Two armed AgustaWestland AW-109E "Power"
helicopters acquired by the Philippine Air Force (PAF)last November remained on
display at the former Clark Air Force Base in Pampanga for technical
inspection.
"They were just displayed there for appreciation of
visitors but they are not yet turned over to the PAF. They are still undergoing
technical inspection and acceptance process,"PAF spokesperson Col. Enrico
Canaya said.
Canaya declined to comment on when this process will be
completed and how many armed AW-109Es are now undergoing technical inspection
and acceptance process.
The two attack helicopters were part of the eight attack
units of the AW-109E acquired by PAF for Php3.44 billion. Two units were delivered
last January with the remaining six expected to be delivered by this year and
the next.
The contract also includes initial logistics support and
training for aircrew and maintenance personnel.
The PAF’s AW-109E attack helicopters feature a dedicated mission
package and equipment, including a combination of weapon systems which includes
pods for .50 caliber machine-guns and 20mm auto-cannon.
The AW-109E "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-109E's 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 para-public, military and commercial applications by
customers in around 50 countries.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=778459
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