AgustaWestland Starts Full Scale Production of the Next-Generation AW169 Helicopter

Headquartered in Italy, Augusta Westland is now a multi-national company specializing in helicopter design and manufacturing. It was created in July of 2000, when Finmeccanica and GKN decided to merge their individual helicopter subsidiaries to form one larger one, each holding a 50% share. On May 26, 2004, GKN confirmed that it had agreed to sell its entire share of AgustaWestland for nearly USD$2 billion, resulting in AgustaWestland becoming a wholly-owned subsidiary of Finmeccanica.

Earlier this month, AgustaWestland announced that their new-generation AW169 light intermediate 4.5-ton class helicopter has entered full scale production, with the first aircraft now on the final assembly line at its Vergiate facility in Italy. This announcement is extremely exciting because the AW169 is the first all-new aircraft in its weight category to come on the market in almost forty years. It incorporates many new technological features in its rotor system, engines, avionics, transmission and electric power generation and distribution systems.

The AW169 helicopter was designed in response to the increasing market demand for an aircraft that delivers high performance, meets all the latest safety standards and has multi-role capabilities. Currently it is being certified according to the most recent EASA CS-29 / FAR Part 29 amendments.

To date, it has accumulated over 1,200 flying hours in the United States, the UK, and Italy. AgustaWestland’s Yeovil plant in the UK is responsible for producing rotor blades and tail rotor transmission systems, while its Philadelphia plant in the United States has the final assembly line. Along with the beginning of full-scale production, AW169 training systems are being established at AgustaWestland’s Sesto Calende Training Academy in Italy, including a maintenance trainer and level-D full flight simulator. The first group of customers is set to receive their helicopters during the 2nd quarter of 2015.

ASAP Semiconductor is a leading distributor of Agusta Helicopter parts. We are ISO 9001-2015 certified, ASA 100 accredited, and a member of the Aviation Suppliers Association. Prospective customers can browse our inclusive catalogue of both obsolete and in-production Agusta parts ranging from hose assemblies to rail mountings and more at http://www.aviationsourcingsolutions.com/. If you are interested in a part, please feel free to contact our knowledgeable sales staff at sales@aviationsourcingsolutions.com or call 1-714-705-4780 for a quote.