The three AgustaWestland AW-109 "Power",delivered and commissioned last December, can also function as utility and cargo aircraft, which the military can use for resupply missions for isolated and far-flung areas.
This is aside from its capability for patrol and surveillance purposes because of its high speed at around 160 knots.
Navy spokesperson Lt. Cmdr. Gregory Fabic said the AW-109s are deployed aboard the two Gregorio Del Pilar frigates currently in PN service.
He added that utility and cargo configuration can be done by simply installing packets and litters for cargo weighing up to 1,000 kilograms.
The AW-109 "Power" is a three-ton class eight seat helicopter powered by two Pratt and Whitney PW206C engines.
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 AW-109 has established itself as the world’s best selling light-twin helicopter for maritime missions.
Its 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 seas state enables the AW-109 to perform its mission when many other helicopters would be confined to the ship’s hangar.
Over 550 AW-109 "Power" and AW-109 light utility helicopters have been ordered for commercial, parapublic and military applications by customers in almost 50 countries.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=606182
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