Nichols Martin
Leonardo has conducted flight tests for a single-engine helicopter in a move to attain certification from the Federal Aviation Administration, Rotor and Wing International reported Tuesday.
The company is pitching its TH-119 helicopter to the U.S. Navy as a training rotorcraft, and requires an instrument flight rules certification that verifies an aircraft's ability to traverse through austere weather conditions. Leonardo expects to receive the certification this month, the report noted.
TH-119 must demonstrate the capacity to fly with only the use of avionics and navigation systems. The aircraft would require the certification to replace the Navy's existing TH-57 Sea Ranger helicopter.
TH-119's cockpit is equipped with touchscreen technology and a dual-display avionics system with an auopilot feature.
