A 4.8t helicopter developed with twin engines. This is called the AgustaWestland AW169, which was manufactured by a helicopter division known as Leonardo. It was specifically made like the AgustaWestland AW139 and 189. This AW169 is one of the latest models of twin-engine helicopters, which has enduring performance.

Manufacturer:
AgustaWestland
Country:
United Kingdom
Manufactured:
2015 to: Present
ICAO:
A169
Price:
US$8.5 million (2020)
Avionics:
Rockwell Collins Avionics, HUMS,
Engine:
2x Pratt & Whitney PW210A
Turboshaft
Power:
1,000 horsepower
Max Cruise Speed:
165 knots
306 Km/h
Approach Speed (Vref):
Travel range:
440 Nautical Miles
815 Kilometers
Fuel Economy:
Service Ceiling:
16,400 feet
Rate of Climb:
2000 feet / minute
10.16metre / second
Take Off Distance:
Landing Distance:
Max Take Off Weight:
4,800 Kg
10,582 lbs
Max Landing Weight:
Max Payload:
600 Kg
1,323 lbs
Fuel Tank Capacity:
298 gallon
1,128 litre
Baggage Volume:
Seats - Economy / General:
10 seats
Seats - Business Class:
Seats - First Class:
Cabin Height:
1.32 metre - 4.33 feet
Cabin Width:
2.05 metre - 6.73 feet
Cabin Length:
2.77 metre - 9.09 feet
Exterior Length:
14.65 metre - 48.06 feet
Tail height:
4.5 metre - 14.76 feet
Fuselage Diameter:
1.4 metre - 4.59 feet
Wing Span / Rotor Diameter:
12.12 metre - 39.76 feet
Wing Tips:
No Winglets

Development

AgustaWestland announced in July 2010 that AW169 was being developed. It weighs 4.5 tons with two engine rotorcraft exclusively designed for its operations. The British government (2011) approved the loanable amount to AgustaWestland in order for the AW169 to be developed. Another loan was approved by European Union (2012) for AW169’s development.

A testing program was implemented and soon received its FAA certification in 2016. In 2012, it was formally announced by AgustaWestland about their plan of reproducing AW169 in England. In 2015, AW169’s first production was done in Italy and followed by its second production in the USA. But in 2016, Leonardo abandoned the work.

Design

AW169 is medium in size with two engines. It weighs around 4,500 kilograms and can accommodate from 7 to 10 passengers. It has digital maps, automatic surveillance, radar altimeters, a touchscreen interface, night vision goggles, and health monitoring systems. AW169 has an increased efficiency leading to a smooth experience.

It was reported that AW169 has customers from different sectors such as executives, law enforcers, utility sectors, and many more. To meet the needs of the passengers, AW169 was configured with a rescue hoist, external cameras, mission consoles, cargo hook, external loudspeakers and lighting arrangements, fuel tanks, emergency aid, and rappelling fittings. 

Specifications

AW169 has general characteristics. These specifications can be found in AW169 company brochures. Here are the following characteristics:

  • With a crew of one or two
  • Can accommodate 8 to 12 passengers and a cargo of 250 kilogram
  • Has a length of 48 ft and 1 inch
  • Has a width of 8 ft and 4 inches
  • Has a height of 15 ft
  • With a gross weight of 2,850 kilograms
  • With a maximum takeoff weight of 4 800 kilograms
  • Has powerplant of 2 x Pratt and Whitney PW210A
  • Its main rotor diameter is 12.12 meters.
  • Has a maximum speed of 306 kilometers per hour
  • Has a range of 820 kilometers
  • Has endurance of 4 hours and 20 minutes

Variants

AW169 is the overall name for this type. Other variants were named depending on their purpose. AW169M is the designation for multirole variant (UH-169A) which was ordered by an Italian and identified as Guardia di Finanza. Another variant of AW169 is known for the Italian Army. It is called a militarized variant.

Accidents and Incidents

In 2018, AW169, owned by Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha, crashed after its takeoff in the UK. It was destroyed, and five people in the helicopter died. Another AW169 crashed in its home base on March 27, 2021. This incident happened because of human error and caused damage to it. Good that all people in that AW169 were safe.

Security Services

This AW169 is in response to emerging threats such as terrorism and other crimes. This helicopter complies with the requirements needed in terms of safety and overall performance. It features an advanced design to improve visibility as well as minimize fatigue of the pilot. Therefore, creating a more focused mission.

All AgustaWestland Aircraft

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