Agusta A-109
The Leonardo (originally Agusta) A109 is a fast, sleek light twin-engine helicopter recognisable for its retractable landing gear, unusual for a helicopter of its size, which reduces drag and boosts its cruise speed. It has long been popular for police, corporate, and executive transport work, prized for being noticeably quicker than most rivals in its weight class. Military and law-enforcement variants have added weapons and observation sensors on the same basic airframe. Decades after its 1976 debut, updated versions remain in production, one of the longest-running light twin helicopter designs still being actively sold today.
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Did you know?
The A109 is recognisable by its retractable landing gear, unusual for a helicopter its size, which cuts drag for speed.
Specifications
| Length | 11.5 m (38 ft) |
|---|---|
| Height | 3.5 m (11 ft) |
| Rotor diameter | 11 m (36 ft) |
| Maximum passengers | 6 |
| Persons on board | 8 |
| Maximum take-off weight | 2.8 t |
| Range | 457 NM (846 km) |
| Maximum speed | 168 kt (311 km/h) |
| Service ceiling | 15,000 ft (4,572 m) |
| Optimum ceiling | 12,000 ft (3,658 m) |
| Rate of climb | 1,929 ft/min (9.8 m/s) |
| Fuel capacity | 750 l |
| Engines | 2x Pratt & Whitney Canada PW206C |
Curated by CatchFlights from manufacturer documents, ICAO Doc 8643 and reference works; values are left out where no source could confirm them. Sources are listed on our credits page.
In CatchFlights
In CatchFlights the Agusta A-109 starts as a Uncommon catch. The tier is an editorial judgement of how special a sighting of this type is. The more often you catch it, the closer it moves to Common for you.
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