Alexa Rexroth

A red carpet seemed fitting as it led up to a VIP-configured Leonardo AW169 sitting on the ramp like a celebrity at Chicago’s Vertiport. The helicopter was making an appearance as part of a demo tour for prospective passengers and pilots. As a member of its Italian family, which includes the AW139 and AW189, the AW169 is Leonardo’s new light-intermediate twin.

 


Designed as a multi-role helicopter, the AW169 can be configured for civil and commercial operations such as executive/private transport, aeromedical, search and rescue, security, energy, and utility services. With a 4.6-metric ton or optional 4.8-metric ton mtow and two 1,000-shp Pratt &amp; Whitney Canada PW210A Fadec engines, the AW169 can be operated by a single pilot or a crew of two with up to 10 passengers. &nbsp;

 


“We have more than 50 AW169s in operation right now in a multitude of segments. The helicopter is operating not just in VIP configuration but also in search-and-rescue, utility, and even wind energy as that continues to progress,” said Leonardo Helicopters manager of business development Michael Bucari.

 


Deliveries of the AW169 began at the end of 2015, following EASA certification. The FAA greenlighted the helicopter in 2017 and the in-service fleet has logged more than 10,000 flight hours to date.

 


“We have more than 160 AW169s on order. The aircraft is performing extremely well and the market has really accepted [it]. This reception has been through the roof,” said Bucari.

 


<h2>Managing the Cockpit</h2>

 


Stepping into the cockpit of the AW169 is comparable to entering an operations control center. Three eight- by ten-inch large area displays support a fully digital glass cockpit while the view outside and above the panel permits expansive external visibility. Fully adjustable seats and a wide cockpit allow for a comfortable and unrestricted pilot operating environment.

 


Crew workload is reduced by a four-axis digital automatic flight control system (DAFCS) coupled with a dual flight management system (FMS). “You’re really managing the cockpit. With the technology that this aircraft has, it will fly for you and you are the one managing everything else. This really helps to reduce pilot workload and allows the pilot to concentrate on their missions,” explained Bucari.

 


The avionics suite of the AW169 has the ability to perform satellite-based IFR LPV approaches, and a helicopter terrain avoidance and warning system (HTAWS) and synthetic vision system (SVS) are standard equipment on the helicopter. The FMS also offers robust and customizable capabilities, including picture-in-picture overlays to aid in situational awareness. “It’s like a smartphone. Once you understand the architecture of the software itself, it’s very hard to go back to whatever you used previously,” said Bucari.

 


<h2>Cabin Comfort&nbsp;</h2>

 


In executive configuration, the cabin of the AW169 can seat four to eight passengers, and a wireless cabin control and entertainment system allow them to select and stream media on cabin monitors or personal devices.

 


A unique luxury that lends itself to passenger comfort is the APU mode of the Pratt &amp; Whitney PW210A turboshafts. The APU mode allows for continued operation of the environmental control system, radios, and medical equipment when the rotors are stopped.

 


“It is the first aircraft in its class to have this style of APU," said Bucari. "It’s not an external APU or an additional piece of equipment. It is integrated into the engine. We can keep the cabin cool for VIPs, which offers a nice competitive advantage. Where it really helps, however, is on the EMS and search-and-rescue side, where there is still access to all electrical capability with the rotors stopped.”

 


<h2>In-house Support </h2>

 


The AW169 features a variable-speed main rotor that reduces the external noise footprint while improving efficiency. It is the first helicopter in its category to support an electric retractable landing gear that helps to reduce maintenance requirements by way of a less complex system. According to Leonardo Helicopters, it is also the first light helicopter to feature a full-ice protection system, and Swiss Air Rescue Rega will be the initial operator to use this capability.

 


Leonardo offers two HUMS monitoring centers for operators of the AW series. “We have one in Italy and one in Philadelphia. We typically work with operators on the offshore side, but it is starting to grow as more customers are signing up for HUMS data capture. It’s important to share that data so that we can start finding trends and baselines earlier for preventive maintenance,” Bucari told AIN.

 


According to Bucari, the only outside vendor Leonardo relies on is for the helicopter’s main landing gear and the engines. “From a dynamic component standpoint, the fuselage, the avionics, the gearboxes, and the blades are all done internally by Leonardo. In fact, our gearbox is the first in this class that can be certified to run dry for 34 minutes,” he said.

 


The VIP AW169 is currently on a seven-month demo tour and it is expected that a more utility-focused configuration will go on tour in the near future.

News and issues regarding all manner of civil and military rotorcraft and their powerplants, including helicopters, tilt rotors and unmanned air vehicles.

Pilot Review: Leonardo AW169

The AW169 is Leonardo’s new light-intermediate twin-engine addition

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

AmyWilder

News about bills, laws, regulations and other governmental decisions affecting aviation and aerospace. Topics include FAA re-authorizations, taxes on fuel and aviation activities, environmental legislation, ICAO decisions, governmental mediation of labor conflicts and World Trade Organization disputes and decisions.

News about simulators and training procedures, as well as workforce.

Key innovations and safety updates event highlights

European Rotors 2024 Focuses on Vertical Flight Future

Matt Thurber

News and developments about aircraft engines, including turbofan, turboprop, turboshaft and piston.

News and issues relating to business, corporate and private aviation, primarily regarding turbine-engine-powered airplanes and helicopters. Subjects include aircraft, engines, maintenance, operations, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security, and training.

Preowned helicopter specialist is expanding its capabilities

Rotortrade Partners with Safran, Joins Mentor Program

Includes the sale of the 100th Bell 505 in Europe

Bell Logs Sales for 505 and 407GXi Helicopters

News and information on safety procedures and concerns.

Six accidents, two with fatalities, took place during calendar year 2023

FAA Releases 2023 Helo Air Ambulance Ops Data Summary

Charles Alcock

Both manufacturers announced new business during the European Rotors trade show

Helicopter Operators Sign Orders with Airbus and Leonardo

How a long-time fixed-wing pilot transitions to the rotary-wing world

Learning To Fly Helicopters in the Guimbal Cabri G2

Mark Huber

News about significant aircraft accidents and information from accident reports.

Jury awards $116 million for doors-off crash victim

FlyNYON Tragedy Results in Hefty Jury Award

News and issues about aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), covering all segments of the aviation industry; and modifications for aircraft and engines. Subjects include product support of aircraft, engines and avionics, MRO company mergers, acquisitions, announcements and personnel, Airworthiness Directives, Supplemental Type Certificate approvals and other topics.

EBACE 2018

More In Rotorcraft