AgustaWestland prototype AW189 has completed its maiden flight

The first protot ype of the AgustaWestland AW189 twin engine eight-tonne class helicopter has successfully completed its maiden flight.

The aircraft was launched at the Paris Air Show earlier this year and the first prototype made its maiden flight ahead of schedule. AgustaWestland aims to achieve civil certification for the AW189 in 2013 and to start deliveries in early 2014.

The AW189 was flown by AgustaWestland Chief Test Pilot Giuseppe Lo Coco at the company’s Cascina Costa plant in Italy. It performed as expected during the flight which included an assessment of the helicopter’s general handling and basic systems. The first prototype will be used for avionics system testing and certification of offshore equipment options, while the second prototype, set to fly in 2012, will be dedicated to a load survey programme.

The all-new AW189 was launched in response to the growing market demand for a versatile, affordable, multirole helicopter in the eight-tonne class and has rapidly found success in the marketplace. A number of sales have already been secured from leading operators serving the offshore oil and gas markets, including Bristow Helicopters, Bel Air, and Weststar Aviation Services.

Set to enter service in early 2014, the twin engine AW189 helicopter is optimised for long-range offshore transport and search and rescue (SAR) missions. The spacious cabin seats 16 passengers in the standard configuration with the option of a high density 18 seat layout or an ultra long-range 12 seat configuration. In the SAR role, the 11.2-metre cube cabin can accommodate a mission console, stretchers and seating for the crew and survivors.