Uprated Model Sports High-Tech Rotor Design

AgustaWestland gave a preview Thursday of its new AW119 Ke (Koala enhanced), an evolution of the company's A119 Koala, at Heli-Expo 2007.

Representatives with the helomaker say with its Maximum Take-Off Weight increased to 6,283 lbs, the Koala enhanced offers customers unmatched performance with a resulting payload/range capability that makes the AW119 Ke a formidable helicopter in the single-engine category.

Agustawestland adds the performance of the AW119 Koala enhanced has already found success in the marketplace, having been already ordered by offshore and fire fighting operators as well as VIP/Corporate customers.

The AW119 Ke features a single powerful Pratt & Whitney 1,002 shp turbine engine with new, state-of-the-art design main rotor blades -- which provides excellent performance capabilities, with an extended operational envelope for demanding hot and high conditions at high gross weights.

Like the A119 Koala (shown above), the AW119 Ke is faster than its competitors -- and offers the largest cabin and luggage capacity of any helicopter in its class, with the lowest seat-mile costs in its class. It can accommodate up to seven passengers with a range of equipment available for other missions including air ambulance, law enforcement and fire fighting. Dual hydraulic and autopilot systems ensure high safety levels.

Perhaps best of all, every single upgrade incorporated into the A119 Ke can be retrofitted to A119 Koalas already in service.

FMI: www.agustawestland.com, www.rotor.com