Comparing the Agusta Westland AW109E Power to the McDonnell Douglas MD520MG Defender

Malaysian Army Air Corps AW109LUH armed with rockets and cannons. Photo courtesy of the Malaysia Flying Herald website
Malaysian Army Air Corps AW109LUH armed with rockets and cannons. Photo courtesy of the Malaysia Flying Herald website

Agusta Westland formally announced the signing of the contract and delivery date of eight AW109E Power as the Philippine Air Force (PAF) next Light Attack Helicopter.1 I am now comparing these new helicopters with the current light attack helicopter in service with the PAF which is the MD520MG so people can see the difference and get a better appreciation about these new helicopters we are getting.

Some people might've been a disappointed as they were expecting that we would get something similar to the AH-64 Apache as our next attack helicopter, but obviously the AW109E is nothing like that. But it will still be a major improvement for our armed forces, by how much we will try to see.

'Power versus LUH Version'
First though, just a note: We are getting the "AW109 Power" version rather than the "AW109LUH" or "Light Utility Helicopter (LUH)" version of the AW109. The AW109LUH version is usually the armed version used in most armed forces worldwide.

Externally both look the same, but internally the LUH is heavier, has a more powerful engine and can carry slightly less weapons on a maximum internal fuel load. The Power version offer slightly better performance and payload than the LUH version. Here is a quick comparison of the two (sources taken from these sites - 2 3):


The reason the LUH is heavier is because it has more robust systems, like the following:
- Better protection against bullets (Ballistic Tolerance)
- Crashworthy fuel system
- Self-Sealing Fuel Tanks
- Laser/Missile/Radar Warning Systems
- Rear View Mirror

As to why we got this version instead is probably due to budget concerns, with the Power version being cheaper than the LUH version because the latter has more systems. Nevertheless, the A109 Power still maintains some survivability features such as an Engine Compartment Fire Extinguisher system and Reinforced Windshields.

'Aircraft Backgrounds'
The MD520MG is made by the American company “McDonnell Douglas” and is based on the MD500 Defender light, multi-role military helicopter which first flew in 1976. The Defender eventually became a very successful design, going into service in 20 countries and made into 17 different versions including the MD520MG which is the specific version made for the Philippines.4

The MG520MG is described as a light attack helicopter first ordered by the Philippines in 1988 and which 33 were delivered between 1990 to 1995.5 It has since been a very solid workhorse for the PAF, constantly present in most of its major encounters with insurgents or separatists.

The AW109 is made by the British-Italian company "Agusta Westland" and is based on the A109 commercial multi-purpose helicopter which first flew in 1971. The A109 is another very successful design, even more successful than the MD500 series as it went into service with 24 countries in 24 different versions.6

The AW109 Power version is the light commercial helicopter version that AgustaWestland also offers for military markets, but with less systems as discussed in the "Power versus LUH Version" section above. The Power version has two sub-versions, the standard A109E which we will be getting, and the longer "stretched" version, the A109E Grand. Agusta Westland won the bidding held last September 2013 by the PAF for eight light attack helicopters, and first delivery of these aircrafts are expected to be by late 2014.7

‘Performance’
Data for each aircraft was derived from various websites.8 To measure the performance of both aircrafts I included the measurement for DISC LOADING*. The lower the Disc Loading, the more maneuverable and more effective the aircraft is in terms of maneuverability and the more efficient during hovering, and vice-versa.


SUMMARY
In the five indicators of performance, the AW109E beats the MG520MG except in the areas of Rate of Climb and Disc Loading.

+++ The AW109E Power can fly higher and reach its targets faster by virtue of its higher Service Ceiling and Maximum/Cruising speeds. The MD520MG though is the more maneuverable aircraft and is more fuel-efficient in the hovering phase, as expected as it is a much lighter aircraft.

‘Payload and Range’
For Range, I am using Internal Fuel Fraction (INTFF) as a rough indicator how far each aircraft can go based on the internal fuel available to them.


SUMMARY
INTFF: Huge 46% advantage for the AW109E indicating it could travel 46% further if engine efficiency remain the same.
PAYLOAD: Also favors the AW109E by a commanding 45% (or 228 kg) more payload than the MD520MG.

+++ The AW109E can travel further and with a much heavier payload than the MD520MG. To stress the difference in weight of both aircrafts, note that the EMPTY WEIGHT of the AW109E is HIGHER than the MAXIMUM TAKE OFF WEIGHT of the MD520MG.

An MD-530MG of the Philippine Air Force. Photo courtesy of Wikipedia
An MD-530MG of the Philippine Air Force. Photo courtesy of Wikipedia

‘Avionics’
Aside from the performance, range and payload differences, I feel the most important improvement of the AW109E over the MD520MG is in the area of AVIONICS.


SUMMARY
The AW109E has a modern cockpit, and improved night/limited-adverse weather capability by virtue of its Avionics. It will also be able to deliver its weapons more accurately on target.

'Avionics Advantage'
Depending on which will arrive first into service with the PAF, either these AW109E or the FA-50 Golden Eagle will be the FIRST ATTACK AIRCRAFT of the PAF to have a GLASS COCKPIT and a COMPUTERIZED WEAPONS DELIVERY SYSTEM*. At any rate the AW109E will the FIRST ATTACK HELICOPTER of the PAF to have that honor.

A "Glass Cockpit" means an aircraft cockpit that features electronic or digital instrument displays rather than the traditional style of analog dials and gauges.9 The default standard for glass cockpits is the Electronic Flight Instrument System (EFIS) which specifies that there should be at least three digital displays:
  • The Primary Flight Display (PFD) which displays information critical to flight such as airspeed, altitude, etc.;
  • The Navigation Display (ND) or Multi-Function Display (MFD) showing navigation, weather and other information if necessary;
  • And the Engine Indications and Crew Alerting System (EICAS) displaying information about the aircraft's systems such as fuel, engines, etc.10
    Cockpit Comparison: AW109E on the left, MD-520MG on the right
    Cockpit Comparison: AW109E on the left, MD-520MG on the right
Glass cockpits became en vogue for military aircraft starting in the 1980s, and since we are getting ours only now, one could say that we are behind in this aspect by around two to three decades. The W-3 Sokol we received in 2011 had EFIS-standard Glass Cockpits, but they have been re-assigned from Combat Utility Helicopter (CUH) to Search and Rescue (SAR) missions, while these AW109Es are intended from the outset to serve in the attack role.

The glass cockpit and much better navigation systems will give the AW109E better night and a limited adverse weather capability, making it SAFER to fly and still be able to complete its missions under those conditions.

The MD520MG did have similar capability, but these were limited as the Pilots only had to rely on Night Vision Goggles (NVG) and Global Positioning System (GPS) handsets, a far cry from the Moving Map Display (MMD), Weather Radar and Forward Looking Infra-Red (FLIR) that the AW109E has.

'Computerized Weapons Delivery System'
Not much information is available on the AW109E's Fire Control System (FCS) anywhere in the internet, but I am ASSUMING that it will have a computerized Weapons Delivery System with full range finding capability. If so, then it will enable our pilots to deliver their weapons more accurately.

Before this, pilots had to rely on manual computations and tables based on the ballistics of the weapon they intend to use, and then plan the speed and angle of attack to which to fire their weapons thru a manual sight. That, coupled with some trial and error by looking at where the rounds are hitting and then adjusting as they are firing.

With the AW109E's assumed FCS, systems like Continuously Computed Impact Point (CCIP) will factor in the ballistics of the weapon plus more factors like speed of the aircraft, angle of attack, wind speed, etc. and then show to the pilot on a display where the rounds will impact.

This is done in real-time, hence the pilot only has to guide the aiming point to the target and push the fire button. More accurate weapons delivery means less collateral damage, less cost in terms of ammunition expenditure, and more death and destruction. The PAF likely has not had this type of capability before, not with the MD520MG Defenders, the F-5 Freedom Fighter, F-8 Crusader or even the OV-10 Bronco.

'Parting Shot'
The AW109E compared to the MD520MG will travel farther, and will get there faster and with more weapons. Once it arrives on its destination it will be able to deliver those weapons with more accuracy whether it is day, night or in some adverse weather conditions.

I think that none will be more surprised at what these AW109Es can do than the insurgents and separatists who will likely be the first to be at the receiving end of its weapons.

The MD520MG will still be there, it is a simpler aircraft that is more rugged, easier and cheaper to maintain. A testament to that is the fact that we have been able to keep a couple of them flying after almost two decades now, with a good safety and availability record. But the AW109E will bring our air force truly into the modern age.

A Swedish Air Force AW109LUH. Note the prominent FLIR dome at the bottom rear of the aircraft. Photo courtesy of the Youngester Weapons and Technology website
A Swedish Air Force AW109LUH. Note the prominent FLIR dome at the bottom rear of the aircraft. Photo courtesy of the Youngester Weapons and Technology website


SOURCES:


GLOSSARY

INTERNAL FUEL FRACTION is the weight of the internal fuel the aircraft compared to its maximum take-off weight, and is expressed by a simple number. Formula used is: (Maximum internal fuel capacity divided by maximum take off weight). (https://web.archive.org/web/20131203071852/http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fuel_fraction)

DISC LOADING is the ratio of its weight to the total main rotor disc area. It is determined by dividing the total helicopter weight by the rotor disc area, which is the area swept by the blades of a rotor. The higher the loading, the more power needed to maintain rotor speed. A low disc loading is a direct indicator of high lift thrust efficiency. (https://web.archive.org/web/20130422122835/https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Disk_loading)

COMPUTERIZED WEAPONS DELIVERY SYSTEM or FIRE CONTROL SYSTEM is a number of components working together, usually a gun data computer, a director, and radar, which is designed to assist a weapon system in hitting its target. It performs the same task as a human gunner firing a weapon, but attempts to do so faster and more accurately.
(https://web.archive.org/web/20131113223834/https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fire-control_system)*

  1. Philippine Air Force Signs Contract for Eight AW109 Power helicopters,
    (https://web.archive.org/web/20131110032705/http://www.agustawestland.com/news/philippine-air-force-signs-contract-eight-aw109-power-helicopters) 

  2. AW109 Power Equipment and Technical Data,
    (https://web.archive.org/web/20131024033510/http://www.agustawestland.com/product/aw109-power-1) 

  3. AW109LUH Equipment and Technical Data,
    (https://web.archive.org/web/20131026074840/http://www.agustawestland.com/product/aw109-luh-0) 

  4. McDonnell Douglas MD 500 Defender,
    (https://web.archive.org/web/20131006142034/https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/McDonnell_Douglas_MD_500_Defender) 

  5. SIPRI data on Arms Transfers to the Philippines from 1965 to 2012, 2013-10_SIPRI_Arms_Transfers_to_Phl 

  6. AgustaWestland AW109,
    (https://web.archive.org/web/20130724143651/https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AgustaWestland_AW109) 

  7. Italian firm bags P3-B PAF helicopter deal,
    (https://web.archive.org/web/20131109044927/http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2013/10/28/1250261/italian-firm-bags-p3-b-paf-helicopter-deal) 

  8. MD500 Series Technical Description,
    (https://web.archive.org/web/20131113222714/http://www.mdhelicopters.com/v2/pdfs/products/MD500_Series_TechDescription.pdf) 

  9. Glass cockpit,
    (https://web.archive.org/web/20131023005326/https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glass_cockpit) 

  10. Electronic flight instrument system,
    (https://web.archive.org/web/20131027014339/https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_flight_instrument_system) 




17 comments:

  1. AW109E is an improvement of MD520 Defender but it will be good we retain both helos.

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  2. I think the comparison should be between this and the sokol. Why did the Philippines get this and not more sokols, the variant that is comparably armed

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  3. The bigger question is, why didn't PZL-Świdnik, the maker of the W-3 Sokol, join the bidding?

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  4. I do believe that Power is faster than the LUH it's because, Power was not intent to carry Weapon but transport Troops only..and the difference of two choppers is the engine the LUH engine is intended to carry "Heavier' loads Weapons and other Sophisticated system (that is why it is slower than Power). If Power will be weaponize, the performance rate display above will surely decrease. It may be weaponize the POWER, but not sophisticated as LUH. Maybe they can weaponize it with Unguided Rocket system
    http://helicopters.findthebest.com/compare/76-82/AgustaWestland-AW109-Power-vs-AgustaWestland-AW109-LUH

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AgustaWestland_AW109

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  5. Engine power is not the only determinant on how a helicopter will perform, you also have to consider how much it weighs, and as far as the LUH is concerned while it has a more powerful engine, it also is heavier ...

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  6. AgustaWestland has the upper hand in the submission of entry's. The PZL Swidnik is already under AgustaWestland because they already owned the majority share of PZL Swidnik after the Polish government sell the government share. In short AgustaWestland is in-charge for marketing of PZL Swidnik products.

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  7. There is much a challenge when SOKOL vs AW109. I bet AW109 can match the price of the SOKOL attack version before it was privatized by the government.

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  8. for the philippines, the requirement of an attack helicopter must have the capability to carry anti-ship tomahawk cruise missile and anti sub warfare. to be carried in our del pilar class (hamilton) frigate. for insurgency, 20mm gatling guns and anti personnel rockets. less than these requirements will be wasting money.

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  9. Yah..not just anti personnel rockets..it should be guided and not dumb rocket system like the Vietnam rocket that was attached to Huey.

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  10. I wish the Philippine government buy the T-129 Mangusta. sad to say the westland has no longer have the marketing rights of that Attack Chopper since they tie up with Turkey Government.

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  11. AW109 is more aerodynamic than SOKOL, Aerodynamic affects also the speed and agility of a plane or chopper.

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  12. Their is no doubt that war on this two nation will happen anytime soon. They have lots of sophisticated technology of war from sea, land and to air and even our country Philippines will going through on this. The questioned is, can we defend our country against China? what defense capability do we have right now? OIC we have two hamilton class frigate unarmed of Missile.So poor you know. T our Dear President Pnoy I ask you again and again and again to please give also priority the needs of our Armed Forces. This issue in between hina and Japan is no longer a joke. Please make action on this to modernize our country very ASAP as you promise this 12 FA-50 and two new frigates and until now this is still drawing. God Bless the Philippines (parting shot to all TV network, news paper and this two person namely Nancy Binay and Rodolf Biazon to please stop making negative reports,comments and suggestion with regards to our Armed Forces modernization. marky101

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  13. do anyone have here the website that we can view what the helicopter og this Philippine navy from Italy looks like? particular those the paint scheme

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  14. Even though it sometimes looks like it, I still hope that war won't happen between the Philippines and China, marky101, that China is just posturing and posturing. War would be devastating to our country's future, it will break us economically and a lot of our people will lose their lives.

    As for modernization, yes, things are a little bit slow right now, but rest assured that it is moving along forward. We just received the first 3 of 11 AW109Es for our armed forces, and hopefully the new Frigate bidding and FA-50 acquisition will be completed by January 2014 ...

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  15. I have the pictures posted on Twitter and Facebook, marky101. Just search for "Philippine Defense News" on either of them ...

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  16. most likely china is also avoiding direct confrontation with the philippines and its neighboring claimants including japan and korea that may result also a direct intervention of the united states. in case of war, it is china who will be a losser economically or militarily. practically he is surrounded in the north by russia, east by india, by asean countries and in the west japan, korea and u.s.a. in india and russian borders alone he cannot commit to withdraw their forces there. therefore, notwithstanding china has manpower superiority by its forces are thinly distributed in its borders. also historical view of china even during ancient times was never been a conqueror. actually i believe china is just expanding its economic sphere but if we are not ready militarily, they can just occupy any territories not challenged and solidify their claims upon physical occupation.

    this is our predicament. while other countries neighboring with china are solidifying their military to challenge any china adventurism, our country is busy with politics but has no immediate agenda of china claim issue . we can only address these if our military is prepared and work out with diplomatic solution.

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  17. correction west by india and east by korea, japan and u.s.a

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