Tuesday
February 13, 2007 :
King of Bafokeng Takes Delivery of an A119 Koala
UK / Italy : ( AgustaWestland Press Release ) -
AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica Company, is pleased to announce the delivery of an A119 Kola to the His Majesty Leruo Molotlegi, King of the Royal Bafokeng Nation in South Africa. The aircraft will be used for the personal transport of His Majesty Leruo Molotlegi and other VIPs.
The Royal Bafokeng occupy an area of some 2,000 km2 in the South African North West province, approximately 200 km west of Pretoria. The Royal Bafokeng are members of the Setswana-speaking indigenous community.
The A119 Koala, powered by a single 1,002 shp (747 kW) Pratt & Whitney PT6B-37A turbine engine, has a 140 knot (260 km/h) cruise speed making it the fastest helicopter in its class while delivering exceptional hot and high performance. The aircraft has the largest cabin and luggage capability of any helicopter in its class and is fitted with a modular fuel system, improving range and optimising available room on board.
The A119 Koala is equipped with state-of-the-art avionics, with integrated liquid crystal displays designed to decrease the pilot’s workload and a reduced size cockpit panel providing enhanced visibility.
More than 110 Koalas have been ordered by over 50 customers in 20 countries. Customers include the New York Police Department with its Law Enforcement variant, the Libyan Red Crescent for EMS purposes and ERA Helicopters for offshore oil and gas transport services.
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