New Navy choppers under testing

From the Manila Bulletin (Dec 11): New Navy choppers under testing

Three of the five AW109 “Power” helicopters acquired by the Philippine Navy from the Anglo-Italian firm AugustaWestland have been delivered to the country for testing.

Lt. Rommel Rodriquez said three AW-109s were delivered to Villamor Airbase in Pasay City last Sunday.

Two of the helicopters are now at Sangley Point Naval Base in Cavite for testing, while the third helicopter will be flown to Cavite Thursday.

Rodriquez said the helicopters will be placed under the control and supervision of the Naval Air Group after its commissioning scheduled within the month.

The delivery is part of the P1.33-billion contract signed by the Navy with AugustaWestland early this year for three AW109 Power maritime helicopters plus two options.

Rodriguez said the aircraft will complement the patrolling and monitoring capability of the Gregorio Del Pilar class frigates.

The remaining two helicopters are expected to be delivered during the first quarter of 2014.

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

Following the signing of the contract for the purchase of the helicopters in March, an official of AgustaWestland said they are delighted that the Philippine Navy has selected the AW109 Power as part of its armed forces modernization program.

The official said AW109 Power’s multi-role abilities and high performance will provide the Philippine Navy with an enhanced maritime operational capability.

The AW109 Power is a three-ton class eight seater 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.

The AW109 Power has established itself as the world’s best selling light-twin helicopter for maritime missions.

The AW109 Power’s superior speed, capacity and productivity combined with reliability and ease of maintenance make it the most cost effective maritime helicopter in its class.

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

The ability to operate from small ships in high sea state enables the AW109 Power to perform its mission when many others helicopters would be confined to the ship’s hangar.

Over 550 AW109 Power and AW109 LUH helicopters have been ordered for commercial, para-public and military applications by customers in almost 50 countries.

http://www.mb.com.ph/new-navy-choppers-under-testing/