AgustaWestland AW189 Helicopter

The AW189 is a multirole, twin-engine helicopter designed by AgustaWestland. It is specifically being developed to meet the growing market demand for higher productivity, higher payloads and longer range helicopters.

AgustaWestland unveiled the AW189 model at the Paris Air Show in June 2011. The first prototype of the helicopter successfully completed its maiden flight at AugustaWestland's Cascina Costa plant in Italy in December 2011.

AgustaWestland plans to obtain the civil certification for the AW189 by 2013 and begin its deliveries in early 2014.

The first prototype of the AW189 will be used for testing the avionics system and offshore equipment. The second prototype will be used for a load survey programme.

The AW189 is designed for multiple roles, including offshore transport, passenger transport, search and rescue and parapublic missions.

Orders, deliveries and design of the AW189 helicopter

In December 2011, Bel Air of Denmark signed a contract with AgustaWestland for two AW189 helicopters. Bel Air intends to use the helicopters for offshore oil and gas transports in the North Sea.

In December 2011, Weststar Aviation Services of Malaysia ordered two AW189 helicopters. Deliveries are expected to begin in 2014. In November 2011, Bristow Group ordered six AW189 helicopters for offshore transport missions.

The AW189 is developed from the AW149 and is a part of AgustaWestland's family of AW169 and AW139 helicopters.

The helicopter has an aerodynamic shape and its rotor blade has been designed for low fuel consumption. Consequently, it has an outstanding range capability. The AW189's high main rotor clearance provides a safe environment for ground operations and maintenance crew.

The helicopter has an overall length of 17.60m and a gross weight of 8,000kg. It has hook load capacity of 2722kg (6000lb). Its offshore basic fuel tank has a capacity of 2,068 litres. The baggage volume is 2.4m³.

The landing gear of the AW189 helicopter has heavy duty design for all terrain operations.

Cabin

The AW189 has an 11.2m³ spacious main cabin that provides for a choice in configuration. It can accommodate up to 18 seats. The cabin has large sliding doors and a single or dual rescue hoist above the door. Two external life rafts are provided in the cabin.

The helicopter has a standard auxiliary power unit (APU) that allows air conditioning in both the cabin and the cockpit even when the main engines are not running.

Cockpit

The helicopter has a full digital glass cockpit with four 8" x 10" displays (AMLCD). It is equipped with advanced situational awareness technologies (HTAWS, TCAS II) to reduce workload for the crew and also to enhance safety.

It meets all the international regulatory safety requirements, such as EASA / FAA Part 29, JAR OPS 3 / EU-OPS.

Avionics, engines and performace of AgustaWestland's multirole helicopter

The AW189 helicopter's avionics suite is fitted with a 4-axis dual-duplex digital automatic flight control system (DAFCS), a dual flight management system (FMS) and a digital glass cockpit.

It is suitable for satellite-based IFR navigation and superior surveillance and communication requirements. The AW189 has an integrated avionics system that performs point-in-space (PINS) and offshore approach procedures.

The helicopter can be installed with both synthetic vision and enhanced vision systems for improved operational safety.

The helicopter is powered by two GE CT7-2E1 engines, with each engine rated at 1,625shp of power at takeoff. It is equipped with FADEC (full authority digital engine control) and built-in particle separators.

The cruising speed of the AW189 ranges from 267 km/h to 278 km/h. The main gearbox of the helicopter has a 30-minute 'dry-run' capability. The helicopter offers low seat mile costs and low fuel burn.