With some 200 AW109S Grands now in service, AgustaWestland (Booth No. 1629) is introducing the next evolution in its popular, light twin, the AW109 Grand New, at Heli-Expo.

The next-generation Grand New was announced here in Houston at an AgustaWestland media event last night, along with news that it has already received EASA certification and that FAA approval is expected by mid-2010.

The aircraft is equipped with an enhanced-vision system (EVS) and a terrain awareness warning system (TAWS) and meets the latest NTSB/FAA recommendations for EMS operations regarding the use of FAA-approved night-vision goggles or enhanced vision-systems when flight conditions and missions dictate.

The digital avionics system allows single-pilot IFR and includes Chelton’s FlightLogic synthetic-vision EFIS with highway in the sky display, flight management system, helicopter terrain awareness warning system and flight recording. 

The Grand New is fitted with a four-axis, duplex, digital autopilot coupled with a flight director and a new radio management system. Combined, this permits centralized management of radio communication and navigation systems, while the integrated display system provides aircraft/engine data-monitoring, crew-alert and maintenance data pages.

As with the original Grand, the Grand New will allow room for up to six passengers or up to two stretchers plus medical attendants.

AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, already has orders for 20 Grand News in various configurations. The first helicopter is scheduled for delivery by this summer and the first in the Americas this autumn.