Leonardo is a global high-tech company of Italian origin and has a strong market presence throughout Europe and even in the United States. Organized into five different divisions, one of Leonardo’s main areas of focus is the aerospace and defense industries. Here is where some of Leonardo’s creations shine in their qualities. Among their aerospace creations, are the brand’s EMS helicopter models, of which there are roughly 2600 worldwide. Of these, 110 handle service in North America for different government and private organizations in their search & rescue and EMS (emergency medical services) needs.
Leonardo’s fleet of SAR/EMS helicopter models spans multiple models that we’ll cover in more detail shortly. On a basic level, however, all of them are notable for their ability to operate in nearly any kind of weather and environmental conditions while also minimizing pollution emissions.
These sleek choppers are also designed to need minimal repair and service intervention to ensure usability 24 hours per day, 7 days per week under even the harshest operational conditions. Leonardo considers these to be essential requirements of any emergency helicopter servicing vital, time-sensitive needs.
The AW family of choppers makes up the bulk of their 700 EMS/SAR helicopters working around the world (110 in use throughout North America). The three models in this family consist of the AW139, AW169, and AW189 editions, with weight ranging from 4.6 to 8.6 tons depending on the specific model.
All three AW editions are manufactured with precision technology at Leonardo’s production plant in Vergiate, Italy The AW169 however is also made right in the United States at a production center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Here’s a look at the core details of the most notable among these models, the AW169, which nicely represents the capabilities of the other two as well.
The AW169 EMS
Leonardo’s AW169 is the middle option between the AW139 and AW189, and as such it incorporates elements from each of the others. This chopper edition is the latest of multiple generations stretching back 30 years and offers numerous refinements build refinements.
For starters, the AW169 can handle up to 10 passengers or two stretchers with maximum versatility. Essentially, its large, modular cabin is exceptionally flexible in letting crew members accommodate and offer emergency medical or rescue assistance to their patients. Stretchers can be installed and secured either laterally or longitudinally inside the cabin.
Several other innovative aspects of the helicopter include an electronic retractable trolley for landing without the use of fixed landing gear or skids and the main rotor that offers high-efficiency variable speed control during flight speed changes on the fly. The chopper also has aerodynamic design characteristics that reduce fuel consumption, increase power and allow for greater cargo-hauling capacity (due to fuel space reductions).
The AW169’s technological innovations extent throughout its entire design. This helicopter features innovations in its rotary system, engine mechanics, avionics, and electrical power generation/distribution systems. It also features an improved transmission.
The AW169’s dual Pratt & Whitney PW210A turboshafts offer exceptionally high main propulsion power. What’s more, they come with an APU (auxiliary power unit) mode for full electronic functionality even while the helicopter’s engine has been shut down during a landing.
On a final note, the AW169’s avionics suite is fully state-of-the-art, with a full NVG-compatible cockpit that includes multiple large areas AMLCD touchscreen displays and 3D graphics rendering. The chopper also comes with a 4-axis digital automatic flight control system that helps minimize crew workload despite the typical demands of emergency helicopter services.
This same avionics suite is fully capable of connecting to satellite navigation, communication, and even surveillance sources as needed depending on the mission profile. Inside the helicopter, there’s also a package of safety technologies that minimize the likelihood of accidents or crashes.
Leonardo’s AW169 has been certified for use since 2015 and over 240 of these choppers have been ordered by customers of all kinds around the world. They’re especially popular among EMS/search & rescue crews, police agencies, firefighters, and utility companies. They’ve also been ordered for VIP and corporate transportation purposes.
Operators in multiple countries around the world, including the U.S. have seen orders for the exceptionally sophisticated Leonardo AW169 EMS helicopter. This superbly versatile helicopter and other choppers like it are frequently used by private charter flight companies for their own exceptionally versatile needs, which might include emergency helicopter services, VIP transport, or cargo transport missions regularly.
Photo Credit: Leonardo