AW189

The new state-of-the-art 8 tonne class AW189 is designed in answer to the growing market demand for a versatile, affordable, multirole helicopter. Optimised to operate in harsh conditions undertaking long range, deep water missions typical of the Offshore industry, the AW189 combines high performance, competitive operating economics and superior passenger comfort. Exceeding the most recent FAA and EASA Part 29 safety requirements and the stringent safety needs of the Oil and Gas industry, the AW189 is a helicopter of choice for demanding operations.

The AW189 is powered by two GE CT7-2E1 engines, delivering high speed and superior performance (up to 30 minutes performance in HOGE MTOW in a wide temperature / altitude envelope) ideal for SAR operations. The aerodynamic fuselage shape and innovative rotor blade design reduce fuel consumption, maximizing range and endurance which enables the recovery of up to 10 survivors at 170 nm of Radius of Action, returning with full reserve.

The AW189 exceeds the highest safety standards of the rigorous CS/FAR 29 requirements. High installed power ensures easy handling in the most demanding conditions and the main gearbox benefits from an unparalleled 50 minute ‘dry-run’ capability. High main rotor clearance ensures a safe environment for ground operations and maintenance crew. Advanced Helicopter Usage and Monitoring System (HUMS) diagnostic tools continuously monitor systems, further enhancing safety and reducing time on the ground.

The cockpit affords pilots excellent visibility and redundant flight systems for reduced workload. Structural crashworthiness is integral to the design of the airframe, fuel system and seats. A reinforced windscreen and optimum position of critical controls mitigates the consequences of a birdstrike.

In the event of an emergency landing or ditching, seats are aligned to large push-out windows to maximise egress speed. Flotation system is certified for ditching up to Sea State 6 and deployable life rafts are positioned for access directly from the cabin or from outside.

Exceptional external visibility and leading-edge avionics maximise pilot’s situational awareness. The open-architecture avionics suite includes a fullydigital glass cockpit with four 8”x10” displays (AMLCD), a 4-axis digital autopilot (with auto hover, SAR mode and search patterns) and dual Flight Management Systems (FMS), to minimise pilot workload during VFR/IFR flight. The avionics suite is suitable for satellite-based IFR navigation (RNAV/RNP, vertical navigation and precision approaches) together with advanced communication and surveillance requirements (ADS-B).

An optional Synthetic Vision System emulates the surrounding topography to improve terrain and obstacle awareness, whilst an optional Enhanced Vision System allows pilots to see through darkness, smoke, dust and light fog to further ensure safety.

AW189 is designed for long range, all-weather SAR missions (even in known icing conditions), with advanced avionics and rapid start up for exceptional mission-readiness. The Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) allows system functionalities with engines off and rotor stopped, as well as in flight in case of emergency. Superior visibility and excellent manoeuvrability in windy conditions allow perfect attitude and outstanding control during search and hoisting operations. High ground clearance and heavy-duty, large wheeled landing gear ensures ease of operations on unprepared / sloping surfaces.

Russia and Italy are preparing an agreement on the manufacturing of heavy helicopters to operate on Russian mineral fields, Russian President Vladimir Putin said 10 June 2015. "An agreement is being prepared with Rosneft on the joint production of heavy helicopters to operate on Russian fields. I have just discussed this contract with the prime minister, and this caught the prime minister's interest. Italian companies will be engaged for 3 billion euros[' worth of production costs] in the period up to 2025," Putin said at a press conference in Milan.

Finmeccanica, Rostec, and Rosneft earlier signed a trilateral agreement on the production of AW-189 heavy-duty helicopters in Russia, which could be used to work on offshore mineral fields. It was reported earlier that the cost of the project was estimated at 3 billion euros. It envisions that 160 helicopters should be manufactured by 2025 for Rosneft's operations on offshore fields.