The AW109 GrandNew: a fast executive twin for jet connections

Leonardo's AW109 GrandNew is a light twin powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW207C engines. It cruises at up to 153 kt at 5,000 ft, faster than any of the Airbus light helicopters on this site.

Leonardo gives a maximum range of 450 nm and about four hours twenty minutes' endurance. Both figures assume auxiliary tanks and no reserve. Our spec strip shows a more conservative working range of 350 nm.

Equipped for poorer weather

The cockpit is fully glass, with a four-axis digital autopilot, synthetic vision and a helicopter terrain awareness and warning system. These matter most on evening flights and in marginal weather, within the operator's own approvals.

Its hover ceiling out of ground effect is 3,050 m. That is enough margin for Courchevel altiport at 2,008 m on a cold day. In ground effect the figure rises to 4,750 m.

Where speed counts

The time saved is small on Nice to Monaco, but the twin's cabin and pace suit a principal connecting from a jet. On Nice to Saint-Tropez, the longest coastal leg, its extra knots begin to show.

In the Alps it works for Geneva to Courchevel when the party is small and wants two engines. Larger groups with skis are usually better served by the H145.

The cabin

Leonardo configures it for one or two crew and up to six passengers in an unobstructed cabin. It carries fewer people and less luggage than the H145, so it suits a smaller party travelling light.

GrandNew and its siblings

Leonardo also builds the AW109 Trekker on the same PW207C engines. The Trekker is slightly slower, at 148 kt, with a little less range. The GrandNew remains in Leonardo's current catalogue. Against the Airbus H145, it trades cabin space and payload for speed. For a principal who wants two engines on every leg, it is the lightest twin we arrange on these routes.