AgustaWestland Unveils AW169

Speaking at the unveiling ceremony Giuseppi Orsi, CEO, AgustaWestland said “We are unveiling the AW169 hear at Farnborough because of the real and exciting potential this aircraft will have for the UK in terms of the market and industrially. Our Company’s commitment to the UK industrial base I believe is widely recognised and the AW169 is another opportunity for the UK to support and participate in a major new programme.”

The AW169’s avionic suite includes a full digital NVG compatible cockpit with three 8” x 10” large area displays (AMLCD) with enhanced graphics capability and a 4-axis digital automatic flight control system (DAFCS) with dual Flight Management System (FMS) helps minimise crew workload allowing single/dual pilot VFR/IFR operations. The avionics suite also complies with satellite-based navigation, communication and surveillance requirements and has the capability to perform satellite-based IFR LPV (localiser performance with vertical guidance) approaches to maximise round-the-clock operations.

The aircraft can carry two pilots and up to 8/10 passengers, or alternatively two stretchers, in the large unobstructed main cabin accessible via two large sliding cabin doors. The AW169 has been developed in accordance with the latest FAA/EASA Part 29 certification standards.

AgustaWestland is aiming for the EMS/SAR, law enforcement, passenger and offshore transport and utility markets and the company forecasts a potential market for almost 1000 aircraft over approximately 20 years.