Agusta is planning to certificate its single engined A119 Koala in May, nearly a year later than originally scheduled. The Italian manufacturer blames the delay on its efforts to incorporate design changes to the aircraft, in response to customer demands.
The design of the seven-seat Koala, which was originally scheduled for Italian and US certification in July and August 1998, respectively, has been improved "-in an effort to enhance the aircraft flight envelope and increase the cruise speed by as much as 10kt [18km/h]," says Agusta.
Two prototypes have been built, amassing a combined flight time of more than 300h. The Cascina Costa-based company plans to unveil the "improved" Koala at the Heli Expo Convention on 21-23 February, and declines to reveal further details of the helicopter until then.
Following certification, Agusta plans to step up its marketing effort in an attempt to boost its orders. "There is a large market for this aircraft in the USA, Europe and South America," says the company. To date, it has received more than 20 orders for the $1.7 million, Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6B-37-powered Koala and plans to deliver the first six aircraft by the end of the year.
Meanwhile, Agusta plans to start deliveries of its A109 Power helicopter derivative, the A109F, by mid-1999. The latest variant of the twin turboshaft helicopter is powered by Turboméca Arrius 2K1 engines and features new cockpit instruments with liquid crystal displays, replacing the "old" electronic flight instrument system.
The weight and flight envelopes are also being expanded. A further upgrade, which will be equipped with a new fixed gear and skids, has been set for delivery in 2000.
Source: Flight International
