Article Posted on : - Sep 27, 2012

AW109LUH helicopter. An Augusta Westland photo.

AMSTERDAM (BNS): AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, has signed a comprehensive service support contract for the South African Air Force's fleet of AW109LUH helicopters.

The annual contract includes the provision for it to be extended for up to 5 years. Under the contract AgustaWestland will be responsible for the delivery and provision of spares, support equipment, D-Level maintenance as well as component repair and overhaul services.

The Company will also provide an on-site support team, technical support services, training and technical publication updates under the comprehensive support contract.

The South African Air Force aircraft feature a cockpit with three 6" x 8" flat screen digital displays which are Night Vision Goggle (NVG) compatible. The aircraft is highly manoeuvrable and has a maximum cruise speed of 283 km/h (153 knots).

The AW109 LUH is operated by the armed forces of several nations including Sweden, South Africa, New Zealand and Malaysia.