AgustaWestland announced that the fourth prototype of the new generation 4.5 tonne class light intermediate AW169 helicopter has completed its maiden flight at AgustaWestland’s Vergiate plant in Italy yesterday.

During its flight, the aircraft performed an assessment of the helicopter’s general handling and basic systems being made. The AW169 program is on schedule to achieve civil certification in 2014.

The first three AW169 prototypes, which performed their maiden flights in May 2012, July 2012 and November 2012, have completed more than 150 flight hours to date. The fourth prototype represents the production configuration.

The AW169 is part of AgustaWestland’s family of new generation helicopters that includes the AW139 and AW189 models. These helicopters all possess the same flight characteristics and safety features whilst sharing the same common cockpit concept and design philosophy. This approach will function for areas such as training, maintenance and support for operators having two or three of the models in their fleets.

Launched in July 2010, the AW169 has obtained orders for more than 70 units so far from customers in North & South America, Asia, Middle East, Europe and Australasia for missions including air ambulance, law enforcement, corporate transport, utility and offshore transport.

The new generation twin engine helicopter, AW169 meets latest safety standards and has multi-role capabilities. New generation technologies are incorporated in the rotor system, engines, avionics, transmission and electric power generation and distribution systems of AW169. Latest technologies include an APU mode capability and touch screen cockpit devices. The AW169 is set for EMS, SAR, law enforcement, passenger and offshore transport and utility missions.