Article Posted on : - Feb 13, 2014

AW109 Power Helicopter. Photo: AgustaWestlan

AMSTERDAM (BNS): The Philippine Navy has signed a contract for two additional AW109 Power maritime helicopters.

The helicopter will be used for a wide range of naval missions including economic zone protection, surface surveillance, SAR and maritime security.

This latest contract with AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, brings to five the total number of AW109 Powers ordered by the Philippine Navy which is already operating the first batch of three aircraft.

The two additional helicopters will be delivered in the second half of this year and will operate from both shore and ship bases. The contract includes initial logistics support and training for aircrew and maintenance personnel.

The AW109 Power is a three-tonne class eight seat helicopter powered by two Pratt & Whitney PW206C engines with FADEC. The spacious cabin is designed to be fitted with a number of modular equipment packages for quick and easy conversion between roles.

The aircraft's safety features include a fully separated fuel system, dual hydraulic boost system, dual electrical systems and redundant lubrication and cooling systems for the main transmission and engines.

For shipboard operations the aircraft has a reinforced-wheeled landing gear and deck mooring points as well as extensive corrosion protection measures.