First AW139 Helicopter assembled in Russia performs maiden flight

HeliVert, a Russian Helicopters and AgustaWestland joint venture, released that the first AW139 helicopter assembled in Russia has successfully performed its maiden flight. On December 18th, 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 19th, the test programme continued with the helicopter’s first lift-off and controlled hover. The new helicopter remained in the air for 37 minutes and 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 programme. The second aircraft (60002) to be assembled by HeliVert is expected to be in operation by February 2013.