AgustaWestland AW109S Grand
AgustaWestland · Italy · first flew 2004 · helicopter
The AgustaWestland AW109S Grand is an enhanced variant of the AW109 light twin helicopter, optimised for VIP transport and air ambulance operations with a lengthened cabin. It offers high speed and a refined interior for executive customers.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | High-mounted, rotary |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 2 × turboshaft, fuselage-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 12.96 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Sleek twin-turboshaft light helicopter
- Retractable undercarriage and pointed nose
- AW109 Grand — extended cabin VIP variant
Distinguished from earlier AW109 variants by its extended cabin section and retractable tricycle undercarriage; the pointed nose and twin exhausts are consistent family traits.
Specifications
- The AgustaWestland AW109S Grand has a length of 12.96 m (43 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 11 m (36 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 311 km/h (193 mph).
- Typical crew: 1-2 + up to 7 passengers.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
The AW109 family originated with the A109A of 1971; the Grand variant was introduced in the mid-2000s with a stretched fuselage for improved passenger capacity. The AW109S designation denotes turbine uprating alongside the cabin extension. It became popular with corporate operators and national air ambulance services worldwide.
Variants
The Grand sits above the standard AW109E Power in the range; the AW109SP GrandNew followed with further refinements.
Where you'll see it
Operated globally for VIP transport, emergency medical services, and law enforcement; in service with operators across Europe, the Americas, and Asia-Pacific.
Related aircraft
- AgustaWestland AW609
- AgustaWestland CH-149 Cormorant
- AgustaWestland AW159 Wildcat
- Westland WAH-64D Apache
- Bell/Agusta BA609
- Changhe Z-10
- Guimbal Cabri G2
- HESA Shahed 278
AircraftIQ — the aircraft field guide: 5,024 recognition guides, live overhead identification, works offline.