Italian Made: The AgustaWestland AW109

Italian Made: The AgustaWestland AW109

Specifications

A Flexible Helicopter

AgustaWestland AW109 is a great helicopter that can serve many purposes, including transportation, emergency medical transportation such as medevac, search and rescue missions, and some military roles. The AgustaWestland AW109 is considered the first mass-produced Italian helicopter. The AW109 is known for being fast, providing an elegant ride, and being easy to pilot. The helicopter has two engines and seats eight people. It is made by Leonardo, an Italian manufacturer (which was previously AgustaWestland). In 2016, Leonardo merged with Finmeccanica. The AgustaWestland AW109‘s first flight was on August 4, 1971, and the helicopter entered service in 1976. The helicopter is still made today after 40 years of production.

Military History

The AW109 played an important role in the Italian military. In the 1980s, the helicopter performed numerous border patrol missions. The Italian military is looking to expand with new-generation helicopters, called the AW109s. Many different countries have used the AW109s for military pursuits as well as air charters. A few countries to use the AW109s include:

  • Algeria
  • Albania
  • Bangladesh
  • Belgium
  • Bulgaria
  • Chile
  • Greece
  • Malaysia
  • New Zealand
  • Peru

Italy used the helicopter for a variety of operations aside from the army, including on a police level and for forestry. There was also a time the United States used the helicopter for Coast Guard operations.

Breaking Down the Statistics of the AW109

Typically, the AW109 can hold a total of between seven to nine people, with one or two crew members and six or seven passengers. The helicopter is 37 feet and 7 inches long, and it is 11 feet and 6 inches tall. It weighs about 3,505 pounds and can have a maximum takeoff weight of 6,283 pounds. The helicopter can reach a maximum speed of 193 miles per hour, and it has a cruise speed of around 177 miles per hour. The diameter of the main rotor on the AW109 is 36 feet and 1 inch.

Other Variations

One such variety of the AW109 was the AW119 – this helicopter is powered by a single-engine rather than dual engines like the AW109. By the 1980s, civilian versions were made to expand possible operations. In addition, improvements on the helicopter‘s engine were made. Initially, the helicopter was called the Agusta A109, but the name was changed to AW109 in 2000 due to a merger with Finmeccanica S.p.A. Technological advances have been made on the helicopters as well.

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