It’s a new year and a new name as 2017 marks the first full year that AugustaWestland will conduct business under its new name of Leonardo. However, the company is still using “AW” in its model designations. This year, Leonardo is continuing development on the AW009, AW109 Trekker, and AW609.


According to the company, the AW009 is a single-engine, five-occupant helicopter that offers low operating costs, modern technology, and day/night VFR flyability. It is suited for training, utility operations, and police/security multi-mission requirements.


Meanwhile, the Leonardo touts the AW109 Trekker as “the newest light, twin-engine


helicopter in the 3-tonne class.” It is suited for training, utility, and aerial work operations that require best-in-class lifting capability, alongside superior range and performance.


Finally, according to the company, the AW609 tiltrotor “combines the benefits of a helicopter and a fixed-wing aircraft into one aircraft.” It can comfortably carry up to nine people in a pressurized cabin at twice the speed and range typical of helicopters. The AW609 is designed for both private and commercial civil operators, government missions, and para-public roles.


The development status of these models varies. Leonardo states, “The FAA validation


of the baseline AW009 is expected imminently. An upgraded version featuring a Rolls-Royce M250-C30P engine and Genesys avionics is expected to be certified by mid-2017.”


Regarding the AW109, as two Trekker prototypes were flown in 2016, development is ongoing towards certification, with over 20 units sold with firm orders.


The third AW609 prototype is to “begin full flight testing activities and is on track to undergo icing trials this winter as previously scheduled. Certification is anticipated at the end of 2018, with deliveries to begin in 2019,” states Leonardo.


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Jan/Feb 2017


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