Agusta A-109
- CountryItaly
- TypeTwin engined utility & corporate helicopter
- PowerplantsA-109A Mk.II - Two Allison 250-C20B turboshafts rated at 300kW (400shp) max continuous operation, or 313kW (420shp) for takeoff, derated to 260kW (346shp) for twin engine operation. A-109E - Two 477kW (640shp) takeoff rated Pratt & Whitney Canada PW-206Cs.
- PerformanceA-109A - Max cruising speed 285km/h (154kt), economical cruising speed 233km/h (126kt). Max initial rate of climb 2110ft/min. Range with standard fuel and no reserves 648km (350nm). A-109E - Max cruising speed 289km/h (156kt). Max initial rate of climb 2080ft/min. Service ceiling 20,000ft. Hovering ceiling out of ground effect 13,300ft. Max range 977km (528nm). Max endurance 5hr 10min.
- WeightsA-109A Mk.II - Empty equipped 1418kg (3126lb), max takeoff 2600kg (5732lb). A-109E - Empty 1570kg (3461lb), max takeoff 2850kg (6283lb).
- DimentionsMain rotor diameter 11.00m (36ft 1in), length with rotors turning 13.05m (42ft 10in), fuselage length 10.71m (35ft 2in), height 3.30m (10ft 10in). Main rotor disc area 95.0m2 (1022.9sq ft).
- CapacityTotal accommodation for eight people including one pilot. In medevac configuration two stretchers and two medical attendants.
- ProductionApproximately 600 A-109s of all variants (civil and military) had been built by 1998.
The A-109 is the foremost twin helicopter in its category throughout the course of its twenty five year history.
The first of four A-109 prototypes soared into its maiden flight on August 4 1971. VFR certification was received on June 1 1975 even though series production had begun in 1974. 1st production deliveries transpired in late 1976. The helicopter was called Hirundo initially but the name did not catch and was dropped. Single pilot IFR certification was received in January 1977.
The lowly A-109A was omit by the upgraded A-109A Mk.II from September 1981. Improvements incorporated in the Mk.II inclosed a major transmission charge, redesigned tailboom and a novel limited rotor driveshaft, amended rotor blade vigor and recent avionics. The Mk.II is also advantageous in widebody shape with increased inclosed turn courtliness of protuberance body side table and refashion firing boiler under the lodge possession. The Mk.II Plus has the more mighty 250-C20R1 engines, as does the A-109C. The 109C also has compound rotor blades.
The A-109K went on its maiden flight on April 1983 and is powered by two 470kW (640shp) max continuous operation rated Turboméca Arriel 1K1 turboshafts.
A-109, the latest model is the PW-206C powered (477kW/640shp takeoff rated) A-109E Power, which first flew on February 8 1995 and was certificated in August 1996. Based on the A-109K-2 it also features a strengthened landing gear and improved main rotor. The engines feature FADEC.
The A-109 has been developed into a number of mission specific configurations. Aside from executive transport it is used widely in medevac, police and patrol roles worldwide. Previously medevac configured A-109As were based on the standard airframe, but modifications engineered by the US firm Custom Aircraft Completions resulted in the A-109 Max, with transverse stretcher stowage and bulged side door transparencies.
Pictures of Agusta A-109
