Leonardo announced yesterday that the Polar Research Institute of China (PRIC) purchased a lightweight AgustaWestland AW169 light helicopter, scheduled for delivery at the beginning of 2019. The helicopter will be equipped with a special configuration to support the scientific exploration activities in the polar
will be used for passenger transport, iceberg monitoring and freight forwarding.
The contract was signed in the framework of the acquisition of the new icebreaker ship to the Polar Research Institute, capable of hosting helicopters on board.
The AW169 will operate from the new naval unit and at the Chinese Polar Stations in the Arctic and Antarctica.
The AW169 has been chosen due to its outstanding performance in difficult environmental conditions and state-of-the-art technology, including touch screens, the ability to maintain the main on-board equipment (including air conditioning) when on the ground and with the fixed rotors for maximum safety and reduced consumption and emissions ('APU mode'), and an advanced rotor featuring high efficiency and reduced noise impact. This order marks a further success for this helicopter model on the world market, demonstrating once again great versatility. Leonardo's presence in China continues to grow with nearly 200 helicopters ordered by customers in the country for civilian and public use. To meet the needs arising from the expansion of the helicopter fleet, support and maintenance services have also been strengthened, including with the recent inauguration of a warehouse for spare parts based in Shanghai.
