New engine option AW189 launched at Helitech 2017
Leonardo and Safran Helicopters has unveiled the AgustaWestland AW189k featuring new generation Safran Aneto engines at Helitech 2017.
The new supermedium helicopter variant is powered by the Aneto-1K. The new engine option offers higher performance in hot and high conditions to better suit operations in warmer climates. Full EASA certification is expected in the fourth quarter of 2018.
Gian Piero Cutillo, managing director of Leonardo Helicopters said: “We are pleased that the AW189K will be the first helicopter to feature an Aneto engine.
“This new turboshaft engine will offer our customers a high level of performance and further extend the capabilities and versatility of our super medium platform, particularly in hot & high conditions. Operators will also benefit from Safran’s longstanding experience in the helicopter market as well as from its strong worldwide support network.”
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Bruno Even, President at Safran Helicopter Engines said: “We’re delighted to be working with Leonardo on the AW189K programme, building on our long history of cooperation.
“With the Aneto engine family we are today bringing to the market a new generation and competitive engine solution for the super medium and heavy helicopter market, offering a new level of performance coupled with reduced operating costs. We’re convinced the AW189K, powered by the Aneto, will prove to be very attractive to many operators due to its outstanding capabilities”
The prototype AW189k took its maiden flight from Leonardo’s Cascina Costa plant on 9 March 2017. From early assessments, the aircraft performs well in demanding weight, altitude and temperature conditions.
Helicopter Investor asked a Leonardo representative at the show what market the AW189 was targetting, Leonardo said: “It depends on customer preference but the AW189k would be very suited for Latin America, Africa, the Middle Eastern and Australia due to the demanding conditions. It is too soon to say where the Aw189k will be most popular but these markets would be ideally suited for this kind of platform.”
