AW-109s provided night-time air cover for Pope Francis - PN

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 4): AW-109s provided night-time air cover for Pope Francis - PN

While the Air Force was the primary military unit tasked to provide day-time air cover for Pope Francis during his January visit to the Philippines, Navy AgustaWestland AW-109 "Power" helicopters were the aircraft assigned to protect the Pontiff during the night-time.

This was disclosed by Philippine Navy (PN) public affairs office chief Cmdr Lued Lincuna in an interview with the PNA Wednesday.

He added that this was made possible as the AW-109s were equipped with FLIR (forward looking infra-red) pods and night-vision equipment making it capable detecting hostile movements and targets during the night-time.

FLIR uses an imaging technology that senses infrared radiation.

The sensors installed in forward-looking infrared cameras—as well as those of other thermal imaging cameras—use detection of infrared radiation, typically emitted from a heat source (thermal radiation), to create a "picture" assembled for video output.

Lincuna declined to give specifics on how the AW-109s operated during Pope Francis' Jan. 15 to 19 visit to the Philippines but said that all three "Power" helicopters were constantly up in the nigh-time during the five-day papal visit.

But sources said that operations of the AW-109s may have primarily focused on securing the airspace of the Apostolic Nunciature in Taft Avenue, Manila, the Pontiff's temporary home while in the Philippines.

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=732083