In line with its efforts to upgrade its capabilities, the
Philippine Air Force (PAF) announced that the two newly-arrived AgustaWestland
AW-109E "Power" attack helicopters are capable of day and night
internal security operations.
This was disclosed by PAF spokesperson Lt. Col. Enrico
Canaya in a message to the PNA.
"These aircraft will be primarily for internal security
operations and (are) day and night capable. It can also perform other missions
such aerial survey for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions
when necessary," he added.
Canaya said that the PAF expects to commission the entire
eight attack AW-109s before the end of 2015, with the first two being activated
in the first quarter of the present year.
The first two units arrived last December.
These aircraft are now being assembled and undergoing
testing at Clark Field, Pampanga.
The entire order is worth Php3.44 billion. Contract for the
attack helicopters was signed last 2013.
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 parapublic, military and commercial applications by
customers in around 50 countries.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=723093
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