Rotorcraft
AgustaWestland continues work on AW139 upgrade
AgustaWestland is making several improvements to its AW139 medium twin, including flight-testing a de-icing system.

AgustaWestland is making several improvements to its AW139 medium twin, including flight-testing a de-icing system. Dubbed the full ice protection system (FIPS), the optional equipment is intended to earn the AW139 dual FAA/EASA certification for flight into known icing conditions. This milestone is expected late next year or during the first quarter of 2010.

The FIPS includes ice detectors to warn the crew ice is accumulating. “Air data sensors and the engine intakes are protected from ice build-up and ingestion,” according to the company. The main and tail rotor blades are fitted with electrically heated mats, and the windshield has its own heating subsystem. The crew must activate the rotor and windshield de-icing.

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