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AgustaWestland: Helicopters for Every Purpose and Pocket
Appearing at its first Paris Salon since Finmeccanica gained overall control, following its purchase of the UK’s financial interest, AgustaWestland has a stable of light-to-medium helicopters arrayed in the static display.
The single-engine, eight-seat A119 Koala is shown in the markings of Italian operator ETI 2000, acting as a reminder that this type is now produced only in the U.S., following transfer of the production line late last year after almost 50 had been built in Italy.
With two engines for additional security, the A109 Power is a firmly established AgustaWestland product. Recent customers include the government of Rajasthan, significant in that this is the highest state in India and more appreciative than most of the helicopter’s impressive performance. Another VIP transport operator will be the UK’s Royal Air Force, which has just ordered three for No. 32 (The Royal) Squadron at Northolt in the London suburbs.
Wednesday will see formal presentation here at the show of European certification to the enlarged A 109 Grand, while today, in another ceremony here, Air Green becomes the first operator of the emergency evacuation version of Bell/Agusta AB139.
Largest of the company’s products, the EH101 Merlin is represented by an example from the RAF, which has been using the type to support British troops in Iraq. The UK is the largest Merlin operator, with naval as well as air force versions in service. In the guise of the US-101, Merlins will be used in the U.S. as Presidential transports following selection for this prestigious role earlier in the year.
Not present are the Lynx series of light army and navy helicopters manufactured in the UK and the BA609 commercial tiltrotor. Following lay-up of the Bell-built BA609 prototype, flight-testing has recently restarted and will be intensified when the Italian second prototype flies before the end of this year. —Paul Jackson
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