EASA Certification Achieved, FAA Certification Pending

In what CEO Giuseppe Orsi said was the "only real news" at the 2010 Heli-Expo in Houston this week, AgustaWestland unveiled the Grand New, an upgraded model of the company's Grand helicopter.   

AgustaWestland says the Grand New is the first light twin helicopter on the market fully compliant with the latest advanced global navigation satellite system-based requirements for all weather operations. It has already received the EASA certification while FAA certification is expected to be achieved in mid 2010. Equipped with EVS (enhanced vision systems) and a Terrain Awareness Warning System (TAWS) for night operations, the Grand New also meets the latest NTSB/FAA recommendations for EMS operations to consider the use of an FAA-approved night vision goggle or enhanced vision system into flight programs, when conditions and missions dictate.

The Grand New will be the first type certified Light Twin (CS/JAR/FAR 27) with a new EFIS featuring Synthetic Vision. This approach enables the type to operate on helicopter-dedicated routes and it is SBAS (Satellite Based Augmentation System) capable. The Grand New features a state-of-the-art avionics package and a new glass cockpit. The new full digital avionic system for single pilot IFR, dual control configuration operation incorporates the Chelton's Flight-Logic Synthetic Vision EFIS (Electronic Flight Instrument System) with FMS (Flight Management System), HTAWS (Helicopter Terrain Awareness Warning System), HITS (Highway In The Sky) and flight recording embedded functions to deliver situational awareness and automated flight management capabilities, reducing pilot workload and to the benefit of operational effectiveness. The Grand New is fitted with a four-axis dual duplex digital autopilot coupled with a Flight Director and with a new Radio Management System (RMS) permitting the centralized management of radio communication and navigation systems of the helicopter while the Integrated Display System (IDS) provides aircraft/engine data monitoring, crew alert and maintenance data pages.

AgustaWestland expects the Grand New to perform missions such as corporate/VIP transport, offshore transport, passenger transport, EMS, SAR, harbour pilot shuttle (HPS), coastal patrol and government purposes.

The company says orders for around 290 Grand and Grand New helicopters have been placed by almost 150 customers in over 30 countries worldwide.

FMI: www.agustawestland.com