General information concerning Agusta A-109

The prototype of Agusta A-109 took to air in August 1971. It was an eight-seat civil version powered by two Allison 250-C14 turboshaft engines. Agusta felt that further development was necessary. The design was further improved. In April 1974 the first production helicopter was built. Serial production started in early 1976. The aircraft became one of the favourites on the market and was sold in numbers for use in different duties including ambulance and SAR (Search and Rescue).

Initially, Agusta marketed the A-109 under the name Hirundo (Latin for Swallow).

Two military version were developed in the end of the 1970’s – on for light attack or close support and one for naval operations.

The Polish aircraft manufacturer PZL-Świdnik is subcontractor for the fuselages.

Versions

- A109A: The first production model with two Rolls-Royce Model 250-C20 turboshaft engines.
    -A109A EOA: Military version for Italy.
    -A109A Mk II: Upgraded civilian version of the A109A.
    -A109A Mk II MAX: Larger air ambulance version.
- A109B: Military version, never in production.
- A109C: Eight-seat civil version.
    -A109C MAX: Larger ambulance version.
- A109D: Only prototype built.
- AW109E Power: Upgraded civilian version with stronger engines.
    -A109E Power Elite: stretched cabin version of A109E Power. Modernized avionics.
- A109LUH: Military Light Utility Helicopter variant based on the A109E Power.
- MH-68A Stingray: Eight A109E Powers used by the United States Coast Guard.
- A109K: Military version.
    - A109K2: Civil version. Most used for police, SAR and air ambulance duties.
- A109M: Military version.
    -A109KM: Military version for high altitude and high temperature operations.
- A109KN: Navyl version.
- A109CM: Standard military version.
- A109GdiF: Version for Guardia di Finanza (the Italian Finance Guard)
- A109BA: Miltary version developed for Belgium
- AW109S Grand: Upgraded civilian with lengthened cabin
- CA109: Chinese version of A109, license-built in China

Photos on this page: - Helicopter # 15036 at airshow, Air Force Wing F 7 at Såtenäs, Sweden,  May 2009.
 

© Lars Henriksson

Updated: 2010-07-14