iscover
The 109A is particularly suited to the medevac role as depicted by this ski-equipped version pictured in the Dolomites.
Update – Agusta 109A
0 comment
A new helicopter entering Australian service for the first time is the stylish Italian Agusta 109A.
As this issue goes to press, Mount Isa Mines has accepted delivery of the first of a potential two-aircraft requirement. MIM are using their Agusta in support of mining activities in the Queensland coastal region of Oakey and Mackay.
While Agusta is new to Australia, helicopters are not new to Agusta. They have been involved in aeronautics since 1907 and since 1952, via various co-production agreements with Bell, Sikorsky, Boeing Vertol and more recently Westland, have delivered more than 4000 helicopters throughout the world. While the bulk of these aircraft have been for military use it is interesting to note that not only is the 109A entirely a product of Agusta’s own design and development centre but also the first largely civil helicopter they have produced. Having had the opportunity to take a close look over the 109A at the 1983 Paris Air Show one can see immediately that the military construction heritage has evoked a non-compromise attitude to detail and planning.
This content is available exclusively to Australian Aviation members.
A monthly membership is only $5.99 or save with our annual plans.
- Australian Aviation quarterly print & digital magazines
- Access to In Focus reports every month on our website
- Unlimited access to all Australian Aviation digital content
- Access to the Australian Aviation app
- Australian Aviation quarterly print & digital magazines
- Access to In Focus reports every month on our website
- Access to our Behind the Lens photo galleries and other exclusive content
- Daily news updates via our email bulletin
- Unlimited access to all Australian Aviation digital content
- Access to the Australian Aviation app
- Australian Aviation quarterly print & digital magazines
- Access to In Focus reports every month on our website
- Access to our Behind the Lens photo galleries and other exclusive content
- Daily news updates via our email bulletin
The 109A is an eight-place IFR twin-engined helicopter with a nil reserve maximum payload range in the region of 300 nautical miles at around 130 kts. This then offers an ideal inter-city commuter where Agusta claims that the 109A will beat any fixed-wing transport providing city heliports are available. While this scenario may be more applicable for North America and Europe, in Australia the type would have ideal application in the Tullamarine/Melbourne and KSA/Sydney role once the latter city gets its act together on a viable inner-city heliport. The 109A also has a role in the commuter application, its six/seven-passenger seats and full single or dual pilot IFR capability combined with twin-engine reliability make it an eminently saleable aircraft in this environment.
Size-wise, the 109A falls between the Bell 222 and the 206L Longranger. The 109A grosses at 5730 lbs(2600 kg), has an empty weight of 3125 lbs (1418 kg) and a useful load of 2605 lbs (1182 kg). The 109A can also carry a slung load of almost one tonne. Power is supplied by two Allison 250-C20B turboshafts, a power plant that is not entirely unknown in Australia. The maximum cruise speed of the 109A (all figures quoted at maximum payload), is 147 kts, the economy cruise is 126 kts while the maximum range using economy cruise settings 332 nautical miles with oil reserves. Rate of climb at sea level on two engines is 1650 fpm and on one engine 255 fpm. Service ceiling is 14,600 ft on two engines while the 109A can maintain 5550 ft on single-engine operation. Maximum speed is 168 kts.
Agusta are proud of their Helipilot system which is their own specifically designed and tailored helicopter autopilot system. Helipilot enables the aircraft to be flown ‘hands-off’ at altitude which coupled with the tapered and swept rotor blades, the large vertical stabiliser and synchronised elevator, provide a very smooth ride by helicopter standards.
The 109A presently comes configured for a number of missions. Most popular is the 6/7 seat commuter while a five-seat corporate layout even includes a beverage servery. There is also a comprehensively outfitted ambulance model in addition to the 109A being armed with four TOW anti-tank missiles and miniguns in the military role. The armed military model has so far been acquired by the Italian armed forces, the Libyans and was used by the Argentinian Army in the Falklands campaign. The Argentinian price of defeat is that two such aircraft are now on display at HM Fleet Air Arm museum at Yeovilton!
To date, more than 400 Agusta 109s have been sold, an impressive achievement from a major helicopter producer that is ironically not very well known in this part of the world. No doubt all that is set to change.
Want to see more stories from trusted news sources?
Make Australian Aviation a preferred news source on Google.
Click here to add Australian Aviation as a preferred news source.
