A109E Power - Civilian

Two examples of the versatile Agusta A109E Power (now the Leonardo AW109E Power) twin-engined multi-purpose helicopter are operated by QinetiQ, which bought them from commercial sources. Both have been modified for use as part of the Empire Test Pilots' School's rotary-wing courses for both pilots and flight test engineers, including the addition of flight test engineer consoles in the cabin and special instrumentation. They train both potential rotary-wing test pilots and helicopter flight test engineers. The A109, which first flew in 1971, has attracted many military customers worldwide alongside considerable sales on the civil market. Today's models are considerably upgraded with new engines, avionics and other equipment.