“We are still awaiting for the advise coming from AgustaWestland, they are the ones determining the [training] schedule,” Navy public affairs office chief Cmdr. Gregory Fabic told Philippine News Agency.
AgustaWestland will be delivering two armed AW-109Es “Power” helicopters to the Philippine Navy within the third quarter of this year.
Philippine Navy have ordered five AW-109Es “Power” helicopters. Three unarmed AW-109Es were already delivered.
Department of National Defense decided to acquire same helicopter variant for the Air Force and Navy for easy maintenance and training.
“The AW109 Power is a three-tonne class eight seat twin engine helicopter. The spacious cabin is designed to be fitted with a number of modular equipment packages for quick and easy conversion between roles,” said AgustaWestland in a news release.
“The AW109 Power’s superior speed, capacity and productivity combined with reliability and ease of maintenance make it the most cost effective helicopter in its class for a range of government tasks,” the manufacturer added.