Leonardo Helicopters (formerly AgustaWestland) AW189

2h ago · © AviatorShots81

A Leonardo AW189 helicopter, registered HB-ZQK, lifts off on a clear day—one of the super-medium twin-engine rotorcraft used for VIP and offshore transport.

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Aircraft

AW189 AW189

Private / Executive transport

HB-ZQK

Registration

Airline

Not applicable (private operator or VIP/executive transport)

Manufacturer

Leonardo Helicopters (formerly AgustaWestland)

Gear

SONY ILCE-6000 FE 70-200mm F4 G OSS

Achievements

Heli Hero, Rare Bird, Golden Hour Glory, Airbus Aficionado

4 badges earned

Photo grade

Silver

Score: 86.0

Great side profile of the AW139, crisp registration, nice rotor blur – cluttered background slightly distracts.

Location

Zürich Airport

ZRH/LSZH

47.4581, 8.5481

Open map

Zürich Airport ZRH

Airport

Insights

Aviation History

The AW189 is a modern, super-medium twin-engine helicopter, primarily used for offshore transport, search-and-rescue, and executive/VIP missions. It is one of the largest helicopters in its class.

Fleet Rarity

Relatively rare: Fewer than 100 AW189 helicopters are in operation worldwide as of 2024.

Record Flights

Not typically associated with record-setting long-distance flights but notable for offshore and high-passenger-load missions.

Safety & Events

Generally regarded as having high safety standards; some early minor technical issues reported post-introduction.

Future Outlook

Still in active production and service, with growing use in offshore and SAR markets.

Specifications

2 × General Electric CT7-2E1 turboshafts

Engine

Rotor diameter: 14.6 m

Wingspan

17.6 m

Length

1,065 km

Range

278 km/h

Speed

Up to 19 passengers

Capacity

8,600 kg

MTOW

5.06 m

Height

Each engine provides up to 2,000 shp (1,491 kW)

Thrust

ICAO Chapter 8 compliant (approx. 87 dB EPNdB on approach)

Noise