A119 Koala demonstrates new fire attack system

The A119 Koala has completed a successful preliminary flight test of version 323 of a new Fire Attack System (FAS) designed by Simplex. The demonstration took place on 4 June 2002 at Agusta Aerospace Corporation, in Philadelphia.

AgustaWestland has commissioned Simplex to design versions 323 and 325 of the FAS for the A119 Koala and A109 Power helicopters respectively. Federal Aviation Authority approval for both systems is expected to be granted later this year.

Both systems feature aerodynamic design characteristics that will enable the aircraft to be flown at a high VNE for fire fighting missions. The carbon fibre tank construction of the Fire Attack Systems meets normal FAA crashworthy requirements, enabling the helicopters to be used in a transportation category with the tanks installed.

Version 323 will have a water/foam capacity of 1,200 litres (317 US Gallons) and version 325 will hold a capacity of 900 litres (238 US Gallons). Each system is designed for installation and removal in less than fifteen minutes, without the use of tools.

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