Agusta A109
Agusta (Leonardo) · Italy · first flew 1971 · helicopter
The A109 is an elegant twin-turboshaft light helicopter with a four-blade rotor and retractable landing gear, used for executive, medical, police and military roles.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | High-mounted, rotary |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 2 × turboshaft, fuselage-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | Sleek fuselage with retractable tricycle gear |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Sleek fuselage with retractable tricycle gear
- Four-blade main rotor
- Low-slung, fast sports-car profile
Its retractable tricycle undercarriage is unusual for a light twin and a key identifier. Combined with a slim, streamlined fuselage and four-blade main rotor, it gives a fast, low-slung look. The tail carries a conventional anti-torque rotor.
Specifications
- The Agusta A109 has a length of 10.71 m (35 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 11 m (36 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 270 km/h (168 mph).
- Typical crew: 1-2 (plus passengers).
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Agusta developed the type as a fast, refined light twin, and it first flew in 1971. A long production life followed, evolving through the A109 Power and Grand into the modern AW109 family. Naval and military versions broadened its appeal.
Variants
Models range from the early A109A through the hot-and-high A109K to the A109 Power, Grand and GrandNew. Armed and naval fits added weapons, sensors and folding rotors. Interior configurations span VIP, EMS and utility layouts.
Where you'll see it
The A109 has genuine UK relevance, several Argentine examples captured in the 1982 Falklands conflict having been operated afterwards by the British Army. The type also serves UK police and corporate operators. Worldwide it is a popular military light-utility and VIP machine.
Related aircraft
- Agusta A119 Koala
- Agusta AB 206B-3 JetRanger
- Agusta-Bell AB 206C-1 JetRanger
- Agusta-Bell AB 212ASW
- AgustaWestland Super Lynx
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