New Zealand's first AW109 training helicopter should enter developmental test and evaluation in late March, having made its maiden flight from AgustaWestland's Vergiate plant in Italy in February.
To replace its aged Bell Sioux trainers, the Royal New Zealand Air Force's eventual fleet of five winch-equipped AW109s will be used to instruct pilots and aircrew for its NH Industries NH90 transports and the navy's Kaman Aerospace SH-2G Seasprites.
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Both images © Royal New Zealand Air Force |
The first aircraft will be delivered to New Zealand late this year and will enter service at RNZAF Base Ohakea during 2011. A simulator for the AW109 will arrive next year, and a virtual interactive procedural trainer is already in use at Ohakea.
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The AW109's cockpit will support training for the NH90 and SH-2G Seasprite |
© Royal New Zealand Air Force |
Powered by two turbine engines, the AW109 can carry three crew and up to five passengers.