Leonardo’s TH-119 helicopter obtains FAA IFR certification

Leonardo’s TH-119 helicopter received IFR supplemental typecertification by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The TH-119 meetscurrent IFR requirements, allowing pilots to operate the aircraft safely in lowvisibility and challenging weather conditions, thanks to advanced avionics byGenesys Aerosystems and redundant helicopter flight systems.

Based on the successful AW119, the TH-119 is Leonardo’s bidto replace the U.S. Navy’s fleet of aging TH-57 training helicopters. IFRcertification is a core requirement for the U.S. Navy’s training helicopterreplacement program, also known as Advanced Helicopter Training System TH-73,formerly TH-XX. If selected, up to 130 TH-119s will be built at Leonardo’sexisting FAA Part 21 production facility in Philadelphia where all AW119sworldwide are manufactured.

The TH-119 is afull-spectrum helicopter that is flexible enough to satisfy every trainingflight requirement, the company says, from fundamental autorotations to moreadvanced Search & Rescue procedures and Night Vision Devices. Its strongand reliable Pratt & Whitney PT6B engine gives the TH-119 power while therugged and durable metal airframe withstands the daily grind of training and allowsairframe repairs to be conducted on-site.

Designed with input from former U.S. Naval aviators andformer Navy instructor pilots, the TH-119 features an adjustable observer seatthat provides a full view of the cockpit, enabling more effective learning evenwhen seated in back. Reinforced skids with removable shoes stand up tocountless touchdown repetitions while “hot” pressure refuelling allows the fueltank to be safely refilled without shutting the engine down, which reducesturnaround time compared to other aircraft.

The TH-119 provides the U.S. Navy a low-risk deliveryschedule and fleet support as well as an economical single-engine cost profile.