Leonardo announced today that the Polar Research Institute of China (PRIC) has purchased an AgustaWestland AW169 intermediate light helicopter, with delivery scheduled for early 2019. The helicopter will be equipped with a special configuration a support of scientific exploration activities in the polar environment and will be used for passenger transport, iceberg monitoring and external cargo transport.
The contract was signed as part of the acquisition program for the new icebreaker ship for the Polar Research Institute, capable of hosting helicopters on board.
The AW169 will operate from the new naval unit and at the Chinese Polar Stations in the Arctic and Antarctica.
The AW169 was chosen thanks to its extraordinary performance in difficult environmental conditions and state-of-the-art technology including, among other things, touch screens, the ability to keep the main on-board equipment functioning (including the air conditioning system) when on the ground and with the rotors stationary for maximum safety and reduction of consumption and emissions ('APU mode'), and an advanced rotor characterized by great efficiency and reduced acoustic impact.
This order marks a further success for this helicopter model on the world market, once again demonstrating its great versatility. Leonardo's presence in China continues to grow with almost 200 helicopters ordered by customers in the country for civil and public utility uses.
To meet the needs arising from the expansion of the helicopter fleet, support and maintenance services were also strengthened, including with the recent inauguration of a spare parts warehouse based in Shanghai.
Insights
The new generation 4.6 / 4,8 ton AW169 helicopter was designed to respond to the growing market demand for high performance, the latest safety standards and multi-role capability. There are over 160 orders from customers around the world to date for various uses such as air ambulance, public order, offshore and passenger transport, utilities and publishing support.