Lately, I’ve been trying to expand on my usual topics, and while doing so, I came across an Italian helicopter manufacturer with a history dating back to 1923. This is part of Agusta’s story, one that not everyone knows. .
Hey guys, unless you’re into the aviation and luxury lifestyle game, you’ve probably heard of the name Agusta (often rendered as MV Agusta). Well, they started out building helicopters, and today they remain one of the go-to teams for bespoke machines if you have the financial backing to own one. Depending on the type of machine you’re interested in, you could expect to pay upwards of $7 million.
Agusta’s journey began in 1923 when Count Giovanni Agusta began building choppers with Italian hands. Time passed, and in 1948 the name Leonardo-Finmeccanica appeared, a company targeting the aerospace, marine, and even defense industries.
From electronics, defense systems, turrets and naval guns to unmanned vehicles, Finmeccanica does it all. As of 2021, his total assets amounted to $28.38 billion, and he supported more than 50,000 jobs worldwide. In short, they are powerful people.
Photo: Leonardo Spa
But some of that cash went to Agusta in 2000, when it merged with Finmeccanica and Britain’s GKN (another aerospace crew) to form AgustaWestland, and the company’s presence in Europe, the United Kingdom and other countries. Our aim is to provide the highest quality aircraft ever developed. saw. If you don’t believe me, check out the image gallery.
So what are we up to these days? Yes, that’s exactly what we came here to find out. And our journey begins with the one and only AW609 TiltRotor. The AW609 TiltRotor is an aircraft designed to fly vertically in the sky and switch dynamics to that of a fixed-wing aircraft. In short, it’s a hybrid machine.
In it, it can handle a payload of more than 2,721 kg (5,999 lb), including 8 guests, and reaches a maximum weight of 18,000 lb (8,165 kg). All this weight is moved by two Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6C-67A engines, allowing it to reach heights of 25,000 feet (7,620 m) using auxiliary fuel. Maximum range is 1,000 nautical miles (1,150 miles). Best of all, this aircraft can reach a top speed of 500 km/h (310 mph). This is the main reason it is at the top of this short list.
Photo: Leonardo Spa
Beyond that ability, we also need to look at the inner world that one of these babies is capable of. Check out the image gallery. The lounge-like aircraft seats up to eight guests and features everything from a refreshment center to other onboard experiences. You can buy almost anything with cash these days.
The next Agusta helicopter to introduce is the AW109 Trekker. Here we take a look at what Agusta thinks “”.ITesting a multi-purpose light twin-engine helicopter.“The vehicle is designed to accommodate up to six passengers and provide stakeholders with a spacious cabin that can carry a lot of luggage while encasing them in the highest quality sound insulation.
Again, Pratt & Whitney Canada is supporting the power needed to transport all cargo, which can travel up to 5,000 feet (1,524 m) for up to four hours and 20 minutes. Top speed reaches 274 km/h (170 mph).
This version boasts a state-of-the-art navigation system and also has an anti-collision design. This model also focuses on pilot comfort and does not require impact resistance.
Photo: Leonardo Spa
Another model that I think I have to shine a light on is Agusta’s AW119Kx. According to the manufacturer, thisThe fastest and most powerful single-engine helicopter” and while not as flashy as the previous two models, it has the purpose of being the primary solution for getting from point A to point B. This could also be this manufacturer’s cheapest model depending on the level of customization you put into it.
Again, this bagger is maxed out at six passengers and has just one Pratt & Whitney Canada engine. Best of all, she boasts a flight time of 5 hours and 16 minutes at a top speed of 241 km (150 mph) and a maximum range of 945 km (587 miles).
Well, these are three of the most notable machines that Agusta is responsible for. There are seven models available, but we’re going to fly through a few of them and jump to the biggest flying whale this team can spit out. I’m talking about his AW189, or “AW189” as Agusta calls it.Industry benchmark for luxury transportation. ”
Photo: Leonardo Spa
Here we focus on a behemoth capable of carrying up to 14 passengers while reaching top speeds of 294 km/h (183 mph). But in my opinion, what most guests care about is the interior.
Besides leather seats and wood and semi-precious metal trim, guests can enjoy views of the world around them through large windows and sip a drink or two from the surrounding consoles, all while being surrounded by the latest noise and vibrations. I can. reduction technology.
While the models mentioned above represent only about half of what Agusta currently offers to the millions of people who can afford an aircraft, they represent a fraction of what this timeless brand has offered the world since its inception. There is only one. Remember that MV Agusta was born from this technology and this team. Next time you ride one of their bikes, remember that it was born from helicopter know-how.