The AW189 is equipped to tackle the most demanding medical and rescue missions. The helicopter has been developed throughout the years to satisfy the most demanding mission requirements, making the platform suitable to operate in challenging scenarios. 

When seconds matter, the AW189 is a trusted partner in Search and Rescue (SAR) and Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC) operations. Designed for all-weather, long-range missions in hostile marine environments, even in harsh icing conditions and strong winds, it delivers unmatched performance, reliability and versatility.

The AW189 embeds by design several features such as system segregation, redundancy of the main critical systems and corrosion protection, ensuring continued safe flights even in the event of damage. Industry-leading 50 minutes ‘run-dry’ capability on the main gearbox allows to fly up to 100 NM in safety even offshore, in case of a complete loss of oil.

Moreover, the presence of the Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) as a baseline equipment ensures a backup electrical power generation source for emergency during flight and hoisting operations.

Over-water equipment can be installed on the AW189 to ensure safety and reliability even in emergency and ditching conditions. 

The AW189 features the latest advances in digital technology. Equipped with advanced avionics and state-of-the-art SAR mission systems, the AW189 ensures precision and effectiveness in the most demanding environments. The cutting-edge SAR open-architecture avionics suite is designed to elevate mission performance, featuring auto-pilot modes as Winchman Trim Mode, dedicated Search Modes and Patterns, Rendezvous and Hover Approach Functions and seamless mission equipment integration with the Flight Management System (FMS). By streamlining information management and reducing crew workload, it delivers unmatched efficiency and mission success. 

The AW189 is designed for long range operations and can operate in all-weather conditions, day and night, deep water missions typical of Offshore operations, maximizing operational capability with reduced operational costs and environmental footprint. The AW189 is the only super-medium helicopter with a proven Full Ice Protection System (FIPS) in addition to a Limited Ice Protection System (LIPS). This enables operations even in the toughest weather conditions.  The wide spectrum of Offshore operations is further enhanced with the extended range fuselage variant, which allows to reach deep-water platforms usually intended for heavy class helicopters.

The AW189 features a spacious cabin and exceeds the airworthiness requirements of the most recent EASA/FAA amendments in the transport category, qualifying the aircraft for the stringent guidelines of the International Association of Oil and Gas Producers (IOGP).
The helicopter blends advanced situational awareness technologies and safety features to reduce crew workload. Leveraging on the open-architecture avionics, the helicopter complies with the latest Performance Based Navigation standard such as RNP 0.3 in all phases of flight, including Authorization Required (AR) approach, LPV and Automatic Oil Rig approach.

The AW189 gives operators true multi-role capability. The large, comfortable cabin with flat floor can be quickly reconfigured for MEDEVAC or Limited SAR (Lim. SAR) operations. Further available options comprises a wide range of communication systems (HF, VHF/FM, SATCOM with flight following) as well as dedicated equipment for Emergency Response Services.

The AW189 is the latest-generation multi-mission helicopter rapidly reconfigurable to successfully operate a wide range of public security tasks. The helicopter is characterized by class-leading speed, range and payload and ensures the highest performance for demanding operational environments. The AW189 is the only super-medium helicopter with a Full Ice Protection System (FIPS) in addition to a Limited Ice Protection System (LIPS) to operate in what would otherwise be prohibitively dangerous conditions. Its state-of-the-art, open architecture mission system allows the quick and cost-effective integration of customer specific avionics and mission systems.

The AW189 cockpit’s ergonomic design, exceptional visibility, excellent handling characteristics and low vibration levels minimise pilot workload, allowing the crew to concentrate on achieving mission objectives. The helicopter features an advanced avionics suite with fully integrated digital glass cockpit, incorporating superior situational awareness technologies and a comprehensive range of sensor options. The AW189 provides market-leading search patterns and advanced Search and Rescue (SAR) features to automate critical mission phases in all environmental conditions. The APU ensures the continued operation of the environmental control system, radios and medical devices when the rotors are stopped, increasing the operational safety level of the AW189 while on the ground.