Story ID: 
Leonardo Helicopters AW109 Trekker Wins EASA Approval
By: Mark Huber
Caption: The helicopter is aimed primarily at the utility and EMS markets.
Word Count: 179
The Leonardo Helicopters AW109 Trekker light twin received EASA type certification on December 26. Deliveries will begin in the first quarter.The Trekker is a skidded version of the company’s AW109S Grand/GrandNew 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. The Trekker has a maximum takeoff weight of 7,000 pounds and will have an endurance of 4 hours, 20 minutes or 445 nm with a modular, five-cell fuel system.

The helicopter is aimed primarily at the EMS and utility markets. The cabin can accommodate up to six passengers or one stretcher with three to four medical attendants or two stretchers with two medical attendants. The aircraft features a cocoon-type airframe, a crash-resistant fuel system, Cat. A/Class 1 performance in hot/high environments, and a 30-minute "run-dry" main gearbox. Available equipment includes cargo hook, external rescue hoist, searchlight, external loudspeakers, FLIR camera, video downlink, snow skis, and emergency floats.

Leonardo holds orders for 40 of the helicopters.