The Philippine Navy (PN) announced that training of pilots and flight crew of the armed AgustaWestland AW-109Es “Power” helicopters will be largely determined by the aircraft supplier.

This was disclosed by Navy public affairs office chief Cmdr. Gregory Fabic in a message to the PNA.

“We are still awaiting for the advise coming from AgustaWestland (manufacturer of the AW-109s), they are the ones determining the (training) schedule,” he added.

Training is expected to take place in Cesto Calende, Italy, Fabic said.

The two armed AW-109Es are expected to be delivered within the third quarter of this year, he said.

This is part of the five helicopter order from AgustaWestland inked by the Department of National Defense last year.

Three of the planes were delivered on Dec. 8 and were commissioned on Dec. 20 last year.

The contract is worth P1.33 billion.

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.

It’s 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 other 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.

(PNA)