Third AW169 performs maiden flight

AgustaWestland released that the third prototype of the new generation 4.5 tonne light intermediate AW169 helicopter recently successfully completed its maiden flight at Cascina Costa in Italy. During its 35 minutes flight, the aircraft performed as expected with an assessment of the helicopter’s general handling and basic systems. A fourth prototype in scheduled to fly in early 2013 and the AW169 programme is on schedule to achieve civil certification in 2014. The first two AW169 prototypes, which performed their maiden flights in May 2012 and July 2012, have completed more than 100 flight hours to date. Development activities to be undertaken by the third prototype, the first one featuring retractable landing gear, include climatic chamber tests, cold weather trials, hot & high trials, Cat. A performance tests and certification of optional kits.