Leonardo-Finmeccanica Claims Successful Trials Of AW139 Twin-Engine Helicopter In Pakistan

Leonardo-Finmeccanica has conducted trials of its AgustaWestland AW139 intermediate twin-engine helicopter in Pakistan.

The trials showed hot and high altitude performance and mission capabilities the trials. The helicopters reached on a ferry flight from Italy. The trials were conducted in the central desert area of Multan, where temperatures touched 49 °C with the helicopter still being able to take-off at its MTOW, and in the northern areas of the Karakoram Range where the helicopter demonstrated its operational capabilities in hot and high environments, the company said in a statement Monday.

The flights performed in the high temperature desert areas included demonstrations of the AW139s tactical low level flight capabilities and the ability to shut down and restart engines in a minute. High altitude performance flights included take-offs and landings on unprepared surfaces at 16,300 feet density altitude and flights at 20,000 ft pressure altitude.

The missions in terms of altitude and temperature were all performed with at least eight passengers and two pilots on board, in a fully mission equipped configuration, including a passenger transport layout with up to 12 seats, air conditioning, a comprehensive avionic package encompassing TCAS II (Traffic Collision Avoidance System), HF radio, plus rescue hoist and cargo hook provisions.

The missions performed also included fuel for well in excess of one hour of flight plus required reserves.