Navy's 3 brand new 'Power' choppers to be delivered next week

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine Navy on Friday announced the arrival next week of the first three AgustaWestland AW-109 helicopters, which would boost the naval forces' search-and-rescue (SAR) capability.

"With its forward looking infrared (FLIR), the AW-109s have a more enhanced SAR capability than any of our existing aircraft. Also, it is fitted with a night vision gear making it very ideal to conduct missions during the night-time," Navy spokesperson Lt. Cmdr. Gregory Fabic said.

Fabic said the FLIR uses an imaging technology that senses infrared radiation.

The sensors installed in forward-looking infrared cameras—as well as those of other thermal imaging cameras—use detection of infrared radiation, typically emitted from a heat source (thermal radiation), to create a "picture" assembled for video output.

Fabic said two more AW-109 choppers will arrive during the first quarter of 2014.

AugustaWestland won the bidding to supply five "Power" helicopters for P1.3 billion.

The notice of award was issued to the aircraft manufacturer last September.

AgustaWestland said the AW109 Power is an eight-seat twin-engine helicopter with a spacious cabin that could be fitted with a number of modular equipment packages.

The helicopters would also be equipped with .50 caliber machineguns and rocket launchers.

AgustaWestland’s bid is P45,000 lower than the P3,441,460,000 approved budget for the project.