With the shipboard deployment of the Philippine Navy (PN)'s AgustaWestland AW-109Es, the ability of the country to patrol and defend its vast EEZ (exclusive economic zone) was greatly boosted.
This was revealed by Navy public affairs office chief Lt. Cmdr. Gregory Fabic in a message to the PNA.
"The AW-109Es are (now) incorporated in PF-15 (BRP Gregorio Del Pilar) and PF-16 (BRP Ramon Alcaraz). They will provide the required air mission of the Del Pilar class frigates that will enhance (the PN's) maritime security within our EEZ in order to safeguard our country's rich maritime resources," he added.
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The Navy's AW-109Es was formally activated and tasked to join the fleet last May 21.
They were formally commissioned last Dec. 22.
The Navy operates three AW-109Es, another two, the armed versions, are expected to be delivered before the end of the year.
The AW-109 "Power" helicopter 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.
It'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 AW-109 to perform its mission when many others 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=649990
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