ROME - AgustaWestland has launched a new increased gross weight (IGW) kit for the AW139. The optional kit increases the aircraft's standard 6,400 kg (14,109 lb) maximum gross weight to 7,000 kg (15,432 lb), an increase of 600 kg (1,323 lb). This is 200 kg (440 lb) more than the AW139's existing increased gross weight clearance of 6,800 kg (14,991 lb).
When combined with new baseline aircraft and kit improvements that are being introduced on new aircraft this year, which give a typical weight saving of 100 kg (220 lb) for an offshore configured aircraft, operators will be able to benefit from up to 700 kg (1,543 lb) of extra payload.
AgustaWestland says that the 7 tonne AW139 can compete with larger types, such as the Airbus Helicopters EC175, on long range missions with 12 or less passengers whilst offering significantly lower operating costs.
Deliveries of the AW139 with the baseline weight savings will begin this year from the final assembly lines in Italy and the U.S. Existing AW139s can benefit from retrofitting the IGW kit, which provides an extra 600 kg (1,323 lb) or 200 kg (440 lb) of payload to older aircraft.
AgustaWestland has taken orders for nearly 900 AW139s since launch. Over 730 aircraft are already in service,