- The first AW109 Trekker, a light twin-engine helicopter, was delivered to Russia.
- “This helicopter type is new in Russia and it will become the leader in its segment thanks to its outstanding performance and the most efficient combination of price, quality and safety,” says Paul Ploshansky, CEO of Exclases Group.
- The operator of the first AW109 Trekker in Russia will be SKYPRO HELICOPTERS that has already obtained all necessary approvals and authorizations of the Federal Air Transport Agency and is ready to provide full maintenance of AW109 Trekker helicopters.
Exclases Group, one of the key players in the helicopter distribution and after-sales services market, has delivered to Russia the first AW109 Trekker, a light twin-engine helicopter designed based on the best-selling AW109 product line of Leonardo Helicopters. Shortly before, Leonardo Helicopters obtained a Russian type certificate for AW109 Trekker issued by the Federal Air Transport Agency.
According to Exclases Group, there is a growing demand for the light twin-engine Trekker in Russia and the CIS countries, which is particularly driven by the fact that helicopter operators often request skid landing gear.
“AW109 Trekker can satisfy any customers’ need: it can be easily configured for emergency medical services, law enforcement agencies and government institutions and is suitable for search and rescue operations and carriage of passengers,” says Paul Ploshansky, CEO of Exclases Group. “I am sure that this type of helicopter, which is new for Russia and long-awaited by our customers, will become the leader in its segment thanks to its outstanding performance and best combination of price, quality and safety.”
AW109 Trekker is equipped with state-of-the-art Genesys Aerosystems glass cockpit. Its maximum takeoff weight is 3,175 kg and the payload capacity is 1,500 kg. The helicopter has 5 fuel tanks for 835 liters and can fly for 4 hours and 20 minutes to cover a distance of 833 km.
The operator of the first AW109 Trekker in Russia will be SKYPRO HELICOPTERS whose fleet will be reinforced with another Leonardo helicopter. SKYPRO HELICOPTERS, an OEM authorized helicopter service center, has already obtained all the approvals from the Federal Air Transport Agency and is ready to provide full maintenance of AW109 Trekker helicopters.
The company specializes in operating and maintaining Leonardo helicopters and is one of the largest private operators of Leonardo helicopters in Russia as well as an authorized service center of Leonardo Helicopters.
Vyacheslav Rulev, Chief Pilot of SKYPRO HELICOPTERS, shares his opinion about the comfort of the new helicopter’s cockpit: “AW109 Trekker is equipped with advanced avionics, which gives all the necessary flight information, reduces the workload and allows you to enjoy flying this light and maneuverable helicopter.”
The spacious cabin accommodates up to six passengers or one stretcher with three/ four seats or two stretchers and two seats for medical staff. If necessary, an additional passenger can be carried in the cockpit.
The helicopter has many safety features including the cocoon-type airframe, crash-resistant fuel system, Category A (Class 1) performance in hot environments and 30-minute dry run of the main gearbox. The powerplant consists of two Pratt&Whitney Canada PW207C turboshaft engines equipped with FADEC.
Trekker is equally efficient as commercial transport, private helicopter for every day and helicopter for government needs.
“The positive feedback that we receive from operators around the world proves that AW109 Trekker is the ideal helicopter to cope with the growing demand for versatility and efficiency,” said Paul Ploshansky, CEO of Exclases Group. “Our after-sales support team is ready to provide our customers with full support in the organization of training and supply of spare parts and equipment for the newest helicopter in LH product range.”