Philippine Navy Signs Contract for Two Additional AW109 Power Helicopters

AW-109 Power maritime helicopter (photo : AgustaWestland)

AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, is pleased to announce the signing of a contract with the Philippine Navy for two additional AW109 Power maritime helicopters. The helicopters will be used for a wide range of naval missions including economic zone protection, surface surveillance, SAR and maritime security. This latest contract brings to five the total number of AW109 Powers ordered by the Philippine Navy which is already operating the first batch of three aircraft. The order further expands the success achieved by this model in the Philippines for military applications following the contract for eight units signed by the Philippine Air Force in 2013. The two additional helicopters will be delivered in the second half of this year and will operate from both shore and ship bases. The contract includes initial logistics support and training for aircrew and maintenance personnel.

Vincenzo Alaimo, AgustaWestland’s Head of Regional Sales for SE Asia, said “It gives us great pleasure to announce this new order for the AW109 Power by the Philippines’ military following the initial success achieved in 2013 with contracts signed by both the Navy and the Air Force. This very capable and cost effective helicopter can provide tremendous support to the nation’s security and safety thanks to its outstanding performance and mission capabilities.” The AW109 Power is a three-tonne class eight seat helicopter powered by two Pratt & Whitney PW206C engines with FADEC. 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 AW109 Power has established itself as the world’s best-selling light-twin helicopter for maritime missions. The AW109 Power’s 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 AW109 Power to perform its mission when many others helicopters would be confined to the ship’s hangar. Approximately 580 AW109 Power and AW109 LUH helicopters have been ordered for commercial, parapublic and military applications by customers in nearly 50 countries.

(AgustaWestland)