[Photo] Vietnam Helicopters investing in 02 modern aw189 helicopters

With the aim to diversify and modernize the aircraft fleet to improve service qualit and meet oil & gas customers’ demands and other missions, Vietnam Helicopters has purchased of 02 modern AW189 helicopters, manufactured by AgustaWestland S.P.A (Italy), which are expected to be delivered in the end of 2015. Below are some pictures of AW 189 helicopter (source: AgustaWestland S.P.A)

Contract Signing Ceremony for AW189 helicopter

The AW189 helicopter, manufactured by AgustaWestland S.P.A, has been developed based on AW149 fuselage and AW139 offshore features, the popular aircraft with 650 sold during the last 10 years.

AW189, the medium sized twin-engined helicopters manufactured by AgustaWestland S.P.A (Italy), has been developed based on AW149 fuselage and AW139 offshore features, the popular aircraft with 650 sold during the last 10 years.

The AW189 made its first flight on 21 December 2011, then officially introduced in February 2014. Up to now, 20 AW189 helicopters has been delivered to customers.

Technical data: Aircrew: 1-2 people; length: 17.6m, main rotor diameter: 14.6m; height: 5.06m; MTOW: 8,600 kg; maximum capacity: 19 pax.

The helicopter is equipped with 2 General Electric CT7-2E1 engines with power plant of 1,492 kW (2,000 horse power) each, allowing cruise speed of 267 - 278 km/h; fuel tank capacity of 2,063 liter (up to 2,569 liter with sub-fuel tank), allowing maximum range of 907 km.

AW189 fully meets safety standards of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) as well as other requirements of The International Association of Oil & Gas Producers (OGP).

AW189 is equipped with modern “Fly by wire” control system and 4-multifunction-screen cockpit which display all the aircraft operating data. Thanks to the features of comfort, quietness, AW189 is suitable for commercial operations.

Besides commercial versions, AW189 can be developed particularly for coast guard patrol, search and rescue. In this configuration, the aircrew of the AW189 will include 4 people.

AgustaWestland has received over 150 orders for AW189 from 10 nations, including the US, UK, Russia, Qatar, UAE, India etc. This means the aircraft is highly valued by customers.

Investing in medium sized AW189, Vietnam Helicopters wants to diversify and modernized its fleet to better server oil and gas customers and other missions.