02.08.2011 AgustaWestland New Generation Multi-purpose Helicopter AW189

AgustaWestland unveiled the AW189, a new generation affordable multi-purpose twin-engine 8-tonne class helicopter designed in response to the growing market demand for higher payload, longer range and higher productivity. The AW189 complements the modern range of AgustaWestland commercial helicopters and will be certified in 2013 and enter service in early 2014. The AW189 is being developed to perform a wide range of roles including transport, search and rescue, passenger transport and a variety of parapublic missions.

Powered with two General Electric CT7-2E1 engines, equipped with FADEC and built-in particle separators. The aerodynamically efficient airframe, rotor system and the innovative rotor blade design will ensure the AW189 delivers low fuel consumption, high cruise speed and an outstanding range capability. The spacious unobstructed cabin is configured with 16 seats as standard. Seating options include a high density 18 seat layout or an ultra-long range 12-seat configuration with a number of forward and backward facing layouts.

The open architecture avionics suite includes a fully digital glass cockpit with four 8” x 10” displays (AMLCD), a 4-axis dual-duplex digital automatic flight control system (DAFCS) and dual Flight Management System (FMS). All contribute to minimizing pilot workload during VFR/IFR flight. Single pilot IFR certification is a design objective.

The AW189 sets new standards in situational awareness in low visibility flying conditions and has an all-weather capability thanks to its Synthetic Vision System. The AW189 will meet the very latest international regulatory safety requirements (EASA / FAA Part 29, JAR OPS 3 / EU-OPS). The combination of speed and exceptional passenger comfort available in the large cabin also make the AW189 ideal for VIP/corporate and onshore passenger transport operations. The standard auxiliary power unit (APU) allows the cabin and cockpit air conditioning to be operated without the main engines running for additional passenger comfort. A low cost per seat-mile, together with a long range capability, make this helicopter an ideal alternative to more expensive 19-seat helicopters.

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