TH-119 performs successful first flight

Leonardo has successfully completed the initial flight test of the TH-119 IFR single engine training helicopter at its Philadelphia plant.

The test flight included an assessment of general handling and avionics systems of the helicopter, and paves the way for the helicopter to achieve full FAA IFR certification in early 2019.

The TH-119 is Leonardo’s bid to replace the US Navy’s aging fleet of TH-57 Sea Ranger training helicopters. If selected by the US Navy, a fleet of over 125 TH-119s will be built in Philadelphia.

The TH-119, based on the AW119, is certified to operate in actual instrument conditions (IMC), resulting in more available training days that limit VFR only aircraft and add to overall time to train. The TH-119 will support the navy to accomplish fundamental training including sliding landings, hovering, and full autorotations (without offloading any of them to simulation), equally as well as advanced training flights including NVG, instruments, navigation, tactics, hoist, external cargo and SAR.

The TH-119’s dual-display advanced glass cockpit allows instruction from either pilot seat with full IFR capabilities including flight director and three-axis full autopilot. Its 180° adjustable observer seat offers student pilots full view of the cockpit. The TH-119 is equipped with 1,000shp Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6-B engine, with the durability of a cocoon-type metal airframe and reinforced shock stabilised skids for touchdown manoeuvre training. To minimise time on the ground and maximise operational flexibility the TH-119 can hot pressure refuel.