Agusta Westland AW109 LUH

The light utility helicopter built for speed, agility, and versatility

Overview

AgustaWestland United Kingdom ICAO: A109 1971–Present Active $9 million

The AgustaWestland AW109 LUH adapts the successful AW109 platform into a modern light utility helicopter for military service. Compact, fast, and highly maneuverable, it is designed to support training, reconnaissance, medical evacuation, and light transport missions. Its blend of performance and flexibility has made it attractive to armed forces seeking a capable light twin-engine rotorcraft.

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Specifications

Units
Engine
2 × Turbomeca Arrius 2K-2
Engine type
Turboshaft
Power
2 × 711 shp · 530 kW
Avionics
FMS, RMS, VHF-UHF / AM-FM radio etc.
Wing tips
No winglets
Seats
7
Crew
—
Cabin width
5 ft 3 in  ·  1.61 m
Cabin height
4 ft 2 in  ·  1.28 m
Cabin length
6 ft 11 in  ·  2.10 m
Exterior length
42 ft 9 in  ·  13.04 m
Tail height
11 ft 3 in  ·  3.42 m
Fuselage diameter
5 ft 11 in  ·  1.80 m
Wing span
35 ft 6 in  ·  10.83 m
Baggage volume
34 ft³  ·  1.0 m³
Gross weight
—
Empty weight
—
Max takeoff weight
7,000 lb  ·  3,200 kg
Max landing weight
—
Max payload
2,200 lb  ·  1,000 kg
Fuel capacity
230 gal · 900 L · 700 kg (Jet A)
Max cruise speed
168 kt  ·  193 mph  ·  311 km/h
Maximum speed
—
Cruise speed
—
Approach speed
—
Range
500 nm  ·  580 mi  ·  930 km
Fuel burn
2.24 nm/gal  ·  1.10 km/L
Ceiling
20,000 ft  ·  6,100 m
Rate of climb
1,700 ft/min  ·  9 m/s
Takeoff distance
—
Landing distance
—
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A109 LUH helicopter ‘NZ3401’.

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Operational Context

AgustaWestland AW109 LUH — a light military workhorse

The AW109 LUH is a military light utility helicopter derived from the long-established AW109 family, which first flew in the 1970s. The LUH designation typically refers to versions tailored for armed forces, incorporating mission-specific equipment and avionics while retaining the core twin-engine configuration and high-speed performance of the civilian model.

Powered by two turboshaft engines, commonly Pratt & Whitney Canada PW206 or similar variants depending on configuration, the AW109 LUH offers strong climb performance and cruise speeds higher than many helicopters in its class. Its compact airframe and retractable landing gear contribute to aerodynamic efficiency, while the twin-engine design enhances safety for military operations.

The helicopter can be configured for a wide range of roles, including pilot training, liaison duties, light troop transport, casualty evacuation, and reconnaissance. Modular cabin layouts allow operators to adapt the aircraft quickly for different missions. Modern glass cockpit avionics improve situational awareness and reduce pilot workload.

The AW109 LUH has been selected by several air forces for light utility and training roles, valued for its reliability, speed, and operational flexibility. By combining the proven AW109 platform with military-grade systems, the LUH variant delivers a capable and adaptable solution for modern light helicopter requirements.