The mockup of the AW169 was introduced at the Farnborough Airshow in 2010. It is a smaller version of the AW139 and was designed to compete with the S-76D. The AW169 is nearly identical in size to the S-76D but lighter because of composites used in the airframe. When it was launched it held the distinction of being the first all-new design in its weight category in 30 years.
The AW169 is powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW210A FADEC turboshaft engines with 1,000 shp. Newly developed dampeners were installed between the rotor to reduce vibration levels making the passenger experience better. It utilizes the same modular glass cockpit with four-axis autopilot as the AW139 and AW189.
The AW169 was certified by EASA In 2015, and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in mid-2016.
