• Forum
• SITREP

• Military

• Introduction
• Systems
• Facilities
• Agencies
• Industry
• Operations
• Countries
• Hot Documents
• News
• Reports
• Policy
• Budget
• Congress
• Links

• WMD
• Intelligence
• Homeland Security
• Space
• Public Eye

Further Reading

HIRUNDO A109 (AGUSTA)

Several military versions of the Hirundo A109 have been developed for army, naval, and patrol use. The four-blade main rotor is mounted on hump above the body midsection, while weapon-carrying platforms at bottom midsection. Two turboshaft engines are mounted on the top of the fuselage, with exhaust ports protruding upward and to the rear. The fuselage is rectangular with a flat belly and retractable landing gear and an upswept, tapered rear section.. The tapered, rounded nose section features a stepped cockpit. The swept-back and tapered tail fin with angular tip. Swept-back and tapered belly fin with angular tip. Small rotor on left side attached to the tapered tail boom.

The baseline LUH is a light twin engine helicopter in the 3000 kg class. With the addition of appropriate role fit equipment, LUH is able to satisfy a diverse range of mission requirements demanded from a military light utility helicopter. Due to the high power margins afforded by the new generation Turbomeca Arrius 2K2 or Pratt & Whitney PW207 engines with automatic control (FADEC), the LUH boasts excellent performance even at maximum weight. A glass cockpit, utilising three interchangeable 6 x 8 liquid crystal Multi-Function Displays (MFD), allows enhanced flight and mission management capability. Mission and video information is shared between two MFDs to permit improved crew co-ordination and increased situational awareness and mission management. The instrument panel, interior and exterior lighting are compatible with third generation night vision goggles. A wide range of armament and mission equipment makes the LUH a real multi-role helicopter able to satisfy the most demanding military requirements.

Besides service with the USCG, the A109 Power has also been selected for law enforcement duties by Italian, British, Nigerian and Chinese agencies. Additionally, it serves military roles with the South African Air Force, Swedish MoD and Italian Navy. The A109 Power, the only twin light helicopter capable of ship-based operations, was again confirmed worldwide as the best-selling light twin helicopter in 2001. And with more than 250 orders booked since entering the market in 1996, the A109 Power is heading towards another record-breaking year in 2002.

The Power represents the best solution for an embarked light twin helicopter, thanks to its multi-mission effectiveness, extensive corrosion protection and its ability to operate in high sea states from small ships. The aircraft features a reinforced-wheeled landing gear to withstand the rigours of ship operations and provides easy deck handling compared to skid-equipped aircraft. Storage on board ship is facilitated through quick removal of two of the main rotor blades. To withstand high pitch and roll movement, secure lashing points and mooring provisions are provided. The maritime variant is also equipped with an advanced avionics suite allowing all-weather operations and can be equipped with a 360° or 120° scan search radar and maritime band radios allowing communications with other naval units. The A109 Power greatly extends a ships horizon and can track surface vessels while relaying data by voice or data link back to the ship or other units.