Agusta Westland, a Finmeccanica company, has selected the e-APU60 of Microturbo (Safran group), a new concept of auxiliary power unit specially designed to meet the requirements of new-generation aircraft which will need more electrical power, to be installed on the AW149, new-generation medium class multi-role helicopter.

The key features of the e-APU60 that have contributed to this selection are: best power-to-weight ratio, exceptional compactness, streamlined architecture and high pressure cycle based on innovative technologies, insuring high reliability, low operating cost and remarkable performance.

The e-APU60, capable of delivering electrical power up to 60 kWe, will ensure the electrical start-up of the engines (on-ground and in case of in-flight shutdown) and also cabin warm-up.

"Microturbo is particularly proud to be a part of this program" said Jean-Baptiste Jarin, Commerce and Customer Support Director. "Development of the e-APU60 is progressing as planned and the delivery of a first system for flight tests is scheduled this summer" added Pierre-Yves Morvan, Chief Executive Officer.

As for the AW149, this new APU EASA and FAA certification is on schedule. The e-APU60 will be certified for use in the essential category by the end of 2012, before the qualification of this new helicopter in 2013.