A109 Light Utility Helicopter
RNZAF NZ3401 at Whanganui Aerodrome, New Zealand
The Agusta A109 (now known as the Leonardo AW109 following corporate restructuring) is a lightweight, twin-engine, eight-seat multi-purpose helicopter that has achieved significant success in both civilian and military markets worldwide since its introduction in the 1970s. Designed and manufactured by the Italian aerospace company originally known as Agusta, the A109 is renowned for its sleek design, high performance, and versatility. The helicopter features a fully articulated four-bladed main rotor and can reach speeds of approximately 177 mph (285 km/h), making it one of the faster helicopters in its class. Its twin-engine configuration provides enhanced safety and redundancy, which has made it popular for operations over water, mountains, and urban areas.
“the A109 is renowned for its sleek design, high performance, and versatility. The helicopter features a fully articulated four-bladed main rotor and can reach speeds of approximately 177 mph (285 km/h), making it one of the faster helicopters in its class. ”
The A109 has been widely adopted for various roles including emergency medical services (EMS), law enforcement, search and rescue, corporate transport, and military utility missions. Military variants, such as the A109LUH (Light Utility Helicopter), have been adopted by numerous armed forces around the world including New Zealand, Argentina, Belgium, Sweden, and several others. These military versions are equipped for roles such as troop transport, reconnaissance, light attack, naval operations, and training. The helicopter can be fitted with various mission equipment including rescue hoists, searchlights, weapons systems, and advanced avionics. The A109's relatively compact size, excellent performance in hot and high conditions, and lower operating costs compared to larger military helicopters have made it an attractive choice for nations requiring a capable and economical light utility helicopter for diverse operational requirements.
