Philippine Air Force (PAF) spokesperson Lt. Col. Enrico Canaya on Friday announced that pilots and maintenance crews of their soon-to-be delivered AgustaWestland AW-109 attack helicopters will start their training in Italy this coming July.
These group consists of eight pilots and 22 maintenance personnel.
"They will start their training by July in (Cesto Calende)
He added that this helicopters will boosts the PAF's capability in providing close air support to combat forces in the ground.
The PAF and AgustaWestland signed the contract last November.
The aircraft will be used to perform a range of duties including homeland security, armed reconnaissance and close support.
The contract also includes initial logistics support and training for aircrew and maintenance personnel.
The deal is worth P3.44 billion.
The PAF’s AW-109 attack helicopters will feature a dedicated mission package and equipment including a combination of weapon systems.
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=650885
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