> LHC Fuselage Kit  >  EZ Scale 50 size Agusta 109A	Printable Version

EZ Scale 50 size Agusta 109A LHC8401 Series The Agusta 109A is another favorite among scale modelers who prefer civilian helicopters. This newer fuselage is very straight forward to complete, easily accepts modern and somewhat larger gas and electric 50 class pod & boom mechanics and can have the tail rotor mounted on the left or right side. These attributes and the very high quality fiberglass makes for a popular fuselage that can purchased finished with a world-class paint job. LHC8401R  LHC EZ Scale Agusta 109A RF, 50 Size Painted Red  $430.00

In late 1960's Agusta in Italy designed a new single engine, light weight, 8 seat commercial helicopter, the Agusta 109 which almost immediately was re-designated in 1967 as the A109 which was the twin engine version featuring two Allison 250 C14 turboshaft engines. Today, Agusta is commonly known as AgustaWestland and their AW109 helicopters are still manufactured in Italy and still maintain the single engine version designated the AW119. The A109 is classified as a light helicopter and is intended to be used in roles of light transport, search and rescue (SAR), air ambulance and in the military as a light attack helicopter and close air support platform.

The A109 first took flight on August 4, 1971 and the first production helicopters were delivered in April 1975 after a longer than anticipated development period. The Agusta A109 was unique at that time as it used retractable landing gear, unlike similar helicopters in its class. In 1977, the A109 was fitting with Hughes Aircraft TOW missiles making it suitable for military applications, and anti-tank warfare. The single engine AW119 was certified for commerial use in July 1999, and deliveries started after the February 2000 US FAA certification. It is wider, seating 3 across and uses conventional skid landing gear. The AW119 is targeted at a lower cost helicopter that traded the redundant twin turbines for 30% more space in the cabin as compared to similar helicopters in this class.

The Agusta 109 has been customized to suit different roles and has remained relatively unchanged until the development of the A109E, commonly referred to as the Power series. The Elite version saw the first major change in lengthening the fuselage, includes considerable more glass in the cockpit, two complete sets of pilot instruments and navigational controls, three-axis autopilot and GPS system. As different turbine engines have been integrated over the years, the top fairing behind the main shaft has evoled initially to suit the particular turbine exhaust and then more recently to improve the aerodynamic air flow over the top the fuselage.

The LHC Agusta 109A fuselage is one of the newer 50 class fuselages offered by LHC and will accommodate a greater selection of 50 size mechanics. This is a true 50 class fuselage which was designed for the larger trend of 50 size helicopters and differ from the 30/50 class helicopters that are dimensionally a 30 size helicopter but use a larger 46-50 engine. So this is a great fuselage for an Ergo 50, Venture 50, Raptor 50 and similar size helicopters. In each case, some construction is required to build the mount for the mechanics because the height among these 3 helicopters is quite different. Specifically, the distance from the bottom of the mechanics to the rotor disk. In cases of a smaller mechanics like the Rapter 30 with a larger engine, the right modeler can make it work beautifully, but is not recommended for beginners and intermediate scale modelers. We don't recommend this for beginners simply because there are just too many topics to learn about at the start to become an accomplished and skilled model helicopter pilot. Taking on a scale helicopter should be a pleasure, not a headache and potential money pit when components don't fit as they have been advertised.