Leonardo has obtained US approval for instrument flight rules (IFR) operations with its TH-119 light-single – securing a vital qualification for a US Navy contest for training helicopters.
Supplemental type certification was granted by the US Federal Aviation Administration on 18 July.
Leonardo
Based on the AW119, the TH-119 is Leonardo’s bid to replace the navy’s fleet of ageing Bell TH-57 Sea Ranger trainers.
Originally referred to as the TH-XX programme, the navy’s recapitalisation effort is now called the Advanced Helicopter Training System TH-73, under which it intends to acquire 130 aircraft.
If selected, Leonardo will build the TH-119s at its Philadelphia production plant, the current home of the AW119.
Competition for the requirement comes from the Airbus Helicopters H135 light-twin and single-engined Bell 407GXi, although the latter has yet to secure IFR certification.
The navy is expected to select its preferred bidder later this year.
Source: FlightGlobal.com
