System Can Be Pulled Into Cabin When Not Deployed, Increasing Speed

To provide a solution to the increasing threat mines pose to shipping worldwide, AgustaWestland announced the installation of a palletized Airborne Mine Counter Measures (AMCM) system for its EH101 helicopter at Asian Aerospace 2006.

AgustaWestland says its EH101 helicopter is uniquely poised to handle such missions, as it is only helicopter that can perform the airborne mine counter measures (AMCM) role while offering one engine inoperative safety. The EH101 also has the ability to tow all current and future AMCM systems, while providing long on-station towing endurance.

With over 300 types of mines that can be deployed from aircraft, surface vessels or submarines, the threat to shipping is growing, an AgustaWestland representative told Aero-News.

The palletized AMCM system is comprised of an operator console, winch assembly, the carriage, deployment and recovery system, winch assembly and submersible unit. All components easily fit into the EH101's cabin, with space to spare for additional seats and other equipment. Externally. the aircraft will be fitted with a rear view TV or mirrors for the pilot during towing operations and on the rear fuselage tow cable guide bars.

The rear ramp configuration of the EH101 provides maximum safety during towed AMCM operations and allows easy deployment and recovery of the towed submersible detection unit into the cabin. AgustaWestland says recovering the submersible into cabin -- versus an externally side-mounted system -- allows the EH101 can deploy to the search area at its maximum cruise speed, 150 knots, for maximum effectiveness.

Within a 50nm radius action zone, the EH101 can perform 2.5 hours of towing time on station with reserves, enabling large areas of sea to be cleared of mine threats. The three engine configuration also enables the EH101 to maintain flight should an engine failure occur while towing the submersible unit.

The EH101 has an OEI power to weight ratio of 0.26 kW/kg, compared to 0.15 kW/kg for a typical twin-engine helicopter.

Developed from the outset as a naval helicopter, the EH101 is suited for ship or shore based operations, and is equipped with both electrically powered main rotor blade and tail fold systems, deck handling system interfaces and harpoon deck lock system.

FMI: www.agustawestland.com