Finmeccanica announced the maiden flight of the new AgustaWestland AW109 Trekker light twin engine helicopter.
A prototype aircraft took to the air for the first time today at the Helicopter Division’s Cascina Costa facility (Italy), the company said in a statement Wednesday.
A total of two prototypes will be used for the programme development as it progresses towards EASA (European Aviation Safety Agency) certification, which is expected by year end.
The helicopter has a maximum take-off weight of 3,175 kg (7,000 lb) and a speed of 168 knots (311 km/h).