Cabinet has selected the Agusta-Westland A109 as the New Zealand Defence Force`s preferred new Training and Light Utility Helicopter.
``This is excellent news for the Air Force and those that depend on the helicopter support we provide,`` says Air Vice-Marshal Lintott.
``The Agusta 109 is a modern and very capable training and light utility helicopter (T/LUH) with a growing international customer base and assured long-term support. It has been designed to meet current and future requirements and provides an excellent long-term investment``, he said.
The A109 will replace the Royal New Zealand Air Forces fleet of Bell Sioux helicopters and provide an effective platform to train aircrew in basic helicopter operations plus the advanced skills required to operate both the Navy SH-2G Seasprite and the highly capable RNZAF NH90 helicopter that will come into service in 2010.