AW-109 Pilots Now Undergoing NVG Training

PN AW-109 helicopter (photo : Fabrizio Capenti)

MANILA (PNA) — The Philippine Navy on Monday said that the pilots and flight crews of its three AgustaWestland AW-109 “Power” helicopters are now undergoing training on how to efficiently use their NVG (night vision gear) equipment.

NVG is an optical instrument that allows images to be produced in levels of light approaching total darkness.

Training is being provided by AgustaWestland, Navy spokesperson Lt. Cmdr. Gregory Fabic said.

This started early in January and will last until March or the first week of April, he added.

Fabic said that having NVGs installed on their AgustaWestland helicopters provided the PN with the capability to operate and fly at night.

The PN is operating three AW-109 helicopters as of this posting. Another two, the attack versions, are expected to arrive by the third quarter of this year.

The AW-109 “Power” helicopter 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 sea 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. 

(PNA)