AW189 SAR Variant Achieves EASA Certification

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Posted By: Marcel van Leeuwen December 23, 2014

AW189 SAR

SAR configured aircraft deliveries to start

• New generation AW189 brings new capabilities to SAR market
• First SAR helicopter in the super medium twin category to achieve certification
• The success of the AW189 continues in the offshore oil & gas and SAR markets

Finmeccanica – AgustaWestland is pleased to announce it has achieved European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) certification for the Search and Rescue variant of the AW189, paving the way for the delivery of aircraft for the UK search and rescue programme. The range of kits for the SAR mission that have now been certified by EASA for the AW189 include a dual rescue hoist with camera system, search radar, high definition FLIR system, searchlight, increased capacity fuel system, Flight Management System (FMS) & Automatic Flight Control System (AFCS) SAR modes, cabin mission console and various additional communication systems. The SAR variant of the AW189 has also been certified with a maximum all up mass of 8,600 kg (18,959 lb), an increase of 300 kg (661 lb), to provide increased payload.

The SAR variant of the AW189 is unmatched in its class in terms of performance, range and endurance. The AW189 has a maximum cruise speed of 155 knots (287 km/h) and with the increased fuel capacity has an endurance of 5 hours 40 minutes or a maximum range of 600 nm (1,111 km). The 11.2 m3 (395 ft3) reconfigurable cabin can accommodate two stretchers and six seated survivors alongside the two rear crew with easy access via the aircraft large sliding doors. Additionally the 2.4 m3 (85 ft3) baggage compartment can be accessed from the cabin and used to store equipment. The cockpit design, incorporating the latest in advanced situational awareness technologies, reduces crew workload and enhances safety. The AW189 meets the very latest international regulatory safety requirements (EASA / FAA Part 29, JAR OPS 3 / EU-OPS). The AW189 is unique in having a 50 minute ‘run-dry’ capable main gear box, exceeding current certification standards and offering unmatched safety and reliability for long range offshore operations.
A wide spectrum of advanced support and training solutions, also including latest generation HUMS (Health Usage and Monitoring System) and Level D Full Flight Simulator, are available to AW189 operators to maximize operational effectiveness and safety. A CAE 3000 Series AW189 simulator, designed specifically to support training for search and rescue operations, will also be ready-for-training with Rotorsim, an AgustaWestland and CAE joint venture, in Aberdeen in 2015. The AW189 is part of the AgustaWestland Family of new generation helicopters that includes the AW169 and AW139 models, which possess the same high performance flight characteristics and safety features as well as sharing a common cockpit layout, design philosophy and maintenance concept. This commonality will allow more effective operations for customers operating helicopter fleets across the 4 to 8.5 tonne weight categories. Orders for over 130 AW189s, including framework contracts and options, have been placed, making it the outright market leader in its class. Following EASA certification in early 2014 aircraft have already been delivered to customers in Europe, Asia and the Middle East including Bristow, Weststar Aviation Services, LCI, Gulf Helicopters and Bel Air.

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