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The Leonardo AW169 is a large multi-role utility twin-turboshaft Transport Category helicopter in the 4.6 tonne class,
accommodating 8 passengers and 1 or 2 crew. The AW169 is a conventional configuration helicopter having a 5-bladed fully
articulated interblade main rotor, an antitorque three bladed fully articulated tail rotor and a tricycle retractable wheel
landing gear. The AW169 has a fully digital glass cockpit. Development of the aircraft started in 2010 as the AgustaWestland AW169;
a derivative of the successful six ton AgustaWestland AW139 helicopter, sharing a large level of commonality across both components
and the cockpit configuration. The AW169 is powered by a pair of Pratt & Whitney Canada PW210A Fadec-controlled turbine engines. The
first of three prototypes AW169 (AC1 c/n 69002) I-EASF flew first at the Agusta Cascina Costa di Samarata plant in Italy, on 10 May 2012.
The pre-serie helicopter (AC4 c/n 69005) I-AWCM flew on 31 January 2013. EASA certification was awarded on 15 July 2015. In January 2015,
the assembly of the first production aircraft (c/n 69006) began in Vergiate, Italy. Leonardeo has dropped its plans to build the AW169 in
the USA.
The Leonardo AW169M (Multiruolo, Multirole) is the multirole variant of the AW169, developed by Leonardo and equipped with onboard technologies designed to the
latest FAR/JAR/EASA requirements and those standards of military, homeland security, and government users. The platform features outstanding
power, agility, and maneuverability, which provides excellent handling characteristics in a wide range of operating conditions, including hot
and high. The transmission design provides power to hydraulic, electrical, and air conditioning systems with the rotors stopped (APU mode),
optimizing response time and availability. The spacious cabin features a constant height cross section for rapid reconfiguration and ease of
access.
The Leonardo AW169MA (Multiruolo Avanzato, Multirole Advanced) is the militarised variant UH-169 LUH for the
Italian Army, with adaptations for troop transport, utility support, maritime patrol, armed reconnaissance and close air support operations.
Over 320 AW169 helicopters have now been ordered by customers all over the world.
The ICAO Aircraft Type Designator with Wake Category used to classify aircraft types for the AW169 helicopters is A169 |
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On 1 January 2016, the name AgustaWestland was dropped while Finmeccanica S.p.a., the parent company of AgustaWestland, changed to a one
company operation consolidating all its subsidiaries beneath one united name. From 28 April 2016, Finmeccanica S.p.a. changed its company name to Leonardo S.p.a. |
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The 2018-built Leonardo AW 169 s/n 69075 was tested as I-EASL. The helicopter was destined for Arctic Helicopters Iceland,
but for delivery Arctic Helicopters leased the AW 169 to SQN Asset Finance Ireland, which company sub-leased the AW169 to
HeliService international, Emden. On 25 October 2018, registration D-HHMJ was reserved in Germany for the AW 169, and in
December 2018, the AW169 was delivered as D-HHMJ at Flugplatz Emden. On 9 January 2019, the Leonardo AW 169 was registered
D-HHMJ with HeliService International GmbH, Emden.
On 8 November 2019, Leonardo AW 169 D-HHMJ was seen in service with
HeliService International at Flugplatz Emden (EDWE / EME). |
