Maintenance Crew of PN's AW-109 'Power' Helicopters Undergo Training

AW-109 Power naval helicopter (photo : AgustaWestland)

The maintenance crew of the soon-to-arrive AgustaWestland AW-109 "Power" naval helicopters are now undergoing training in Italy.

"There are a series of training being held at Sesto Calende, Italy (and) these are avionics and maintenance trainings," Philippine Navy (PN) spokesperson Lt. Cmdr. Gregory Fabic said Tuesday.

The first batch of PN personnel who will undergo avionics training have already left last month.

"While those involved in aircraft maintenance have already left last week (while) the first batch of pilots will depart for Italy before the end of June," Fabic said.

The PN spokesperson added that these specialized trainings vary from two to four months.

"It is included in (acquisition) package and at no costs to the government," he stressed.

Fabic said that morale is pretty good at the PN and personnel selected for these training programs are very proud that they are called to serve their country anew.

"The PN is also very thankful to the present administration for the continued support that the Navy is receiving," the PN spokesperson emphasized.

The contract for the three AW-109 naval helicopters were signed last April and will be delivered this coming December.

These choppers are worth around P1.33 billion.

The AW-109 "Power" is a three-ton class eight seat helicopter powered by two Pratt and Whitney PW206C engines.

The spacious cabin is designed to be fitted with a number of modular equipment packages for quick and easy conversion between roles.

The aircraft's safety features include a fully separated fuel system, dual hydraulic boost system, dual electrical systems and redundant lubrication and cooling systems for the main transmission and engines.

The AW-109 has established itself as the world's best selling light-twin helicopter for maritime missions.

Its superior speed, capacity and productivity combined with reliability and ease of maintenance make it the most cost effective maritime helicopter in its class.

For shipboard operations, the aircraft has a reinforced-wheeled landing gear and deck mooring points as well as extensive corrosion protection measures.

The ability to operate from small ships in high seas state enables the AW-109 to perform its mission when many other helicopters would be confined to the ship's hangar.

Over 550 AW-109 "Power" and AW-109 light utility helicopters have been ordered for commercial, parapublic and military applications by customers in almost 50 countries. The maintenance crew of the soon-to-arrive AgustaWestland AW-109 "Power" naval helicopters are now undergoing training in Italy.

"There are a series of training being held at Sesto Calende, Italy (and) these are avionics and maintenance trainings," Philippine Navy (PN) spokesperson Lt. Cmdr. Gregory Fabic said Tuesday.

The first batch of PN personnel who will undergo avionics training have already left last month.

"While those involved in aircraft maintenance have already left last week (while) the first batch of pilots will depart for Italy before the end of June," Fabic said.

The PN spokesperson added that these specialized trainings vary from two to four months.

"It is included in (acquisition) package and at no costs to the government," he stressed.

Fabic said that morale is pretty good at the PN and personnel selected for these training programs are very proud that they are called to serve their country anew.

"The PN is also very thankful to the present administration for the continued support that the Navy is receiving," the PN spokesperson emphasized.

The contract for the three AW-109 naval helicopters were signed last April and will be delivered this coming December.

These choppers are worth around P1.33 billion.

The AW-109 "Power" is a three-ton class eight seat helicopter powered by two Pratt and Whitney PW206C engines.

The spacious cabin is designed to be fitted with a number of modular equipment packages for quick and easy conversion between roles.

The aircraft's safety features include a fully separated fuel system, dual hydraulic boost system, dual electrical systems and redundant lubrication and cooling systems for the main transmission and engines.

The AW-109 has established itself as the world's best selling light-twin helicopter for maritime missions.

Its superior speed, capacity and productivity combined with reliability and ease of maintenance make it the most cost effective maritime helicopter in its class.

For shipboard operations, the aircraft has a reinforced-wheeled landing gear and deck mooring points as well as extensive corrosion protection measures.

The ability to operate from small ships in high seas state enables the AW-109 to perform its mission when many other helicopters would be confined to the ship's hangar.

Over 550 AW-109 "Power" and AW-109 light utility helicopters have been ordered for commercial, parapublic and military applications by customers in almost 50 countries.

(RadyoNatin)