An Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chaplain blesses one of the three newly acquired Augusta Westland 109 Power Helicopters during the commisioning and blessing ceremony of the helicopters at the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) headquarters in Manila on December 19, 2013. The helicopters will be used in various naval operations including economic zone protection, surface surveillance, search and rescue and maritime security operations. AFP PHOTO/NOEL CELIS
There is a huge possibility that the Philippine Navy (PN)’s five brand-new AgustaWestland AW-109 “Power” naval helicopters will be deployed to provide additional security for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders’ Meeting in Metro Manila next week.
There is a huge possibility that the Philippine Navy (PN)’s five brand-new AgustaWestland AW-109 “Power” naval helicopters will be deployed to provide additional security for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders’ Meeting in Metro Manila next week.
The five aircraft
are ideal for security work as they are all equipped with NVG (night vision
gear) equipment which allows their pilots to see possible threats in nighttime.
NVG is an optical
instrument that allows images to be produced in levels of light approaching
total darkness.
Aside from this,
the AW-109E are also fitted with FLIR(forward looking infra-red) pods.
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, giving idea to operating forces on exact threat composition and
location.
The AW-109Es were
first used for nighttime patrol during the visit of Pope Francis last Jan. 15
to 19.
Besides this
sensing equipment which is capable of seeing targets in the dark, two of the
AW-109Es are armed with machinegun and rocket pods giving them the capability
to neutralize hostile targets instantly.
The first three
AW-109Es were commissioned on Dec. 22, 2013 while the last two units were
commissioned only this Aug. 10.
This is part of
the five-helicopter deal worth Php1.33-billion, signed by 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.
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.
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