Not many people are aware of it but both the Philippine Navy
(PN) and Philippine Air Force (PAF) are operating the same type of attack
chopper in the guise of the AgustaWestland AW-190E "Power"
helicopter.
PAF spokesperson Col. Enrico Canaya disclosed this in an
interview with the PNA.
The Navy formally commissioned its two armed AW-109Es last
Aug. 10 while the PAF's eight chopper units are still undergoing technical
inspection and assessment before being formally accepted into service.
"(Both the Navy and Air Force) are using the same
aircraft platform," Canaya said.
The advantage of having both services using the same
aircraft, or in this case, attack helicopters, is the commonality in training
and maintenance, he added.
Canaya's views was earlier shared by Department of National
Defense (DND) undersecretary for finance, modernization, installation and
munitions Fernando Manalo.
"Having the two services operate the AW-109s means that
we will just operate one type of aircraft which will greatly ease our maintenance,
training and logistic procedures," he pointed out.
The PN's AW-109E contract for five helicopters, including
the two armed units, is worth Php1.33 billion.
While the contract for the PAF's eight attack AW-109Es is
worth Php3.4 billion.
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 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=792589
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