Targets Long Range Offshore Market With Smaller Offering
AgustaWestland told attendees at this week's Farnborough
International Airshow the company is working to certify its AW139
helicopter with a Maximum Gross Weight (MGW) of 6,800 kg (14,991
Ib), a 400 kg (882 Ib) increase on the current certified MGW of
6,400 kg. The increased MGW and payload will enable the AW139 to
target the long range offshore transport market currently being met
by larger 18/19-seat types.
The company believes the increased maximum gross weight will
give operators higher levels of productivity, while maintaining the
helicopter's performance and operating envelope, including Category
A/Class 1 performance.
AgustaWestland plans to offer the increased MGW on all new
production aircraft as an option. A dedicated bulletin will be
available to allow aircraft already in service to operate at the
increased MGW, with minimal hardware modifications.
The increased MGW will not impact component TBOs and work is
being undertaken to minimize the impact on maintenance, procedures
and operating costs. EASA certification of the MGW increase is
expected by the end of 2008 with FAA certification soon after.
The AW139 in typical offshore transport configuration with 12
passengers and 30 minutes fuel reserve will have a range in excess
of 300 nm (555 km), significantly greater than other helicopters in
its weight class, while for long range operations the AW139 will be
able to fly over 500 nm with six passengers, a mission only larger
more expensive 10-ton class helicopters can currently perform.
The offshore transport-configured AW139 ensures unparalleled
passenger comfort on long range flights thanks to the roomiest
unobstructed cabin in its class and airline type crashworthy seats.
Up to 300 kg cab be carried in versatile baggage compartment.
AgustaWestland has developed procedures which will unable the AW139
to operate at the increased MGW of 6,800 kg in Performance Class
(PC1) and PC2e, as defined by European JAR OPS3 rules.
In order to respond to operators' requirement to be able to
operate in more and more challenging environments, AgustaWestland
is in advanced stage of development of a FIPS (Full Ice Protection
System), which will clear the aircraft to operate in icing as
defined by EASA/FAR Part 29. In flight test campaign, involving
flying behind and icing tanker and in natural icing, has been
conducted with success during the Northern hemisphere winter season
2007/2008.
More than 350 AW139 helicopters have now been sold with over a
third being for offshore transport operations. The AW139 is already
performing offshore oil and gas transport services in Europe, North
America, South America, Africa, Australasia and the Middle
East.