The AgustaWestland AW109 is a lightweight, twin-engine, eight-seat multi-purpose helicopter built by the Anglo-Italian company. Flying
The AgustaWestland AW109 is a light-weight, twin-engine, eight-seat multi-purpose helicopter built by the Anglo-Italian manufacturer AgustaWestland. First flown as the Agusta A109 in 1971, the craft has been used in light transport, medevac, search-and-rescue, and military roles. In the late 1960s, Agusta designed the A109 as a single-engine commercial helicopter. It was soon realised that a twin-engine design was needed and it was re-designed in 1969 with two Allison 250-C14 turboshaft engines. A projected military version (the A109B) was not developed and the company concentrated on the eight-seat A109C version. The first of three prototypes made its maiden flight on 4 August protracted development then followed and the first production aircraft was not completed until April 1975. Delivery of production machines started in early 1976. The aircraft soon became a success and began to be used for roles other than as a light transport including as an air ambulance and search-and-rescue. In 1975, Agusta returned again to the possibility of a military version and trials were carried out between 1976 and 1977 with five A109As fitted with Hughes Aircraft TOW missiles. Two military versions were then developed, one for light attack or close support and another for naval operations. Fuselages of AW109 are made by PZL-Świdnik. In June 2006 the 500th fuselage was delivered, marking 10 years of co-operation between the two companies. The sale of the Agusta A109 to the Belgian armed forces in 1988 gave rise to a bribery scandal when it was alleged the company had given the Belgian Socialist Party over 50 million Belgian francs to secure the sale. This scandal led to the resignation and conviction of NATO Secretary General Willy Claes. The Agusta A109 was renamed the AW109 following the July 2000 merger of Finmeccanica and GKN plc's respective subsidiaries Agusta and Westland Helicopters to form AgustaWestland. A109E G-WOFM owned by Quinnasette Ltd, I-O-M
Size: 4670px × 3094px
Location: Farnborough, Hants, UK
Photo credit: © Avpics / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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