AW189 LIPS Certification

• First helicopter in its weight category to receive ice protection system certification
• LIPS permits flight within a known and defined envelope of icing conditions typical, for example, of the North Sea.
• The AW189 is the outright market leader in its class with over 150 units sold, including firm orders, options and framework contracts 

Finmeccanica-AgustaWestland announced today that the Limited Ice Protection System (LIPS) for the AW189 super medium twin engine helicopter has received EASA certification. The LIPS system will allow the AW189 to further enhance its all-weather capabilities, continuing the process to make the all-new super medium class helicopter suitable to operate in the most adverse and harsh environmental conditions.

The AW189 is the first helicopter in its weight category to receive an ice protection system certification. The Limited Ice Protection System (LIPS) permits flight within a known and defined envelope of icing conditions provided that the capability to descend into a known band of positive temperature is available throughout the intended route, typical of conditions encountered, for example, over the North Sea. Thanks to its cost-effectiveness and reduced weight, LIPS is optimal for flight in limited icing conditions for operations such as offshore and passenger transport as well as search and rescue. The LIPS system is available as an option and includes ice detectors, Supercooled Larger Droplet (SLD) marker, Ice Accretion Meter and heated windshield. The system does not require heated rotor blades and associated equipment, while the engine air intake heating system is already incorporated into the standard AW189 helicopter. The AW189 equipped with LIPS retains the performance and procedures for Cat. A operations and has only limited restrictions in terms of low temperature and ice presence during IFR operations, therefore expanding the all-weather operating capability of the type.

Notes to Editors on the AW189 Helicopter

The AW189 was designed in response to the growing market demand for a versatile, affordable, multirole medium twin engine helicopter. The new 8.3/8.6 tonne AW189 is optimized for offshore transport and SAR missions and approximately 150 helicopters have been sold, including firm orders, options and framework contracts, making it the outright market leader in its class. Almost 20 AW189s are today in service in a wide range of demanding operational conditions in the North Sea as well as in the Middle East and South East Asia. The AW189 is proving to be the helicopter of choice for demanding long range operations. The spacious cabin is configured with 16 seats as standard with the option of a high density 19-seat layout. The cockpit design, incorporating the latest in advanced situational awareness technologies, reduces crew workload and enhances safety. The AW189 meets the very latest international regulatory safety requirements (EASA / FAA Part 29, JAR OPS 3 / EU-OPS) and is fully compliant with the latest requirements of the oil and gas producers helicopter operations guidelines.

The AW189 is unique in having a 50 minute ‘run-dry’ capable main gear box, exceeding current certification standards and offering unmatched safety and reliability for long range offshore operations. The AW189 is part of the AgustaWestland Family of new generation helicopters that includes the AW169 and AW139 models, which possess the same high performance flight characteristics and safety features as well as sharing a common cockpit layout, design philosophy and maintenance concept. This commonality will allow more effective operations for customers operating helicopter fleets across the 4 to 9 tonne weight categories.