HeliVert, a Russian helicopters and AgustaWestland joint venture, announced that the first AW139 helicopter assembled in Russia has performed its maiden flight.

On December 18, 2012, the first AW139 built in Russia, with the tail number 60001, was rolled out at the HeliVert assembly plant to perform ground testing. On the following day, December 19, at 16:30 Moscow time the test program continued with the helicopter’s first lift-off and controlled hover. The new helicopter completed the scheduled tests approved by Russia’s aviation authorities.

The AW139’s first take off and hover was successful, and the helicopter is undergoing the flight test program. This medium multi-role helicopter is basically a twin-engine helicopter in its class in terms of speed, flight characteristics and passenger cabin size with Combination of streamlined fuselage, latest avionic equipment, spacious cabin and low acoustic signature. The AW139 has maximum cruise speed of 306 km/h, maximum range in excess of 927 km, and maximum flight time of five hours. It is a helicopter which is equipped with a Full Ice Protection System (FIPS).

The AW139 is powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6C-67C turbo shaft engines, equipped with full-authority digital engine controls (FADEC) and each rated at 1,679 SHP for take-off. The maximum take-off weight is 6400 kg with an option of 6800 kg. The helicopter is configured for one or two pilots and can carry up to 15 passengers or 6-8 passengers in VIP/corporate transport configuration.