AW109 vs AW159

The AW109 and the AW159 are both Military Helicopters, manufactured by AgustaWestland and AgustaWestland respectively. Top speed is 311 km/h for the AW109 vs 291 km/h for the AW159. The AW109 has an operational range of 932 km vs 777 km for the AW159. The AW109 operates at altitudes up to 6,000 m compared to 4,000 m for the AW159. At 6,000 kg MTOW, the AW159 is 2.0x the AW109's 3,000 kg. The AW109 has been produced in 124 units vs 67 for the AW159. Unit cost is $8M for the AW109 vs $32M for the AW159. The AW109 first flew 38 years before the AW159 (1971 vs 2009).

Italian multipurpose helicopter, notable for its use in law enforcement, air ambulance and military roles since the late 1970s.
AgustaWestland AW109 Helicopter profile drawing
Origin country 🇬🇧 United Kingdom 🇮🇹 Italy
Category Military Helicopters
Manufacturer AgustaWestland
First flight 4 August 1971
Year introduced 1976
Number produced 124 units
Average unit price $8 million
British multi-role helicopter, deployed for battlefield utility, search and rescue, and anti-submarine warfare since modern warfare era.
AgustaWestland AW159 Helicopter profile drawing
Origin country 🇬🇧 United Kingdom 🇮🇹 Italy
Category Military Helicopters
Manufacturer AgustaWestland
First flight 12 November 2009
Year introduced 2014
Number produced 67 units
Average unit price $32 million
Wingspan 11.0 m
Height 3.5 m
Length 13.0 m
Maximum speed 311 km/h
Operational range 932 km
Service ceiling 6,000 m
Max. takeoff weight 3,000 kg
Empty weight 2,000 kg
Total thrust 2 x 213 kW
Wingspan 12.8 m
Height 3.8 m
Length 15.0 m
Maximum speed 291 km/h
Operational range 777 km
Service ceiling 4,000 m
Max. takeoff weight 6,000 kg
Empty weight 3,300 kg
Total thrust 2 x 508 kW

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the AW109 or AW159?
The AW109 is faster with a maximum speed of 311 km/h compared to the AW159's 291 km/h, a difference of 20 km/h.
Which has longer range, the AW109 or AW159?
The AW109 has a longer range at 932 km compared to the AW159's 777 km.
Which can fly higher, the AW109 or AW159?
The AW109 has a higher service ceiling at 6,000 meters (19,685 ft) compared to the AW159's 4,000 meters (13,123 ft).
Which is heavier, the AW109 or AW159?
The AW159 has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 6,000 kg compared to the AW109's 3,000 kg.
Which is larger, the AW109 or AW159?
The AW159 is longer at 15.0 meters compared to the AW109's 13.0 meters.
Which is more expensive, the AW109 or AW159?
The AW159 is more expensive at approximately $32 million per unit compared to the AW109 at $8.0 million.
Which entered service first, the AW109 or AW159?
The AW109 entered service first in 1976, 38 years before the AW159 which entered service in 2014.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the AW109 or AW159?
The AW109 has been produced in greater numbers with 124 units compared to 67 units of the AW159.