The Philippine Air Force (PAF) and AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, has signed a P3.44-billion contract for eight AW-109 "Power" light twin helicopters last Wednesday.
The aircraft will be used to perform a range of duties including homeland security, armed reconnaissance and close support.
Deliveries will start in 2014.
The contract also includes initial logistics support and training for aircrew and maintenance personnel.
The signing of the contract further expands the presence of AgustaWestland in the Philippine helicopter market and adds one more military customer for the AW-109 "Power" model in this country, following an order for three aircraft by the Philippine Navy earlier this year to enhance the service’s maritime operational capability.
The PAF’s AW-109 "Power" configuration will feature a dedicated mission package and equipment including a combination of weapon systems.
“It gives us great pleasure to sign this contract with the Philippine Air Force, further reinforcing the already strong partnership with the Department of National Defense. This latest achievement provides clear evidence of the customer’s confidence in the product while we’ve demonstrated that we are a reliable partner, able to offer a cost-effective solution. We are committed to deliver the improved mission capabilities and high quality services the customer deserves,” AgustaWestland chief executive officer Daniele Romiti said.
The AW-109 "Power" is a three-ton class eight seat twin engine helicopter.
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 and survivability 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.
The AW-109s' superior speed, capacity and productivity combined with reliability and ease of maintenance make it the most cost effective helicopter in its class for a range of government tasks.
Over 580 AW-109 "Power" and AW-109 LUH helicopters have been ordered for para-public, military and commercial applications by customers in around 50 countries.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=584047
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