AW Trekker Utility Helicopter Makes First Flight

Finmeccanica’s AW Trekker light twin made its first flight Wednesday at the company’s Cascina Costa, Italy helicopter division. The nominal flight included an assessment of general handling and basic systems. Two prototypes will be used for the flight test program, and EASA certification is expected by year-end.

The Trekker is a skidded version of the company’s AW109S Grand and features advanced single-pilot IFR Genesys Aerosystems avionics and a pair of Fadec-equipped, 815 shp Pratt & Whitney Canada PW207C engines that deliver a maximum speed of 168 knots. It has a maximum takeoff weight of 7,000 pounds and will have an endurance of four hours, 20 minutes or 445 nm with a modular, five-cell fuel system. The Trekker has attracted 20 orders to date. It is aimed primarily at the EMS and utility markets.