Agusta A.109 KM
500
orders until now, most of them for civilians, shows the versatility of this
Italian chopper. Designed during the 60's first flown on 1971, this already
old machine was first sold to the Italian Army, which ordered a number of Scout-Antitank
Agustas named A.109EOA. Next and most succesful version designated A.109CM.
Belgian army ordered 46 machines some in AT versions, some for scouting. The
AT version is fitted with a Saab/ESCO HeliTOW 2 Sight on the roof, and up to
8 TOW missiles on the sides. Not very powerful, but still can carry a respectable
and effective range of weapons, including gun pods, rockets pack, and the TOW
missiles. It can also be improved by increasing its self-defence capability
with some StingerAA missiles. Other versions designated A.109HO, KM, and KN,
shipborne version.
Tech
Data:
Powerplant:
2 575 Kw Turbomecca Arriel 1K1 turboshafts. Dimensions: Length 11.44m; Heigth
3.50 m; Main rotor diameter: 11 m
Weights:
MTOW 2850 Kg; Max Slung Load 907 kg.
Performance:
281 km/h; Max Climb Rate: 618 m/min. Service ceiling; 6100 m; Flight time
4h 15 min.
