EASA Oks SAR Variant of AW189

AgustaWestland is set to begin deliveries of a search-and-rescue (SAR) variant of its AW189 super medium twin-engine helicopter to the UK SAR program following recent approval from EASA. The approval covers a 661-pound increase in payload, to 18,959 pounds, and SAR kits, including a dual rescue hoist with camera system, search radar, FLIR system, searchlight and increased-capacity fuel system. AgustaWestland obtained initial EASA certification for the AW189 in February 2014 and has orders and options for more than 130.