power margins equal to or better than AW139. 1: Fuel flow at 135 knots = 300kg per hour at 75% torque 2: Max fuel 1130litres 3: Built like a brick **** house. 4: Down side: software issue. Autopilot doesn't like turbulence collective hunting requires manual inputs. Software upgrade under development . 5: No nearest button for the GPS. Not approved for RNAV approaches . 6: Plus side: air conditioning outstanding 7: Visibility outstanding 8: Noise footprint: he is getting a lot of good reports . 9: Rear Cabin space: 3 reclining club chairs, and aft facing bench seat 4 across. 10: He loves flying it. |
What about APU mode John? Is it standard on all 169's and how does your 169 driver friend like it?
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What about APU mode John? |
169
APU mode is normal on all 169.
Software upgrade will see "nearest" for GPS and should resolve collective hunting. Touchscreen AP/FMS fairly intuitive and easy to learn. Flies quite nice. |
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