OMNIFLIGHT Helicopters, a Dallas, Texas-based air- medical operator, has ordered 12 Agusta helicopters, including six single-engined A.119 Koalas, marking the first announced sale of the aircraft.
The Omniflight order, valued at around $29 million, is the largest single commercial-helicopter deal secured in the USA by the Italian manufacturer. The contract also includes three A.109K2s and three of the re-engined light-twin A.109 Power.
Agusta also announced, that the Koala, its first "proprietary" single-turbine design, will be powered by the Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6B-37 turbo-shaft. The two flying prototypes are powered by the Turbomeca Arriel 1 turbo-shaft, but the company opted to power production versions with the P&WC engine after holding a competition in which Allison and Turbomeca lost out.
The 745kW (1,000shp)-rated turbo-shaft will give the helicopter a maximum cruise speed of 140kt (260km/h) and a service ceiling of 17,900ft (5,460m).
Agusta has kept the engine decision under wraps since its selection process was concluded in December. The Arriel-powered prototypes, have so far, amassed around 100h flight time and testing is expected to continue until late this year, when the first PT6-37 will be installed. Italian and US certification is due to be completed in mid-1997, with first deliveries scheduled for September 1997.
Meanwhile, the A.109 Power is scheduled to receive Italian certification later in March, followed by US certification in June. The two flying prototypes have so far accumulated more than 500h between them.
The twin-engined PW206C-powered A.109 will have a cruise speed of 160kt and a Vne (never-exceed speed) of 168kt. It is expected to be "the fastest helicopter of its class in the world", says Agusta marketing manager Leonardo Monti. First deliveries will begin in July.
Source: Flight International
